Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were three presentations made by the Subject Experts on Western Europe, Indian Sub-Continent and West Africa, Gulf of Guinea.
The first presentation by Maj Gen Gu Chibuisi Subject Expert on Western Europe, Centered his presentation on the death of Five Migrants that died while Crossing the English Channel. The Associated Press reported on 23 April 2024, that 5 people, including a child, died while trying to cross the English Channel from France to the UK. The French Prefecture responsible for the north of France had earlier reported spotting several boats packed with migrants off the coast of Pas-de-Calais, attempting to depart in the morning. Several French Navy ships, including assistance and rescue tug Abeille Normandie, were also reported to have intervened to rescue an overcrowded boat carrying more than one hundred people on board. The ships rescued several persons, but 5 people unfortunately died.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Maj Gen Gu Chibuisi stressed that, Migration poses significant security implications for Nigeria, affecting various aspects of socio-economic development, political stability and regional security. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of migration, strengthens border management, enhances socio-economic opportunities, and promotes regional cooperation. By adopting proactive measures and fostering partnerships, Nigeria can mitigate the security risks associated with migration and harness its potential for national development and regional stability.
He recommended that, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation should intensify efforts to sensitize the populace on the ills and dangers of irregular migration. Educational institutions, youth groups and faith-based organizations should be targeted to serve as vehicles to reach gullible and desperate youths and also the FGN should prioritize investment in rural areas by improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and job opportunities to reduce the urban-rural development gap, and discourage migration from rural to urban areas.
The second presentation by Brig Gen WD Nasiru Subject Expert on Indian Sub-Continent, focused his presentation on the Videos of Pakistani Army Allegedly Torturing Policemen Spark Outrage in Bahawalnagar. On 12 Apr 24, NDTV World News reported an incident involving Army officers allegedly assaulting and beating up police in Bahawalnagar, Pakistan. Multiple videos were circulating on the internet showing how Pakistan Army personnel allegedly tortured policemen from the Punjab province. The situation sparked massive outrage on social media. In one of the clips, the cops in uniform were made to sit on the ground on their knees by the army men. Two cops were brutally tortured and were seen pleading.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen WD Nasiru , Recall that, on 18 Nov 23, Daily Trust reported that members of the NAF personnel invaded the Kaduna Command of the EFCC to rescue some of its personnel who were arrested by the anti-graft agency. According to EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who also confirmed the incident attributed it to the breakdown of communication between the leadership of the two agencies. Similarly, on 22 Nov 2023 the leadership reported that in Adamawa State, a conflict broke out between the police and the military which led to the tragic killing of Inspector Jacob Daniel. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the unfortunate incident, highlighting a disturbing exchange of gunfire and a brutal attack on the Police Command Headquarters in the State.
He recommended that the federal government of Nigerian, should continue to facilitate greater coordination and collaboration among security agencies through joint training exercises, interagency task forces, and integrated operational planning, to promote interoperability and synergy and also ONSA should develop mechanisms for regular review and adjustment on overlaps of agencies mandates to ensure they remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving security challenges.
The third presentation by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa and Gulf of Guinea, discussed how Cote D’ivoire Health Workers Bike to Combat Malaria in Villages. On 25 Apr 2024, Africa news reported that in Côte d’Ivoire, community health workers were going above and beyond to combat malaria. They are travelling between remote villages on bicycles, equipped with medical provisions. Their efforts have yielded results, as they’ve achieved a reduction of up to 70% in malaria instances in certain areas this year. In Cote d’Ivoire, a country endemic to malaria and among the top 10 globally for malaria cases, efforts to combat the disease are crucial. In 2022 alone, the country accounted for 3% of all malaria cases worldwide.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) pointed out that, the Nigerian model of community health practice is a unique approach to healthcare delivery that emphasizes the involvement of community members in the planning and implementation of healthcare services. Despite its strengths, this model of community health practice faces challenges ranging from the lack of capacity of some health facilities to provide essential healthcare and community-based services to shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, quackery, inadequate equipment and several others.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should Partnerships with non-governmental organizations to improve community health practice, and the recruitment and training of licensed CHPs to prevent quackery and also the Federal Government should encourage traditional rulers to ensure that communities embrace peace and provide security for health workers.
