News
ACC John Onoja Attah Named Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Security Officer of 2024
Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been recognized as Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Security Officer of the Year at the 2024 Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA).
The award ceremony, held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, was attended by top government officials, security experts, and dignitaries. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwarbin Musa, presented the award to ACC Onoja in acknowledgment of his exceptional efforts in tackling illegal mining activities and safeguarding national resources.
Impactful Leadership Against Illegal Mining
Onoja, who leads the NSCDC’s Mining Marshal Squad, has been instrumental in identifying illegal mining sites, apprehending offenders, and restoring control over critical mineral resources. His work has significantly contributed to curbing the economic and environmental harm caused by illegal mining operations across the country.
In his acceptance remarks, ACC Onoja expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a humbling experience, even though unsolicited. “This award is not just for me but for all security personnel risking their lives daily to protect our nation’s integrity,” he said. Onoja also credited his achievements to the leadership and policy direction of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, whose vision and template is yielding the successes abounding everywhere by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
A Ceremony of National Importance
The SAEMA 2024 event was a gathering of high-profile attendees, including:
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services in the Office of the NSA.
Serving and Retired military leaders such as Air Vice Marshal H.B. Abubakar, Major General Chris Olukolade, and Brigadier General Kukasheka Usman.
Various branch and service chiefs from the Defence Headquarters.
Heads of para-military agencies and other security agencies
Civil society organisations and the press
The Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) honor achievements in various categories to celebrate excellence in security and crisis management.
Institutional Categories: Crime Prevention, Public Information Management, Cybercrimes Prevention, Emergency Management, Community Service, Diligent Investigation, Civil-Military Relations, Training Institute of the Year, Volunteer Group, Private Security Company
While the Individual Categories were listed as thus; Outstanding Defence Journalist, Outstanding Crisis Communicator, Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer, Outstanding Security Officer, Outstanding Military Officer with ACC John Onoja Attah emerging as the winner in the Outstanding Security Officer category, a testament to his remarkable contributions and leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.
The Awards
The Security and Emergency Management Awards, organized by Emergency Digest in partnership with the Centre for Crisis Communication, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, and the International Emergency Management Society, recognizes outstanding contributions to national security and stability. Winners are selected through a rigorous and transparent process to ensure only the most deserving individuals and organizations are honored.
A Symbol of Dedication
ACC Onoja’s recognition highlights his commitment to protecting Nigeria’s resources and improving the nation’s security infrastructure. His efforts serve as a benchmark for excellence in public service and reflect the NSCDC’s dedication to addressing critical security challenges.
The award underscores the importance of leadership, teamwork, and innovative strategies in tackling Nigeria’s complex security issues, positioning ACC John Onoja Attah as a role model for security professionals nationwide.
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NSITF restoring hope, dignity of workers through ECS, says MD Faleye
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.
He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.
Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.
He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.
Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.
He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.
Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.
“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme.
“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.
“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.
“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.
“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that “NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.
Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that “For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone”.
To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.
“These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors”, he concluded.
While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.
It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”
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Atiku Chairs historic wedding ceremony in Marrakech as 2 distinguished families unite
Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.
The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.
At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.
The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.
Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.
Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.
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Dr Enenche, Wife Takes the Gospel Message To Managua, Nicaragua, Bwari, Abuja, Douala, Cameroon
The senior pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche and Wife, Dr Mrs Becky Enenche have successfully taken the gospel (goodnews) and message of salvation, healing, deliverance, free medical outreach and welfare ministeration to Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, Bwari, Abuja and Doula, Cameroon respectively.
The crusades began in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, on the 1st-2nd May 2026 with the Revival Fire Crusade, after which, the revered clerics proceeded for the Healing and Deliverance crusade with the theme; ‘THE GOD OF MERCY to Bwari-FCT, Abuja on the 7th-8th May 2026 and concluded on Saturday 9th May 2026 in Douala-Cameroon, West Africa respectively.
The crusade witness a deluge of miracles, signs, wonders, healings, diverse deliverances, intense worship and praise.
In Nicaragua, the power of God was tangible, lives transformed, yokes broken, destinies released and hearts set ablaze for God. This is a clear move of revival; unstoppable, undeniable and spreading across the land and Nicaragua shall never remain the same again.
While In BWARI, Fct-Abuja, An atmosphere of divine glory; mercy poured out richly, saturating the air, as God’s presence overwhelmed the congregation with healings, deep restoration, uncontainable joy, true liberty and the day 2, was a sacred encounter; calm yet powerful. Hearts were lifted, burdens were broken, and destinies were realigned in the presence of God. Indeed, when mercy speaks, everything changes.
Beyond the crusade, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing of the people. While the spiritual transformation was profound, the clerics were privileged to reach out through free medical and welfare ministrations, ministering to the spirit while also caring for the body, with several relief materials, clothings and other food items were distributed.
For instance, In BWARI-Fct, Abuja, 956 Persons were medically attended to and given various treatments and medications, 46 Chest X-rays were conducted, 6 medically emergencies were handled, and 3 patient were taken to the hospital for further medical care.
The total number of Dental patients seen were 374. with 5 tooth extraction successfully done, while 306 scaling and polishing were also conducted.
The week long respective programs concluded and climaxed on Saturday in Douala-Cameroon, where the atmosphere was saturated with faith and the presence of God as multitudes gathered for a divine encounter, and Healings erupted, Lives were transformed, Burdens were lifted and destinies encountered the touch of God. It was evident the God of mercy visited Cameroon in a mighty way. What a fitting climax to a time of divine visitation in Douala.
Worthy of note, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing and needs of the people and to the glory of God, every available space at the various crusades venue were filled with people.
Also, No offering was taken or collected at the crusades, as this is the principle of the ministry for every crusade that is conducted by the revered clerics. We return all the glory to the God of mercy for what He has done, Dr Enenche declared.
The revered clerics remain intentional and committed to Kingdom advancement, soul winning and global Evangelism, as they prepare for the 2026 Destiny Recovery Convention (DRC), coming up on the 26th-31st May 2026.
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