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REVEALED: Why Kidnapping Is Thriving In Nigeria – Rtd General

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2024

As the nation grapples with kidnappings by terrorists, highlighted by the abductions of over 600 victims in eight days including school students, children and women in Borno, Kaduna and Sokoto states, a Retired General and Security Consultant, Major Gen Obidah Ethan (Rtd) has declared that there are “gaps in our entire security sector which has to be narrowed and filled”.

Recall that on the 4th of March, 2024, over 300 women and children were kidnapped from Baban Sansan, Zulum and Arabic IDP camps in Borno, on Friday 8 March, 287 students were kidnapped from a school in Kurliya, Kaduna state and another 15 students kidnapped in Sokoto state on Saturday.

Speaking on the topic, “Realism of Kidnapping in Nigeria”, at the 40th Anniversary of SSC Course (Short Service Combatant Course) 25 of the Nigeria Defence Academy on Saturday, Gen Ethan said, “Present realities on insecurity, kidnapping and other criminalities demand the participation, involvement of all Nigerians. It should no longer be the military and Police alone. It has to be all encompassing”

“The country has to come up with a workable strategy. You have to be innovative and think outside the box. The recent talk about the establishment of state police is a welcome development but this is just an aspect. It should not be taken in isolation”.

Commenting on steps to be taken to put the military above new criminal scenarios being introduced by terrorists and bandits, Gen Ethan said, “There is no success in combat by accident. Training is the key. You succeed in warfare by training and you succeed by inculcating modern trends of domestic, kinetic and private security”.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Gen Paul Tarfa (Rtd), former Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy and the Chairman, North East Development Commission disclosed that despite the challenges of insecurity plaguing the country, Nigerians should not give up hope but remain steadfast for a brighter future.

“We should have hope. This country should have hope no matter what we are facing today. Even America at a time, they faced more difficulty than what we are facing today. But they are better for it now.”

To SSC Course 25 who were trained under him as NDA Commandant, Gen Tarfa said, “40 years ago, I was in my early 40’s and you were in your 20’s or thereabout. I thank God for the privilege that I contributed to your careers and progression in the military and service to the nation”

“We have to thank God that we served in different capacities, lost our colleagues but today we are alive to celebrate 40 years anniversary”

Continuing he said, “Let us (Military) know that we are the ones this country has and relies on to save it from security challenges. Nothing compares to the military. We have about 50 different languages among us but today we remain one and united in the goal of keeping this country safe.

“That is because we are readily trained to sacrifice for the nation irrespective of tribe, ethnicity and religion”.

Earlier, Chairman of the SSC Course 25, christened Friends Club 2584, Brigadier General John Abuka (Rtd) disclosed that FC2584 has come of age not only in terms of span of life but was still a baby with fragile clay feet.

“We all therefore must be committed morally and financially to nurture this club to greatness. I humbly call for a change of attitude from all of us especially those who have not really been playing the roles expected of all members.

“Fate did not make any mistakes when it brought us to together to begin the life of soldiering on that fateful 5th day of March, 1984. There’s strength in large numbers. Let’s exploit the advantages that number has to offer.

“In the course of our stewardship, we had the sad experience of losing a number of our members to the cold hands of death. They include Lt Col AY Edrah, Capt MIke Mkpang, Capt BC Garba, Capt ECN Obi, Maj Didioma and most recently, Lt Col AB Mohammed

“The Short Service Combatant Course 25, 40th anniversary of our entry into the service of the Nigerian Army is being modestly marked on account of the prevailing harsh economic climate and the fact that majority of us have still not seen the need to appropriately respond to our constitutionally enshrined financial obligations to our club.

“Be that as it may, let us give all glory to God Almighty for His mercy over us over the years.”

A new executive was elected to pilot the affairs of Short Service Combatant Course 25 with Major Gen Sulaiman Aliyu taking over as President and Captain Karga (Rtd) taking over as Secretary of Friends Club 2584.
VANGUARD

News

Full List: FG Releases Names Of 68 ambassadorial Nominees Sent To Senate For Confirmation

Published

8 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a list of 68 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for approval, signalling a major reshuffle of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.

The list, read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comprises 34 career diplomats, 31 non-career appointees, and three candidates previously cleared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. The President is seeking swift confirmation to enable Nigeria to fill several key foreign missions.

According to the letter, the appointments aim to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation and reposition its diplomatic engagements. The Senate has referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it to screen the nominees and submit a report within one week.

Among the non-career nominees are former Chief of Naval Staff and ex–Sole Administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), former presidential aide Ita Enang, former Imo First Lady Chioma Ohakim, and former Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.).

Others include former Lagos Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, former Edo lawmaker Abbasi Brahma, media personality Reno Omokri, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and former Minister Femi Fani-Kayode.

The career nominees, representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, are serving diplomats and senior foreign service officers recommended for ambassadorial postings.

The appointments follow ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to bolster Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and ensure representation in critical foreign missions.

The full list, as transmitted by the President, includes nominees for all states, with details of career and non-career appointments as well as the three candidates cleared earlier by the Senate Committee.

CAREER AMBASSADORS (34)

1. Abia – Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka

2. Adamawa – Maimuna Ibrahim

News

9 Common Resume Mistakes Graduates Make – And How To Avoid Them

Published

8 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

Graduates entering today’s job market face intense competition, and the first challenge is often getting their resume noticed.
Many employers spend only a few seconds scanning each application, which means even small mistakes can cost candidates valuable opportunities. Unfortunately, a large number of graduates unknowingly submit resumes that are poorly structured, unfocused, or not aligned with the roles they’re targeting.

Understanding the most common resume errors is the first step toward creating a document that truly reflects your strengths and potential. This guide by the experts at ResumeWriterDen highlights these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Using a Generic Resume for Every Job

Many graduates make the mistake of using one generic resume to apply for every job. Recruiters can easily spot a one-size-fits-all application, and it often signals a lack of genuine interest in the role.
Each position has unique requirements, preferred skills, and keywords that employers expect to see. When your resume doesn’t reflect these details, it becomes less relevant and may be filtered out early in the process.

To avoid this, graduates should tailor their resume for each application by aligning their skills, achievements, and summary with the job description. Personalization consistently increases interview chances.

Mistake #2: Overloading the Resume With Personal Information

Most graduates mistakenly believe that adding plenty of personal details makes their resume look complete, but it actually distracts employers and wastes valuable space.

Information like age, state of origin, religion, marital status, or home address adds no value to your application and may even introduce unconscious bias.
Recruiters care about your skills, education, and achievements, not personal details that don’t relate to the job. A professional resume writer ensures your resume remain strictly professional and focused on what you bring to the role.
How to Avoid It: Keep personal information minimal and stick to contact details, location (city only), and professional links.

Mistake #3: Poor Resume FormattingMistake #3: Poor Resume Formatting

A lot of graduates underestimate how much resume formatting affects first impressions. Recruiters often skim documents in seconds, so a cluttered layout, unusual fonts, or inconsistent spacing can make your resume look unprofessional or difficult to read.
Poor formatting also confuses Applicant Tracking Systems, causing important details to be missed. A clean structure helps your strengths stand out quickly.
To avoid this mistake, use a simple, modern layout with clear headings, consistent spacing, and readable fonts. Keep sections well-organized and avoid unnecessary graphics. Good formatting doesn’t just improve appearance — it increases your chances of getting noticed.

Mistake #4: Not Highlighting Relevant Skills

Most graduates either list too many unrelated skills or fail to showcase the ones employers actually care about.
Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for specific skills that match the job description, so a generic list weakens your chances. Instead of filling the skills section with every tool or software you’ve ever used, focus on abilities that align directly with the role. Prioritize skills that demonstrate problem-solving, communication, technical proficiency, or industry-specific knowledge. Through presenting the right strengths clearly, you make it easier for employers to immediately see your value.

Mistake #5: Weak or Vague Career Summary

Several jobseekers and graduates fill their resumes with generic statements like “Hardworking and motivated” without showing real value.
A weak summary fails to grab an employer’s attention and doesn’t communicate why the candidate is a strong fit. Recruiters often spend seconds scanning this section, so vague phrases are easily overlooked.
How to Avoid It: Craft a concise, results-oriented summary that highlights your key skills, achievements, and career goals. For example, instead of generic words, describe your expertise, relevant experience, and what you bring to a prospective employer.

Mistake #6: Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

The error of simply listing what they did in previous roles or internships, rather than highlighting what they accomplished is common amongst many graduates. For example, stating “Handled customer inquiries” is vague and unimpressive. Employers want to see results, impact, and measurable contributions.
How to Avoid It: Frame experiences as achievements using action verbs and quantifiable outcomes. Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” write “Increased social media engagement by 30% in three months through targeted campaigns.” This approach demonstrates value and sets your resume apart from the competition.

Mistake #7: Typos and Grammar Errors

Underestimating how critical a flawless resume should be is common among graduates. Even minor typos or grammatical mistakes can make a candidate appear careless or unprofessional, often causing hiring managers to discard the resume immediately.
Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each application, so errors stand out instantly.
How to Avoid It: Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider using grammar tools like Grammarly. Asking a friend or a professional to review it can also catch mistakes you might overlook. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.

Mistake #8: Making the Resume Too Long
Many fresh graduates think more is better, but overly long resumes can actually hurt their chances.
Recruiters often skim resumes in seconds, so unnecessary details bury key achievements. Including every course, internship, or extracurricular activity makes the document cluttered and hard to read.
How to Avoid It: Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills. One well-structured page is usually enough for a graduate.
Highlight achievements that demonstrate your value, and remove anything that doesn’t directly support your application. Concise resumes leave a stronger, more memorable impression.

Mistake #9: Not Including Keywords for ATS

This is highly underestimated. Many graduates don’t realize that most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them.
If your resume lacks the right keywords such as relevant skills, job titles, or industry terms, it may be automatically filtered out, no matter how qualified you are. To avoid this, carefully review each job description and include the exact terms employers use.

According to experts at https://www.resumewriterden.com tailoring your resume with targeted keywords significantly increases the chances of passing ATS filters and landing interviews.

Final Thoughts
A well-crafted resume can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Graduates should avoid common mistakes, tailor their content, and highlight achievements clearly.
For those seeking expert guidance, executive resume writers can provide the structure and insight needed to stand out in a competitive job market. Remember, your resume is often the first impression an employer has: make every word count.
(GUARDIAN)

News

Food Security: 14,000 Smallholder Farmers To Benefit From N4bn Smart Agriculture Training In Bauchi

Published

10 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Editor

The Heineken Africa Foundation, through Nigerian Breweries Plc is investing N4 billion to train 14,000 smallholder farmers on smart agriculture across seven Local Government Areas of Bauchi state for three years.

Mr Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, Head of Public, External and Government Affairs, Nigerian Breweries Plc, disclosed this in Bauchi on Thursday during the official Launch of the ‘empowerment of Smallholder farmers to thrive and build climate resilience through regenerative agriculture’.

Aniukwu, who explained that the foundation is in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), added that the investment builds on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to improving access to healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene across Africa.

“Our decision to invest in Bauchi is both deliberate and strategic. Bauchi is home to resilient, resourceful, and industrious smallholder farmers whose contributions are essential to Nigeria’s food security.

“The strength of your farming communities, combined with the natural potential of this land, gives us confidence that meaningful and lasting impact can take root here. We are here because we believe in the people of Bauchi.

“This project is designed to strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people, by enhancing their capacity to generate sustainable income.

“It will deliver training, access to quality inputs, stronger market linkages, and opportunities across the agricultural value chain,” he said.

Also, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, Executive Director, Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), explained that the farmers would receive hands-on training through Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots in.

According to him, out of the 14,000 smallholder farmers, 60 per cent were women and 40 per cent of youth.

The farmers, he said, would also be trained on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, soil and water conservation, pest and disease management, crop diversification and post-harvest handling, among others.

“The project supports the restoration and protection of natural resources by promoting regenerative farming that rebuilds soil fertility, efficient water management and irrigation practices, and adoption of drought-tolerant crop varieties.

“We are here to make smallholder farmers big players and our target is to increase incomes by at least 30 per cent, but our dream is bigger.

“This programme spans seven Local government areas of Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Zaki, and Gamawa. Women and youth are not an afterthought, they are at the heart of this intervention because the future of agriculture depends on their strength, creativity, and leadership,” he said.

The Executive Director commended the Bauchi state government for its partnership, support and provision of an enabling environment and promised that the programme would be effectively implemented.

In his address, Mr Iliyasu Gital, Bauchi state’s Commissioner for Agriculture commended the foundation for bringing the programme to the state and expressed the state government’s commitment to support the training in every capacity.

Some of the beneficiaries commended the gesture, adding it would transform agriculture and encourage productivity towards achieving food security in the country.

Maimunatu Sani, a farmer, who had benefited from the programme in Kano state, said that she learnt how to recycle farm residues and transform it into an effective organic fertilizer, calling smallholder farmers in the state to key into the programme.

She said she acquired practical skills to improve her farming activities and increase output.

Another farmer from Kano, Mama Mairam, said the introduction of new techniques assisted farmers to significantly reduce wastage and increase yields per hectare.