NEWS
DSS Unveils Drone Production Plans, Others
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi has announced plans to start manufacturing Unmanned Area Vehicles, AK-47s, and other weapons for the service.
This initiative aims to decrease dependence on foreign countries for arms and cut costs associated with procurement.
Speaking at a graduation event in Abuja, on Saturday, Bichi mentioned the intention to deploy these weapons nationwide once the production plans are realized.
He said, “We shall support the institute in its training programmes. I care for the welfare of our staff, both active and retired. We shall never go back on that. We’ll also continue to pay attention to our research and development.
“Sooner or later we shall start eating what we produce. And we produce what we eat. This is coded. It means we shall start deploying some of the assets we have or the platforms we produce by ourselves, including Unmanned Area Vehicles. We are producing our AK-47.
“When we reach the destination, we will save the country from the pains of the resources being chunked out to buy such weapons.”
Additionally, he assured other security agencies of the DSS’ unwavering commitment to furnish them with reliable intelligence support.
Bichi said, “We shall continue to appreciate all the agencies that partner with us in the journey so far. And I promise the other security agencies that the DSS will continue to provide you with proactive intelligence to drive your operations intelligence.
“We have achieved that in different parts of the country. And I have to thank the military and the police especially for giving us that opportunity and appreciating our input in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in different parts of the country. We are going to sustain that by the grace of God. For the generality of the people.”
He further stated “Let me just advise us, especially the people of Plateau and Kaduna. It is now time for you and me to return Plateau to its 1970s situation where Plateau or Jos was seen as a tourist, attractive state or city. But with conflict, all the industries in Plateau are gone. No peace. You are idle. So please, turn your hostilities into jobs.
“We have seen that it happens in so many places. The Kanuris and Fulanis turn their hostilities into jobs. Kano and Zaira also did. So please do that and save the nation from disaster. Because there is no point from 1991 to date at the interval of four years you are having ethno-religious conflict.
“It’s not good. Talk to yourselves. Talk to your people. Be focused. See the development of Plateau. See what development and security. If you want development in your state, if you want security, you want development. ” he added
NEWS
JUST IN: Senate Approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77trn Loan Request
To address Nigeria’s ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year, the Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) loan.
The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where a voice vote confirmed the approval following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
RELATED NEWS: Tinubu Seeks ₦1.767tn Loan to Tackle 2024 Budget Deficit
Chaired by Senator Wammako Magatarkada (APC, Sokoto North), the committee endorsed the loan request as a vital step in managing the country’s fiscal challenges.
Recall that President Tinubu had submitted the proposal earlier in the week, outlining the loan as a crucial component of his administration’s external borrowing strategy.
Details shortly…………..
NEWS
Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on allegations of inciting terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his detention following an incident that reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
READ ALSO: Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the arrest of four other individuals in connection with the case. Officials say the charges involve public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said in a statement.
Details regarding the additional suspects or the specifics of the alleged crimes remain unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, stating that further information will be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
This development marks a significant step in Finland’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
International News
COP29: Climate Summit Faces Deadlock Over Vague Funding Proposals For Vulnerable Nations
As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP29) nears its conclusion, tensions are rising over a newly published funding proposal aimed at assisting developing nations in addressing climate-induced crises.
The proposal, released by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Thursday, has sparked widespread debate among delegations, activists, and observers at the summit.
The document, spanning ten pages, outlines funding options to support developing countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
READ ALSO: Osun Explains N75,000 New Minimum Wage
However, it fails to specify how much wealthier nations are required to contribute annually—a key sticking point that has drawn criticism from the Global South and climate advocates.
Ambiguity in Funding Commitments
Critics argue that the absence of concrete figures undermines the credibility of the proposed framework.
Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa, described the proposal as “a blank piece of paper,” highlighting the lack of clarity on financial commitments.
“This is the ‘finance COP.’ We came here to talk about money. The way you measure money is with numbers. We need a cheque, but all we have right now is a blank piece of paper,” Adow remarked during an interview.
The Global South, led by African delegations, is demanding at least $1.3 trillion annually by the end of the decade to adapt to climate change impacts and transition to sustainable energy systems.
Yet, developed nations have yet to commit to a specific annual figure, raising concerns over the summit’s ability to deliver tangible outcomes.
Key Provisions and Concerns
The new text acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations and the financial barriers they face, including high costs of capital and limited fiscal space.
READ ALSO: NNPCL Launches Utapate Crude Oil Blend, Eyes Production Expansion In 2025
It proposes the establishment of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, suggesting a framework of “at least USD [X] trillion annually” from 2025 to 2035.
However, the absence of defined numbers has led to frustration among negotiators.
David Tong, Global Industry Campaign Manager at Oil Change International, emphasized the critical role of finance in achieving meaningful progress.
“Without finance, there is no phase-out [of fossil fuels], no energy transition, no adaptation. The ambitious options are simply missing,” Tong stated during a press briefing.
Rising Frustration from the Global South
Delegates from the Global South have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as weak commitments from developed nations.
Many fear that without concrete financial pledges, the summit’s outcomes may fall short of expectations.
“This summit is about delivering justice to those who suffer most from climate impacts. Wealthy nations must step up and provide the necessary funding,” said an African negotiator, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A Critical Juncture
With less than 48 hours remaining in the summit, the stakes are high. The COP29 negotiations in Baku, dubbed the “finance COP,” are expected to set a precedent for addressing the financial needs of vulnerable nations.
Delegates are calling on world leaders to finalize an ambitious NCQG target and bridge the growing divide between developed and developing nations.