Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has urged the ministry’s staff to remain dedicated and serious about the principles of Performance Management Systems (PMS) Digitization, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Content Management (ECM), and IPPIS, to enhance police productivity in service.

The minister made the statement during a five-day intensive training at its Secretariat in Abuja.

According to the minister, represented by the acting director of human resource management, Olure Amos, the training would empower staff to effectively fulfill their roles, foster new initiatives, nurture creativity, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and result-oriented management.

It is also expected to contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life and set Nigeria on a path toward sustainable development.

The Minister noted that performance management in all MDAs mandates a clear link between performance outcomes, results and rewards.

He stressed that employee performance will be a key factor in determining rewards and recognition.

“It is important to recognize that Nigerian citizens rely on us to implement policies, programs, and projects, delivering services that enhance their well-being and contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As custodians of public trust, we must maintain transparency and accountability in service delivery to the people, fostering sustainable development.”

He further stated, “When executed properly, performance management not only helps assess our strengths and areas for improvement but also provides a roadmap for growth, innovation, and excellence.”

A major facilitator, Engr. Adetayo Olokunbola, highlighted the goal of e-government, which is to provide continuous government services, creating an accessible and user-friendly system for the public and businesses to find information and use available services online.

He added, “While digitization focuses on converting and recording data, digitalization is all about developing processes and changing workflows to improve manual systems. Technology is only destructive in the hands of people who do not realize that they are valuable. Security is a top prbiority so protect your data.”

Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and one of  Nigeria’s charismatic military officers, passed away on Thursday 23rd January 2025 at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.

His death was announced in a statement issued on Thursday, by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

The statement described the death of the former Minister as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.

Highlighting the roles played by the late army general, Governor Mutfwang noted that he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape with his tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.

Who is Jeremiah Useni?

Jeremiah Timbut Useni was born on the 16th of February 1943, in Langtang, Plateau state. He was a Nigerian army lieutenant general, who served as minister responsible for the administration of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under the late Sani Abacha military junta.

Jeremiah attended local schools before enrolling in the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria in 1962, a prestigious military institution known for training future military officers. His decision to join the military at a young age marked the beginning of a career that would define his life for decades.

He later attended Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, United Kingdom, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1964.

He served Nigeria in various capacities such as Minister for Transport and Quarter-Master General of the Nigeria Army. On his retirement from the Army, the  Langtang-born officer,  joined politics, serving as  Deputy Chairman of the defunct  All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Useni was a one-time Military Governor of Nigeria’s defunct Bendel State from January 1984 – August 1985

In May 2006, he left the ANPP to become chairman of a new party, the Democratic People’s Party, taking with him other members of the progressive wing of the ANPP.
However, he was suspended indefinitely in December 2008, for saying the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa was a national sacrifice. He was succeeded by Biodun Ogunbiyi.

He ran for election as Senator for Plateau South in April 2011 on the DPP platform, but was defeated by Victor Lar of the PDP.

Useni was later elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was for five years, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), a social, cultural, and pressure group covering the 19 states in the North.

Jeremiah Useni is married and has several children, although he largely kept his family life private.

Useni’s impact

As a military officer, he served at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, playing a key role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, especially during critical periods in the nation’s history and his role in the Abacha regime remains a controversial aspect of his legacy.

However, his transition to politics and his continued influence in Nigerian governance, particularly in Plateau State, underscore his resilience and adaptability.

Useni’s advocacy for rural development, particularly in Plateau State, has had a lasting impact on his community. His business investments, especially in agriculture, have also contributed to local economic growth.

Lt. Gen. Useni’s legacy will be remembered not only as a former minister and military leader but also as a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his nation.

Retired Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has passed away at the age of 82. He succumbed on Thursday after battling a prolonged illness.

The announcement was made in Jos through a statement by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Describing Useni’s death as a significant loss, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the late army general’s contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the nation as a whole. He praised Useni’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security, particularly in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.

The governor expressed his condolences, praying for strength and fortitude for the bereaved family, Plateau State, and the nation at large. He also asked for divine comfort to guide them through this irreplaceable loss.

Air Sierra Leone has triumphantly returned to the Nigerian aviation market after a 15-year absence. The airline, in collaboration with Nigerian partner XEJet, has resumed scheduled flights between Lagos and Freetown. XEJet provides crucial technical support and three operational aircraft for Air Sierra Leone’s operations in Nigeria.

During the inaugural flight ceremony at Lagos Airport, Air Sierra Leone General Manager, Edgard Lacle, expressed his delight at the airline’s return to the Nigerian market.

He announced that the airline has secured approval to operate three weekly flights – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – with plans to increase frequency based on passenger demand. The inaugural flight carried 36 passengers to Lagos.

Lacle emphasized the strong trade ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, stating that “the connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria is strong, especially in terms of trade and we have a market and everybody is trying to part in that market.” He further highlighted the importance of tourism and the overall significance of the connection between the two nations.

Iza Emmanuel, CEO of XEJet, described the event as a rebirth of Air Sierra Leone in Nigeria. He emphasized that the airline was established as a symbol of hope, progress, and resilience for Sierra Leone. He stated, “After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag again takes to the skies.

To our dignitaries and guests from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our nations.”