US Marines patrol the streets of Abuja as World Economic Forum on Africa begins

US Marines have begun patrolling the street of Abuja as Nigeria hosts the seventh World Economic Forum on Africa in a bid to provide security for the hundreds of delegates amid the terrorist threat from Boko Haram.

Over recent weeks, Boko Haram has stepped up its reign of terror across Nigeria, setting off two devastating bombs in Nyanya, the Federal Capital Territory satellite town. In addition, they have carried out daring raids on secondary schools, abducting 234 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State and a further 11 from the village of Warabe, also in Borno State.

However, the Nigerian government is determined not to be deterred from holding this summit, called to address Africa's socio-economic development. Lasting over three days, the summit began yesterday and is expected to be attended by over 10 heads of state and government as well as over 900 delegates from 70 countries.

Among those in Abuja at the moment, are the presidents of Algeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Togo. Former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and former President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, are also in Abuja, as well as over 50 chief executives of big global corporations.

To ensure security is not compromised, US president Barack Obama has sent a unit of Marines to guard delegates at the summit. This is in addition to the 6,000 Nigerian security operatives, made up of soldiers, policemen and Department of State Security personnel.

One US security source said: “They are not going to be directly involved in the World Economic Forum event as their brief is to train the Nigerian security services. It should be expected that Nigerian agents will handle the security of the summit.”

US marines are highly specialised soldiers who have been deployed in areas affected by serious conflict and terrorism, such as Afghanistan and Iraq. After the summit, the Marines are expected to help the Nigerian authorities locater the missing Chibok schoolgirls believed to have been whisked away into the Sambisa Forest.

alt

Comments

FEDERAL ALLOCATION TO THE TWENTY FIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN DELTA STATE IN 2023

Below Is The Federal Allocation To The Twenty five Local Government Areas in Delta State In 2023: Aniocha North: ₦2,631,989,064.8 Aniocha South: ₦2,847,788,192.94 Bomadi: ₦2,491,779,057.87 Burutu: ₦3,367,885,422.51 Ethiope East: ₦3,178,376,209.24 Ethiope West: ₦3,226,505,207.54 Ika North East: ₦3,279,681,589.37 Ika South: ₦3,117,284,050.15 Isoko North: ₦2,968,741,529.30 Isoko South: ₦3,372,633,698.8 Ndokwa East: ₦2,766,813,948.49 Ndokwa West: ₦3,108,983,376.16 Okpe: ₦2,750,960,811.06 Oshimili North: ₦2,683,889,807 Oshimili South: ₦2,890,887,684.18 Patani: ...

OBOREVWORI: How Not To Glorify A 'One Chance' Governor - By Zik Gbemre

It is appalling how, in desperation to sustain its thieving hegemony over the Delta State Government since 1999, the Delta PDP had the audacity to impose the weakest, most uninformed contender, a local champion, as Governor over a state replete with accomplished men and women of immense capacity. Given this unenviable privilege, one would have expected the fortunate placeholder governor, Sheriff Oborevwori—whose only election campaign manifesto was pledging to improve on the failed leadership of Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor—to engage creative minds and individuals of proven integrity to assist him in making a difference. Rather than doing the needful, Oborevwori has worsened matters by electing to engage the same spent leaders, deadwood, and gluttons that have gained prominence in running the state down over successive administrations. The result has been a government of mediocre officeholders competing to run the state for their pockets at the detriment of the populace, under a gove...

MOMENT OF HONOUR: Ughelli Agog As Ovie Omo-Agege Arrives Home

It was a day of honour for Obarisi Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, and Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as the people of Delta State came together from all ethnic nationalities to collectively celebrate and honour him. The grand reception in the ancient city of Ughelli was historic, marking the recognition of a distinguished Deltan who has brought great honour to the state and its people. Obarisi, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege arrived Osubi Airport flanked by Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Hon. Eric Oharisi and Hon. Evance Iwhurie. The streets of Ughelli came alive with jubilation as the former Deputy Senate President and his entourage drove into town. It was a historic moment, characterized by the beating of drums, vibrant displays of cultural pride, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie among the people. The air filled with chants of joy, and the atmosphere electric with excitement—all painting a ...

Innocent Ojefia Blog

Search This Blog