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Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts

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Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts

Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts

By Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu has extolled the efforts and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces as well as the commitments of the Governments and citizens of the North-Eastern States towards Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

Ojukwu gave this commendation at a Traditional and Religious Leaders Forum on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in North East Nigeria, the event which took place in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Ojukwu said the Armed Forces have made a lot of sacrifices to secure the civilian population despite the difficult terrain in which they operate in the fights against insurgency.

On the issue of Transitional justice which is the crux of the Forum, the human rights boss urged the traditional and religious leaders to assist the Commission to facilitate the effective implementation of the project.

The NHRC in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union had in 2021 launched a Project on Promoting Transitional Justice, Reconciliation, and Reintegration in Adamawa Yobe and Borno States.

The project was launched on the premise of bringing lasting peace to the communities affected by insurgency through truth-telling, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

The NHRC helmsman stressed that the role of traditional and religious leaders in any peace-building process cannot be over-emphasized. He recalled that “in many of our communities across Nigeria, traditional and religious leaders are the centerpiece of our civilization, facilitating and shaping education and socialization from cradle to grave” He noted that traditional and religious institutions in North-Eastern Nigeria, have advanced social and economic development dating back to many centuries.

He used the medium to thank the governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states for their partnership in the implementation of the Transitional Justice Project, and for the leadership and resilience, they have all shown in tackling the security and development challenges affecting the region.

“You have a partner in the National Human Rights Commission, and we pledge our mandate and resources to continuously work with you in addressing these challenges”, the Executive assured.

The Shehu of Borno His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi assured the Commission and other partners that he is in total support of the project aimed at peace-building and reconciliation, and achieving the goals of the Transitional Justice Project in the North East.

Represented by his Secretary, Alhaji Zanna Umar Ali, the Shehu specifically thanked the NHRC Boss, the project partners, and the sponsors, UNDP and EU for supporting the peace and reconciliation process in the North East.

In his keynote speech, Professor Umara Ibrahim Gudumbali of the Department of Political Science University of Maiduguri, charged the traditional rulers and religious leaders to borrow a leaf from the ancient mechanisms of settling disputes in attempting to address the current crises occasioned by insurgency in the North East.

The University Don gave a historical background of how the Borno Empire used the traditional African/religious culture to resolve conflicts that took place in some communities both within and outside Nigeria in the past centuries. The mechanism used in those days according to the Prof. is a similitude of what we have today as transitional justice.

In his goodwill message, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Borno state, Mr. Abdullahi Hussaini Izge Esq lauded the non-kinetic efforts of the federal government targeted at achieving peace and transitional justice in the North East. According to Izge, the transitional justice system is not new to Northern Nigeria because it has been there before the coming of the colonialists, saying that the modern application can only brush over what we had before.

While encouraging stakeholders to make the best use of the days ahead to achieve the goals of the Transitional Justice Project, the UNDP representative at the event Mr. David Mina, pledged the continuous support of the UN body in the implementation of the joint project.

Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts

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CDS RECEIVES NIPR EXECUTIVES: TO STRENTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIP

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CDS RECEIVES NIPR EXECUTIVES: TO STRENTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIP

By: Tukur Gusau

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa today , 12 November , 2024 received the Executive members of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) led by its President, Dr Ike Neliaku on a courtesy call on the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The aim of the visit is to strengthen the already existing mutual and beneficial relationships between the military and the institute.

In his remarks, General Musa showered appreciation on the institute for its support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN) and for its relentless efforts at enlightening Nigerians about the military, particularly in securing the nation.

The CDS further stated that the military will continue to partner and work together with the institute as he assured that the AFN will not rest on its oars to work in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate of restoring peace and ensuring Citizens are safe in the country.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku appreciated the CDS for his act of professionalism and his efforts in securing the nation, while thanking him also for his efforts in making sure military personnel undergo constant training.

According to Dr Neliaku, the NIPR in its campaigns will continue to elighten the public to clearly understand the mission of the military. He further pledged to also train military personnel on public relations practices. The NIPR President in the same vein congratulated the CDS on the recent exoneration of the Military by a Special Investigative Panel on alledged Infractions by ICRC and Reuters respectively. Similarly, he praised the AFN for accepting the hosting rights of the Africa Military Games, 2024.

Finally, he expressed his heartfelt condolence to the AFN over the recent passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as a true patriot and a hero who served the nation with his whole heart.

CDS RECEIVES NIPR EXECUTIVES: TO STRENTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIP

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DEFENCE, ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONDOLE WITH FAMILY OF LATE COAS, OSUN STATE

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DEFENCE, ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONDOLE WITH FAMILY OF LATE COAS, OSUN STATE

….. Inform Family of Preperations for National Honour

By: Polycarp Okoye

The Defence and Army Headquarters (DHQ/AHQ) Team, comprising several Maj Gen’s, Officers and Soldiers, lead by the Chief of Accounts and Budgets, DHQ, Major General KI Yusuf, were in Osun State on Tuesday, 12 November, 2024, to commiserate with the family of late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whose unfortunate demise occurred on 5 November 2024.

On arrival at Osun State, the team headed for the government house, where they were received by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, alongside his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi and other members of his cabinet. The team subsequently paid condolence visits in company of the Governor, to His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Ashiru Olatoye, the Olobu of Ilobu Kingdom, in his Palace; and family of the late Army Chief.

While delivering the condolence message, Major General KI Yusuf, noted that the team’s mission was in absolute honour to late General Lagbaja; adding that the sad news of his demise, has left very shocking waves on all personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) and indeed the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

He said, “we are also here to convey and express the condolences of the President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and members of the AFN; particularly, members of the NA, who he led and commanded during his lifetime”

“General Lagbaja, was a pragmatic and gallant officer, who fought and commanded his troops from the front, against terrorism and other criminalities bedeviling Nigeria. He took the welfare of his troops very seriously, and these are well evidenced in the several completed and ongoing projects which he approved across the country.

The NA under his command, has witnessed great transformation”, he added. General Yusuf, further encouraged the family of the deceased, to brace up with the circumstance, in order to pull through the trying period; assuring them of the AFN’s continued support to the family. He conveyed to the Lagbaja Family, President Bola Tinubu’s directive to give the late COAS a state burial at the National Military Cemetary in Abuja.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, lamented the loss of General Lagbaja, saying he was an illustrious son of Osun State, whose exemplary life of simplicity, generosity, patriotism, dedication and sacrifice, will remain indelible in the history books.

He recounted his personal interactions with the late COAS and his immense support towards the realization of an Airport in Osun State among several projects he initiated in the State. He appreciated the AFN for the condolence visits urging for a sustained communication with the family, and the entire state.

In the same vein, the Royal Father, Oba Ashiru Olatoye, in an emotional speech, expressed deep satisfaction with the manner with which the AFN has collaborated with the Ilobun Community and the family of late General Lagbaja.

Some of the major activities during the condolence visits, were, signing of the condolence register, presentation of condolence letters to the Governor, Royal Father as well as to members of Lagbaja family.

Other members of the AFN Condolence Team include the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General OG Onubogu, Major General BA Ilori, Director of Planing AHQ Department of Planning, Major General JO Adeyemo, Commandant NA School of Artillery, and Major General AP Oguntola, Commandant, NA Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies. Others were; Major General JB Olawumi (Rtd) former DG NYSC, and Major General AS Ibikunle (Rtd).

DEFENCE, ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONDOLE WITH FAMILY OF LATE COAS, OSUN STATE

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ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

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ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff who passed on Tuesday 5th November 2024 after a brief illness. Gen Oluyede paid the condolence on Wednesday 6 November 2024, at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army.

Paying tribute to the late COAS, Gen Oluyede extolled his gallantry, dedication, and legacies throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.

In a succinct message penned in the condolence register opened in honour of the late COAS, the Acting COAS stated, “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army commiserate with Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, the children and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant and extremely dedicated leader Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal) the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed. “

It would be recalled that the Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was on 19 June 2023 appointed Chief of Army Staff by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and fully assumed command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023.

A seasoned Infantry officer, the late General Lagbaja, was commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He distinguished himself as a Special Forces Commander and a military leader per excellence who held several appointments in the course of his exemplary military career. Late General Lagbaja served as General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions of the Nigerian Army in Enugu and Kaduna, respectively. He also commanded 9 Brigade Ikeja and 2 Brigade Uyo as well as 72 Special Forces Battalion on two separate tours of duty. Prior to his assumption of command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, he was the Chief of Operations (Army), where he coordinated all the operational activities of the Nigerian Army. As the then Chief of Army Staff, he worked assiduously to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges experienced across the nation.

ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

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