Tribute to the late flight Sergeant Temitope Beckley

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Dear Tope, I am still in shock that you had to leave so early at just 50. Seven years before your father our dear uncle Alaba left at 57. And my own father your uncle too same 57, all of the Akinlawon stock of the Beckleys in Lagos.

Sad you had to leave us so early. I am sad because of the bond we shared as special cousins or what people of your generation call besties. You were a jolly good fellow to me in particular whenever our paths crossed. Aburo (little brother), as I used to call you, family may share the same names sometimes and blood but very few are real friends within a particular family. If there are friends within our family, you are definitely one of them. A very jovial fellow who looks out for the others. A friend indeed among brothers and cousins. Your eyes always glittered when you were around me. And of recent you became more concerned about me when you heard that I was in the North East Nigerian war theatre of operation Hadin Kai. I assured you that because He lives i will always face tomorrow.

How we built our friendship

I remember my brief stay with you guys at the family house in folarin street, Mushin. Trying to rediscover myself as Uncle Alaba would call it anytime he asked me to escort him to EMPLAN consult were he was working then. Each time we returned, you were always close by asking the right questions the little ones always asked their older brothers. I enjoyed your restlessness at that young tender age, wanting to know a lot of things out there especially when we watched TV together and you did not understand what was going on. With the kinds of questions your probing mind used to ask, I always knew that you were going to become one of the shining lights of the family. I even dreamt of you joining me in serving God and country as a media practitioner one day. But you had other plans and ended up at the Nigerian Air Force as you did till your last breath due to a protracted illness.

When I later started my studies to train as a journalist and found myself staying at Akobi crescent with Uncle Akobi, you never forget to stop by and check on me. You kept the flame burning. Your appearances were always remarkable with that glitter in your eyes which used to lighten up my weekend whenever you showed up. Brother Akin was always at hand to host us. Whenever he wasn’t around, we would go out to hang out as young people to have fun. You were always with the older ones hardly having time for your generation. Distance would now separate us when I was posted to Taraba state by the then daily times as its maiden correspondent. But we always met along the way until you joined the air force.

Your worries about Nigeria

Tope, at your level in the service in the military, you already knew the difference between right and wrong and you were very methodical and meticulous in the way you conducted your affairs. You asked more questions as always but this time as a seasoned personnel of the Nigerian Air Force. You knew where you were coming from and were you wanted to be in the nearest future. I encouraged you that in all things we should give thanks to our Creator. The one who is and is to come. You were on course in your relationship with him.

I remember our last discussion, about the insurgency challenge the military is dealing with at our backyard in Borno. Your perception about the Nigerian Air Force which you served till your natural passing. And your projection for the future in terms of security for the country. I asked for your family and you updated me that they were fine. I was worried about the fact that I am yet to meet your loving family but you assured me that we would surely meet someday even though your spouse was in Canada pursuing her dream. The telephone chat zeroed down to why I called. I actually chatted you because I remembered your father the great Uncle Alaba who had gone to the great beyond. And I wanted to honour his memory with a tribute 29 years after his demise. You promised feeding me with the extra details I wanted to add to what I got from your big sis Tosin. But that never happened. I never got the pictures of Uncle or the details I wanted. That has been rested for his 30th anniversary now.
Rather what I got was a rude shock of your sudden collapse and departure from this world. Tope, you suddenly joined your father in the great beyond at the untimely age of 50. We can’t question God Almighty our Creator over this decision. We would rather give thanks to him for the life you lived because He said we must give thanks to Him in all things.
Aburo, all I can say now is permission granted because you never sort for anyone’s permission to bow out. This was the command of your creator, the All knowing I Am who decides when it is time to come or to leave this world. Tope, be rest assured that some of us will never forget coming across your path in this short life. Enjoy your sleep great soldier until we meet to part no more.

Broda Sam.

Tribute to the late flight Sergeant Temitope Beckley

Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has donated ₦50 million to the family of late Lieutenant Colonel OC Okolo, who was killed during a Boko Haram attack in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, on February 16, 2026.

The gesture comes amid a series of similar interventions by the governor, including a recent ₦150 million donation to families of three military officers who lost their lives in separate attacks across the state.

Zulum reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting families of fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to Nigeria’s security and unity. He assured that his government would continue to identify with and assist families of personnel killed or declared missing in action in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The donation was delivered at a funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Firiday. The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), who presented the cash on behalf of the Borno State Government.

Speaking through his representative, Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death.

He said: “Lt. Col OC Okolo was a gallant, dedicated and committed officer of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” while extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

He also prayed for the repose of the late officer’s soul and for strength for the bereaved family.

Responding on behalf of the family, Stanley Okolo expressed profound gratitude to the governor for the support and solidarity shown during their time of grief.

@The family members were particularly touched by the cash donation and the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” he said.

He further commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives to honour the late officer.

The funeral was attended by senior military representatives, including Brigadier General G.A. Suru, representing the Chief of Army Staff, and Brigadier General I.P. Omoke, who represented the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the host community.

The donation underscores ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government to recognise and support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.

Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes

MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue

By: Michael Mike

A worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has triggered an urgent intervention by international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as rising infections and deaths place severe pressure on already stretched health facilities.

Working in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health, MSF has deployed emergency teams to reinforce infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, following a surge in cases that has exposed critical gaps in healthcare safety systems—particularly affecting frontline workers.

Official data indicate that as of mid-March, the state recorded 410 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 60 confirmed infections and 14 deaths. Disturbingly, 14 healthcare workers are among those infected, raising serious concerns about inadequate protective measures within treatment centres.

The situation reflects a broader national crisis. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that Nigeria has recorded 167 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 13 weeks of 2026 alone, with a case fatality rate of 25.2 per cent—significantly higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.

Benue State formally declared the outbreak on February 3, 2026, as infections escalated across communities in what is already recognised as one of Nigeria’s high-risk zones for the disease.

Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria, typically peaks between November and April. It is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, but can also spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons—making healthcare settings particularly vulnerable when safety protocols are weak.

Responding to the emergency, MSF launched a three-month intervention in March aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further transmission. The mission was initiated at the request of state authorities, especially in light of rising infections among health workers and persistent shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“Healthcare workers and patients are at significant risk when infection prevention measures are not fully in place,” said MSF Emergency Coordinator, Juniper Gordon. “Strengthening IPC and improving the organisation of care are critical to reducing transmission in health facilities.”

MSF teams are now providing hands-on support in selected facilities, focusing on strengthening clinical practices and improving patient management systems. This includes training healthcare workers on IPC protocols, reorganising triage processes, and establishing clearly defined high-risk and low-risk zones to limit cross-infection.

The organisation is also supplying essential materials, including PPE, hygiene kits, and sanitation supplies, while reinforcing waste management systems and infection control procedures. Handwashing stations are being installed across supported facilities, and surveillance efforts are being strengthened through improved data collection and monitoring.

In a move to support patient welfare, MSF is also providing food assistance to individuals in isolation centres, helping to ease the burden on affected families.

MSF said it is coordinating closely with global and national partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the NCDC, to scale up response efforts and curb the spread of the disease.

Despite these interventions, public health experts warn that the outbreak underscores deeper systemic challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in infection control preparedness and rapid response capacity.

MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue