News
Christian Northern Group Receives NOA’s National Values Charter Plaque
Christian Northern Group Receives NOA’s National Values Charter Plaque
By: Michael Mike
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Isa Lanre-Onilu has presented the National Values Charter Plaque to the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) in recognition of the group’s unwavering dedication to national unity, patriotism, and its exemplary conduct as a corporate citizen that transcends religious divides to promote inclusivity.
Receiving a delegation of the NCYP who pay a courtesy visit to the NOA headquarters, the DG lauded the group’s patriotic stance and contributions to nation-building.
He particularly praised their courage and foresight in supporting the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket during the 2023 elections, a decision taken in the face of opposition from many, especially within the Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.
He said: “I have known this group for quite some time. Notably, you took a principled stand to support President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket when many others opposed it. Today, the wisdom behind that decision is becoming evident through the visionary leadership being demonstrated—fair representation in appointments, reform-driven governance, and a commitment to inclusive development.
“This alone makes you worthy of the National Values Charter recognition, which embodies the principles of citizenship and patriotism.”
Earlier, the Chairman of NCYP, Mr. Isaac Abrak who led the group, emphasized that the group comprises Christian professionals from the 19 Northern states and the FCT -Abuja, who actively participate in politics to improve the welfare of citizens across the region and Nigeria at large.
He noted that the group’s political choices are guided by merit, equity, and the vision of building a tolerant and united society, particularly in enhancing relations between Christians and Muslims in political spaces.
Abrak identified the transformational impact of President Tinubu’s leadership, particularly referencing his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. “His strategic use of local government structures and the reformation of street youth, popularly known as ‘Area Boys,’ into productive contributors to society helped raise Lagos’ Internally Generated Revenue from N6 billion to N11 billion monthly. These bold reforms underpin our support for the full implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on Local Government Financial Autonomy.”
He stressed that the local government financial autonomy is a pro-people policy that must be anchored by the people through grassroots engagement. Mr. Abrak offered NCYP’s extensive leadership network—spanning national, state, local government, and ward levels with a workforce of over 30,000—for partnership with the 774 NOA offices nationwide to drive advocacy and implementation of this critical policy.
“The NCYP remains connected to the grassroots,” Abrak said. “We are ready to collaborate with NOA to raise public awareness and ensure that local government autonomy delivers development to the doorstep of every Nigerian.”
In his concluding remarks, the NOA DG urged all Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, citing landmark projects such as the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the establishment of Regional Development Commissions as initiatives that will spur economic growth and provide intervention across all regions.
Christian Northern Group Receives NOA’s National Values Charter Plaque
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
