News
COAS CHARGES COMMANDERS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, PRIORITIZE TROOPS’ TRAINING, WELFARE
COAS CHARGES COMMANDERS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, PRIORITIZE TROOPS’ TRAINING, WELFARE
… As he presents Group Life Insurance Cheques, Hilux Vehicles to Army Warrant Officers
By: Our Reporter
In a bid to enhancepacross the theatres of operations across the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has charged commanders at all level to demonstrate exemplary leadership, actively motivate the troops to tackle security challenges. He gave the charge on Monday, 16 December 2024, while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 Asokoro, Abuja.
The COAS directed the commanders to adopt decisive action, set good examples, and lead with determination, resilience, empathy, and unyielding commitment to the mission objectives of the Nigerian Army. Sharing his views on the current operations across the country, the Army chief noted that the year 2024 has been an eventful year for the NA, particularly on the operational front, adding that the NA has increased the tempo of its operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and wanton killing of innocent citizens. The COAS also stressed the need to upscale both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across all the theatres of operations to ensure the peace and security of citizens.

Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed gratitude to the executive and legislative arms of government for prioritizing the re-equipping drive of the NA and refurbishment of combat enablers which he noted, has impacted hugely on NA operational effectiveness. The COAS maintained, as contained in his Command Philosophy “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” that training drives operational success.

He reiterated his commitment to promoting realistic and focused training, prioritizing the “Soldier-First Culture” through enhanced welfare support schemes, including those for the Widows, Next-of-Kin of fallen heroes, as well as the personnel who have suffered disabilities in the line of duty. He stressed that the practice is essential for preserving the physical and mental well-being of troops, preventing fatigue, boosting morale across the force, and ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness.
Commending officers and soldiers for their inestimable sacrifices in ensuring that the NA fulfills its constitutional responsibilities, the COAS urged personnel to redouble their efforts in the coming year to surpass the NA’s accomplishments in 2024. The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and unrelenting support to the NA.
He pledged the unalloyed loyalty and commitment of the NA to defend the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also thanked members of the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their commitment to ensuring the Nigerian Army’s budgetary and non-budgetary allocations are accorded due attention.

Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, while welcoming participants to the conference noted that the event also serves as a tribute to the legacies of the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja and reaffirmed the commitment of the NA to the values he championed. He noted that the conference was critical to assess NA’s operations and other activities with a view to boosting its overall performance.
In fulfilling part of the welfare schemes for NA personnel, the COAS presented Group Life Insurance Cheques to the next of kins of fallen heroes and 12 Hilux vehicles to Army Warrant Officers of the NA. The event also featured display of the newly produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Vehicle.
COAS CHARGES COMMANDERS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, PRIORITIZE TROOPS’ TRAINING, WELFARE
News
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.
The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.
“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”
The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
News
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Zulum’s agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.
Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.”

He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits build upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”
He stated, “The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration.”

At the commissioning of the newly constructed high Islamic school, Zulum noted, “the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.”
“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired.”
In his remarks, the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, underscores Governor Zulum’s giant strides, stating, “this institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency,”
“The state has constructed One Hundred and Four (104) Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled One Thousand and Eighty-Seven (1,087) classrooms, executed major works in forty (40) additional schools, restored thirty (30) flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.”

“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000). Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
News
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have thwarted a coordinated multi-pronged terrorist assault on positions in Kukawa after a prolonged overnight battle supported by air strikes.
Military sources said the attackers, mounted on gun trucks, motorcycles and on foot, launched the assault from multiple directions late on Feb. 20.

Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties.
Air strikes later destroyed one gun truck and several motorcycles carrying fleeing fighters, neutralising additional terrorists.

During follow-up exploitation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios, and other items believed to have been used by the attackers, as well as evidence of casualties evacuated by the group.
One soldier was killed during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained pressure on insurgent elements and continued efforts to degrade their combat capability across the theatre.
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 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
