FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY

By: Our Reporter

The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (Retired), has called on personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) to remain steadfast in upholding their constitutional responsibilities and democratic values while synergizing with other security agencies to address the nation’s security challenges. He made this appeal on Saturday, 18 January 2025, during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024 held at the Army Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

General Irabor who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), commended the sacrifices and dedication of personnel, encouraging them to remain vigilant and focused on their duties. He highlighted the richness and cultural diversity of Nigerian soldiers which he described as source of strength for effectiveness.

General Irabor averred that NA has a long history of heritage and achievements with documented victories in both World Wars, peacekeeping operations, and internal security operations across the country. General Irabor noted that the Army has made significant contributions to national growth and development, beyond their traditional defence and security duties through the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel, some of whom have paid the supreme price through service to the nation.

He urged the Army to continue synergizing with other security agencies, respect rules of law, and subordinate to civil authority. The former CDS commemorate with the officers and soldiers of the Army and urged them to remain focus as the nation looks upto the NA to keep upholding democratic values.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede emphasized the significance of WASA as a platform to celebrate national heritage and promote unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among personnel and their families. The COAS stated further that the event also avails the command the opportunity to thank God and appreciate personnel for their individual and collective contributions peace and security of the citizens.

The COAS posited that WASA showcases the Nigerian Army’s diverse ethnic heritage, rich cultural traditions, extensive geographical representation, and huge expectations of Nigerians in NA’s commitment to addressing security challenges.

The Army Chief appreciated the continued support and cooperation of other security and sister agencies in the execution of various operations, assuring that the NA will continue to foster stronger partnerships to enhance collective capacity to address the nation’s security challenges.

The Army Chief further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Koko Isoni recalled the tradition of WASA dated back to the era of the second World War, during which Officers, soldiers and their families come together to socialize in a relaxed mood to mark the end of the year’s activities.

He affirmed that the event also serves as a vehicle to enhance espirit de corps and the spirit of brotherliness within the NA.

The WASA is an annual event that brings together military personnel and their families to promote unity, camaraderie, and esprit de corps.

This year’s event was marked by various activities including Tug of War, Female Soldiers Bike Display, Band display, presentation of awards, Mega Suya/Nigerian Tradition Cuisine Competition, cultural performances showcasing Nigeria cultural diversity and lightening of burn fire by the SGoH.

FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Egypt have agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” and placing emphasis on mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

This was the agreement reached between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, during the visit of the former to Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with the Egyptian government.

In the Nigeria’s delegation are also the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration. They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance, and the objectives of Agenda 2063.

Egypt and Nigeria, while recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and extremism, agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.

They also expressed a commitment to supporting conflict resolution in Africa through peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.

The ministers acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral economic engagement and agreed to encourage both governmental and private sector participation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

They also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, with a formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026.

The two foreign affairs ministers also
commended recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens of both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating easier movement and stronger people-to-people connections.

The next session of the Joint Committee at the ministerial level is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

Nigeria and Egypt elevate relationship to Comprehensive partnership
…Waives Visa for Diplomats

Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has officially accepted to join BRICS as a partner country.

The Nigeria’s acceptance to join the group was communicated in a statement on Saturday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country. The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.

“BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries.”

The statement added that: “Nigeria is poised to leverage this platform to advance shared goals in trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change. This partnership also aligns with our national aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration, and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy.

“Nigeria looks forward to engaging constructively with BRICS members to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchanges in line with our national interests and strategic priorities.”

Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS