ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF MAJOR GENERAL OLUFEMI OLUYEDE ASSUMES DUTY

..solicits support to tackle security challenges

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS), Major General Olufemi Oluyede, today, Friday, 1st November 2024, assumed duties at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The acting COAS was appointed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, pending the return of the substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on medical leave.

At the formal taking-over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasized that the appointment aligns with the Armed Forces Act of 2004. General Musa stressed that the Armed Forces could not afford to let insecurity prevail and called for support for the acting COAS in his new role.

General Musa reminded all field commanders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to the Armed Forces and the tasks at hand. He urged the commanders not to relent in guaranteeing national security and the safety of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding him worthy of the appointment and prayed for the speedy recuperation of the COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Ag COAS solicited support from all personnel of the Armed Forces and Nigerians in general, in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country. He pledged his loyalty to the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Highlight of the event was the formal handover of Army Command flag by the CDS, General Christopher Musa to the acting Chief of Army Staff.

Until his appointment, Major General Olufemi Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna.

A member of the 39th Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Oluyede was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 and rose steadily to the enviable rank of Major General in September 2020. His illustrious career traverse various command, staff and instructional appointments such as Platoon Commander, Adjutant, Company Commander, Brigade commander, and General Officer Commanding, amongst several other appointments.

He has participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade and Sector 2.

Major General Olufemi Oluyede also earned several honours and awards for his meritorious service in diverse fields of operation.

ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF MAJOR GENERAL OLUFEMI OLUYEDE ASSUMES DUTY

KACRAN Commends Tinubu’s Commitment to Promoting Livestock and Its Value Chains

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has an expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his sincere and dedicated efforts in advancing the livestock sector and its associated value chains.

The association in a statement signed on Friday by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “Historically, the livestock sector in Nigeria has faced neglect, largely due to the focus on oil revenues since the end of the first republic. Despite past promises from previous administrations, no substantial measures were implemented to address this imbalance between arable and livestock farming.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, significant strides have been made. His administration’s Renewed Hope agenda has prioritized the livestock sector, culminating in the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development. This is a historic first for Nigeria, underscoring the sector’s vital role in enhancing the nation’s GDP, improving nutritional food security, and generating employment for millions.”

Bello added that: “KACRAN celebrates this development and congratulates President Tinubu for recognizing the sector’s potential. The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development marks a pivotal moment, acknowledging the sector’s contribution to employing over 30% of Nigeria’s rural population and boosting the economy.

“We assure President Tinubu that KACRAN, as a key stakeholder, will collaborate closely with the Ministry, its officials, and other stakeholders to achieve the objectives set forth. This synergy is expected to bring significant benefits to Nigeria and its neighboring states.

“We also commend President Tinubu for his compassion and vision in forming the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, which he personally leads. This committee, alongside the Ministry, is poised to address and resolve the challenges faced by Nigeria’s pastoralists.

“KACRAN extends its gratitude to Alhaji Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and National Chairman of the APC, for his pivotal role in the formation of the committee. We also recognize Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega and the committee members for their dedicated contributions.

“Additionally, we appreciate the Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, led by Mrs. Winnie Lai Solarin, for their unwavering support throughout the establishment of the Ministry.

“We are optimistic that the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee will continue to serve as an advisory body to the Ministry, offering strategic insights to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and promote the livestock sector.”

He assured the President of KACRAN’s support in achieving the Ministry’s goals, including enhancing food security, creating jobs, and attracting both local and international investment in the livestock industry.

Bello also extend gratitude to Senator Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock, for his commitment to supporting these initiatives.

KACRAN Commends Tinubu’s Commitment to Promoting Livestock and Its Value Chains

Tinubu’s Daughter Appointed Ambassador for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education

By: Our Reporter

The first daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo has been appointed Ambassador of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE).

This announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idriss Elbulaturee during a courtesy visit to the Iyaloja-General’s palace in Lagos.

Dr. Idris cited Chief Tinubu Ojo’s passion for supporting disadvantaged communities, particularly almajiri and out-of-school children, as the reason for her appointment.

He praised her efforts in promoting trade and commerce, ensuring market women’s access to resources and opportunities.

Chief Tinubu-Ojo expressed excitement and gratitude for the honour, pledging to alleviate the plight of these vulnerable Nigerians.

She emphasized her father’s commitment to education as a lasting legacy for Nigerian children, evident in his own children’s lives.

She commended the Executive Secretary for his service to Nigeria and prayed for him to succeed in the task ahead.

As Ambassador, Chief Tinubu Ojo is expected leverage her position to expand services to almajiri and out-of-school children, aligning with the commission’s goals.

Tinubu’s Daughter Appointed Ambassador for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education