Lagos State Governor pledges unwavering support for Nigerian Army at 2025 COAS Annual Conference

By: Zagazola Makama

Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State has affirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army, highlighting the critical link between security, economic development, and public trust, at the opening of the 10th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos.

Speaking before a gathering of senior military officers, security stakeholders, and dignitaries, Governor Sowonlu described the conference as a strategic forum to review operational readiness, assess emerging threats, and chart the future direction of the Nigerian Army in alignment with national security priorities.

“It is both an honor and a solemn privilege to join you at this important gathering. Lagos is not just the commercial hub of our country; it is the melting point of culture, ideas, and aspiration, and its security is inseparable from Nigeria’s overall stability,” the Governor said.

Governor Sowonlu lauded the Nigerian Army’s role in preserving territorial integrity and national cohesion, emphasizing that enduring development is only possible where security is guaranteed.

He observed that the Army has demonstrated significant progress in restructuring, modernization, training, and professionalism, reflecting its readiness to meet evolving threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and other non-traditional security risks.

He commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing purposeful direction in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s confidence, effectiveness, and institutional integrity. Highlighting the contributions of the 81 Division in Lagos State, Governor Sowonlu noted, “Through sustained operations, joint security initiatives, and strong civil-military relationships, the Division has played a critical role in maintaining public order and fostering trust between our citizens and those entrusted with their protection.”

The Governor underscored the importance of joint training, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operational planning, describing these as indispensable to strengthening synergy among security agencies and rapidly defeating criminal elements.

“Markets function because security is assured. Businesses invest because stability is protected. Citizens go about their daily lives because vigilant men and women like yourselves watch over them,” he said.

Governor Sowonlu further praised the professionalism, discipline, and respect for constitutional order demonstrated by the Nigerian Army, calling these values essential for sustaining public trust and reinforcing the legitimacy of military operations in a democratic society.

He expressed deep appreciation to officers and soldiers, acknowledging their courage, selflessness, and dedication to defending Nigeria’s collective future.

“As you commence deliberations at this year’s conference, I urge you to engage with openness, strategic clarity, and bold thinking. The challenges before us demand foresight, innovation, and a willingness to continually adapt,” he said, assuring participants of Lagos State’s continued support for the Army’s constitutional responsibilities across the nation.

The COAS Annual Conference brings together military leaders, security experts, and policymakers to assess past operations, examine emerging threats, and develop strategies for national security.

Governor Sowonlu concluded by encouraging delegates to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Lagos while contributing to a successful and impactful conference.
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Otuaro Hails Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation Boss On Conferment With Honorary Doctorate Degree

By: Michael Mike

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has congratulated the Founder of Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, Mrs Esther Tonlagha, on her conferment with an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) Degree in Community Development and Empowerment by the Federal University, Otuoke.

The honoree is the wife of Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, an accomplished Ijaw businessman with huge investments in oil and gas, and engineering solutions in various sectors.

She was presented with the award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to community development and empowerment, during the maiden combined convocation ceremonies of the university held on 8 December, 2025 at Otuoke in Bayelsa State.

Otuaro noted that the honour was a testament to Mrs Tonlagha’s unwavering commitment and dedication to community development and empowerment through her foundation.

He described Mrs Tonlagha as an amazon and a philanthropist with a large heart, whose selfless service to community and humanity resonates across the Niger Delta and beyond.

Otuaro described the honour as well-deserved as shown by her bold antecedents, and expressed the hope that it would motivate her to do more for society.

He said he is not surprised that Mrs Tonlagha, a devout Christian, has given due priority to the service of humanity.

The PAP Administrator also lauded the management of Federal University, Otuoke, for recognizing Mrs Tonlagha’s selfless service, life of sacrifice, remarkable achievements, and the commendable work of her foundation.

Otuaro Hails Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation Boss On Conferment With Honorary Doctorate Degree

President Tinubu Unveils New Security, Economic Blueprint To Harness Nigeria’s Marine Wealth

• Directs NIPSS to conduct nationwide security diagnostic, targets port reform, maritime expansion

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new security and economic framework aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast marine and aquatic resources under the blue economy as one of the country’s most critical sectors for national transformation.

Accordingly, he directed all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to immediately review and implement recommendations by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies’ (NIPSS) comprehensive study on blue economy development.

Speaking on Wednesday during a Presidential Parley with participants of Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the Presidential Villa, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the administration is committed to converting Nigeria’s maritime potential into a major driver of economic diversification, job creation and long-term prosperity.

“The blue economy offers a strategic pathway for diversifying our revenue base, creating sustainable employment and revitalising the ecosystems that sustain national development. If properly harnessed, this sector could become an anchor of shared prosperity for generations,” he said.

President Tinubu welcomed the findings of the NIPSS study on Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria, describing it as a timely resource that outlines the “opportunities we must seize, the challenges we must confront and the policies we must refine.”

He praised the institute for sustaining what he called its tradition of analytical rigour, creativity and patriotic duty.

The Nigerian leader noted that Nigeria’s marine endowments, including an 853-kilometre coastline, rich fisheries, extensive inland waterways and a strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea, place the country in a strong position to build new growth avenues.

He said the administration is prioritising aquaculture expansion, port and maritime corridor modernisation, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology and renewable ocean energy.

“These opportunities lie within our grasp if we act with discipline and intentionality,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s reform agenda, President Tinubu highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a critical step toward improving port management systems, strengthening maritime security operations and enabling private-sector growth.

He, however, acknowledged that more work lies ahead and directed all relevant ministries, departments and agencies to immediately study and prepare to implement the NIPSS recommendations.

The President stressed that economic ambitions in the blue economy cannot be realised without a safe and stable environment.

While piracy has reduced through the Deep Blue Project, he warned that oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, vandalism and kidnapping still undermine national revenues and investor confidence.

“These threats are real, and this Administration is taking decisive steps to address them,” he said.

President Tinubu also assigned NIPSS an expanded national security mandate, ordering the institute to conduct a nationwide security diagnostic and develop actionable recommendations to guide reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.

“The policy paper shall be submitted to my office within an agreed timeline, and it will receive the utmost attention,” he assured.

The Nigerian leader described NIPSS as the intellectual engine of our national transformation and urged the scholars to remain bold, solution-driven and rooted in the country’s realities.

Earlier, the Director-General of NPISS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, thanked President Tinubu for the support the institution has received, just as he appreciated the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for providing funding for SEC 47.

He noted that the team visited several Nigerian states and 14 countries outside Nigeria, and were at the Presidential Villa to present their findings titled “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.”

Highlighting the content of the report, Colonel Murkar Dauda said the Federal Government was already addressing systemic gaps in the blue economy, while commending the President for his visionary leadership in driving the economy.

Among other issues, the report noted challenges of governance, institutional coordination, and policy coherence, as well as the fact that available infrastructure falls below global standards.

The report further emphasized the opportunities available in Nigeria.

“Fisheries and aquaculture remain strong entry points for Nigeria,” the report added, advising that diversifying revenue sources will unlock new earnings for the country.

In its recommendations, the Federal Government was advised to launch a national fisheries expansion programme, leveraging public-private investments to increase fish production from the current 1.2 metric tonnes to 10 metric tonnes within two years.

The report also recommended expanding the revenue base of the marine and blue economy sector, while developing a comprehensive marine and blue economy financing framework.

Additionally, the report stressed that the Federal Government should review and harmonize all legal, policy, and institutional frameworks on the marine and blue economy; establish an innovative marine and blue economy skills, job creation, and social inclusion framework, as well as enhance the safety and security of inland water bodies, among others.

President Tinubu Unveils New Security, Economic Blueprint To Harness Nigeria’s Marine Wealth