News
NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building
NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building
…as Buratai Lauds President Tinubu’s Increased Support in Counterinsurgency Operations
By Lawrence Audu
Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, played host to the 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA as they gathered for their 2024 Annual General Meeting. The event was a celebration of their rich heritage and a reunion of old colleagues.
The evening was filled with cultural dances, jokes, and sumptuous meals, creating a relaxing atmosphere for the members.
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, commended the federal government for the support in the war against insurgency.
“Nine years ago, we would never have had the opportunity to gather like this here in Borno and in Maiduguri in particular. Once it is 2 o’clock as someone said, everyone goes inside and remains there till the following morning probably nine or ten. The restrictions were heavy, the atmosphere was charged with so much insecurity. But today, to the Glory of Almighty God, we are thankful to God for the sustained counterinsurgency operations leading to the sustainable security being achieved and being experienced today in the Northeast,” he said.
“We must appreciate the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the increased support to the Armed Forces to prosecute the counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and its subsequent version of ISWAP.”
Buratai also praised the members for their support during his tenure as Army Chief. “You have been wonderful for over forty years precisely 44 years when we met together for the first time 3rd January 1981 and we have maintained that relationship. I want to thank you for your support to me in particular.
“You stood by me when I was Chief of Army Staff in a very difficult period, the time of the Boko Haram rampage and it was a period that was volatile, uncertain, complex and of course ambiguous environment and times as well. The environments were charged with so much opposition and mischief that is within the sociopolitical environment and within the geographical environment of the northeast also was tensed with the various attacks that have been going on in this area but you stood by me and supported me and together, we succeeded.” He adds.
Commodore MB Teidi (Retd), President of the Association, reflected on the journey that began over four decades ago. “Let me take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment. The history of NDA 29th Regular Course started on 3rd January 1981 when 155 young men reported for military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Most of us received the Presidential Commission and thereafter were posted to various services in the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force to pursue their Military career, while some opted out of the training to pursue their next best destined options.
“The inaugural meeting of this association was initiated by Major TY Buratai when most of the members were on Staff Course at the Command and Staff College Jaji. It was not until 2014 after the burial of one of our course mates, that the idea of a formal body with a constitution was muted. Since then the association has enjoyed consistent yearly meetings in line with its constitution.”
The event brought together former colleagues from across the services and the business community, including serving military personnel such as Major General Wahidi Shuaibu, Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, and the Air Component Commander.
The reunion demonstrated the strong bonds and camaraderie forged during their military careers. As they reminisced about their past experiences, they celebrated their achievements and the progress made in the fight against insurgency.
The 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy is no doubt, a shining example of the power of friendship and service to the nation. As they look to the future, they continue to stand together, committed to their objectives and to the development of the nation.
NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) carried out successful raids across multiple criminal hotspots on April 23, resulting in the arrest of 104 suspects.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the coordinated operation involved officers from Karshi, Kubwa, Kabusa, Nyanya, Lugbe, Utako, Maitama, Apo, Mpape, Karmo, Tungan Maje, and G/Lada Divisions.
During the raids, authorities recovered cutlasses, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and illicit drugs.
The arrested suspects, who have been profiled, are currently in custody, undergoing screening and interrogation. Those found to be involved in criminal activities will be charged to court.
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 22 in Aladja, Delta State, when Jerry David, a mentally unstable man, allegedly stabbed his fellow companion to death with a broken bottle.
Zagazola Makama understands that a violent altercation between two mentally unstable individuals in his house.
When security personnel arrived the scene discovered that Jerry David had stabbed his fellow resident multiple times on the left hand, rib, back of the head, and left shoulder, causing fatal injuries.
The victim, whose identity is still unknown, was confirmed dead from the injuries. The police evacuated the body and deposited it at Noble Mortuary in Owvian, pending autopsy.
Police sources say an investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to subject Jerry David to a mental evaluation to determine the appropriate course of action.
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
By: Michael Mike
Matriculation Ceremony in a colourful event held at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, officially welcoming 194 fresh students—comprising 103 males and 91 females—into its expanding academic community.
In his inspiring address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, congratulated the matriculating students and their families, describing the day as a defining moment that would remain etched in their memories. He commended the students for choosing an institution known for academic excellence, moral integrity, and innovation-driven education.
“This is not just a formal rite of passage,” Professor Aibinu said, “but the beginning of a journey that will shape your future and prepare you for a meaningful life of contribution to society.”
Highlighting the growth trajectory of the university since its academic debut in 2017, the Vice-Chancellor announced the successful expansion from two pioneer colleges to include the Kola Balogun College of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Engineering, the College of Innovation and Computing Technology, and the College of Postgraduate Studies. Students from these new colleges are matriculating for the first time this year, a testament to the institution’s evolution into a hub of emerging technologies and global academic relevance.
Further reinforcing the university’s mission to produce graduates who are both intellectually sound and socially responsible, Professor Aibinu shared that alongside their academic pursuits, students would be immersed in a unique developmental curriculum that integrates essential real-world competencies. These include practical exposure to financial responsibility, ethical leadership, sustainable energy practices, advanced digital technologies, entrepreneurship within academia, cultural heritage appreciation, and global citizenship infused with faith-based values.
Professor Aibinu cautioned the new students against deviating from the university’s code of conduct, reiterating Summit University’s firm stance against any form of social vice. He emphasised that the matriculation oath was a binding commitment to honour, discipline, and excellence, warning that breaches would attract serious consequences.
“As you take your oath today, remember that it comes with responsibilities. At Summit University, we maintain high moral and academic standards, and we expect nothing less from you,” he added.
He also used the occasion to express appreciation to the university’s leadership, proprietors, staff, and host community. Special thanks were extended to the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II, and prominent citizens of Offa for their unwavering support in building an institution that continues to position Offa as an emerging smart city and academic destination.
Professor Aibinu concluded by assuring the new students of the institution’s commitment to their growth and success, urging them to seize the unique opportunity before them and strive to embody the University’s motto—to shine like the sun.
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
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