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NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building

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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

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Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth

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Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth

By: Michael Mike

The drive to unearth the potential of Nigeria’s creative sector and further empowers the youth has received a boost as a youth-focused initiative aimed at building sustainable fashion-based businesses across the country.was unveiled on Wednesday

The unveiling was done in Abuja by Embroidery Chief in collaboration with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong,

Speaking during the unveiling at a stakeholders’ engagement themed “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa,” the Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said that the initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with practical embroidery and fashion design skills that can be turned into profitable ventures.

According to him, the project launched in partnership with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong, will begin with the establishment of innovation hubs in 10 states, including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be equipped with 50 embroidery machines, offered at subsidized rates to make them accessible to young entrepreneurs.

Abdulsalam noted that training programmes will run in three phases: one month for design, two weeks for machine operation, and one month for technical repairs.

He said that many young Nigerians already possess natural creativity but lack the technical skills to fully express and monetize their talent.

Abdulsalam said: “The purpose of this gathering is to raise awareness about key issues in the fashion industry, how individuals can upscale, identify existing gaps, and connect with the right people and opportunities.

“We aim to collaborate with the government, which is why we have key stakeholders here today. Our plan is to establish hubs in about 10 states. Each hub will receive approximately 50 embroidery machines, and we will train end users on machine operation, technical support, and digital design creation.

“This initiative will begin with 10 states as a pilot. We are committed to empowering individuals by providing these machines at subsidized rates, making them affordable for emerging entrepreneurs.

“In Nigeria, many people still lack the technical knowledge to properly size and digitize designs using software. That’s why training is essential. Once people learn how to use both the machines and the software effectively, it will foster healthy competition and unlock creativity across the board.

“Youth will be able to create designs on sneakers, shoes, bags, clothing, even decorative frames. The possibilities are vast, and with the right skills, we can unlock an entirely new wave of innovation in the fashion industry.”

In his remarks, Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, said the company is seriously considering setting up a branch office in Nigeria to support the growth of the embroidery ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde who was represented by Dr Taiwo Bashir, described the initiative as a golden opportunity for Nigerian youth.

He noted that there are numerous areas where the government can collaborate, which is likely why the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President asked him to attend the event on his behalf.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for Nigerian youth, as the embroidery industry is worth millions of dollars and still largely untapped. There is so much to be done, and anyone with the vision and willingness to act now stands to benefit immensely.”

Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth

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Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation

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Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have neutralised a suspected bandit and rescued a kidnapped victim during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Gari village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the operation, which occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits along the Kampani–Zurak–Sabon Gari axis.

According to the sources, troops of Sector 2, deployed under Operation Safe Haven, laid a tactical ambush at key crossing points used by the criminals.

During the engagement, one bandit was neutralised while others fled the scene. The troops later combed the general area and rescued one Mr. Amadu Alhaji Nuhu, a 45-year-old man from Taraba State, who had been held captive.

Items recovered from the scene included one fabricated pistol, a pistol magazine, four rounds of 9mm ammunition, one boxer motorcycle, a pair of shoes, a cap, and a head warmer.

The rescued victim and recovered items are currently in safe custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.

Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation

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Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara

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Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.

The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.

They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.

Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.

Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.

Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara

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