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NDA PASSING-OUT PARADE:PRESIDENT TINUBU VOWS TO CRUSH TERRORISM, POVERTY IN NIGERIA

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NDA PASSING-OUT PARADE:
PRESIDENT TINUBU VOWS TO CRUSH TERRORISM, POVERTY IN NIGERIA

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today restated his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.

Already, the Nigerian leader who is also Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said the administration is currently implementing programmes and policies that would empower Nigerians to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality and terrorism.

President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the hint on today during the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

Reading the President’s address titled, “The Heroes of Nigeria’s Path to Prosperity and Security,” at the passing-out parade, VP Shettima said, “Every day, every minute, we are reminded of the consequences of economic and social disintegration around us. This is why we favour cooperation and the formation of bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for our people.

“We are implementing programmes and policies to empower our citizens to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism. From preparing for the food security crisis triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian war, to responding to banditry attacks on farmers, natural flood disasters, and the repercussions of military coups, this administration has remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate their impact and enhance national security”.

As part of moves to deal decisively with the criminal elements, President Tinubu noted that his government has embarked on a new era in the country’s national defence and security strategy.

This, he said, would be driven by a resolute commitment to confront the substantial threats and challenges that confront us within the West African sub-region.

“I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms. To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable,” he added.

The President noted, however, that in tackling poverty inflicted on Nigerians by activities of the terror groups, he would treat every region equally and give them a sense of belonging in his government.

He stated: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, justice is the mainstay of prosperity, and so we are going to be fair to each region. Whether in tackling the secessionist elements disrupting the peace and economic activities of the good people of the South-East or doubling up our efforts in winning the counter-insurgency in the North East, and whether in pursuing normalcy in the North-West or in making the farmer-herder crises a thing of the past in the North-Central, every group will be treated as equal and given a sense of belonging in our government.

“While I acknowledge that we have made bold decisions to bolster our economy, even as some developed economies face the threat of recession, our commitment remains resolute. We are intensifying our efforts to implement tangible measures that will alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.

“Our immediate actions, such as reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries, distributing grains from the national reserve to vulnerable demographics, providing fertilizer and farm inputs, and extending soft loans to small and medium-scale industries, all serve as a clear message to our nation.

“We stand firmly with our citizens, determined to guide our country towards a path of accelerated economic growth and opportunities, where no one lives on handouts.”

The president further said he was proud of the devotion and dignity with which the NDA and its alumni have safeguarded Nigeria, noting that the passing-out parade was not just a ceremony to honour the transition of the graduants to a more active phase of duty to their fatherland.

According to him, the ceremony “stands as a symbol of our enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in our human capital.

“I am, therefore, delighted to witness the passing-out parade of the Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army), and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force),” he added.

President Tinubu continued: “Our solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon a crucial realisation: without vigilant attention to the very foundations and individuals who fortify order and stability, this promise remains unattainable. It is here, at the Nigerian Defence Academy, that this promise crystallises into action.

“In a world characterised by swift advancements and transformative technologies, our mission is clear: we strive to nurture not just ordinary defenders but paragons of excellence, both among men and women, who serve as vigilant protectors of our cherished nation.

“Since 1964, this institution has moulded the character, physique, and intellect of valiant officers and academic specialists beyond the shores of this country. Year after year, this Academy attracts the most ambitious among us to train them and reintegrates them into society.

“Year after year, we reaffirm that sound education is the ultimate security strategy, and our resilient Armed Forces are proof of this. This prized legacy, thankfully, is one to which we are not the only testifiers. There’s an international consensus on the quality of this Academy, an institution that has given a sense of purpose to alumni from as far as Zimbabwe, Uganda, Togo, Sierra Leone, Niger, Central African Republic, Chad, and Burkina Faso”.

Addressing the graduating Cadets, President Tinubu pointed out that like those before them, they were “stepping into a world fraught with threats, a world that demands unique skill-sets to conquer the adversaries of the state.

“They are going to find themselves in a dynamic landscape, one marked by combat and regimental realities vastly different from those encountered by their predecessors”.

The President further asked the authorities of the NDA to access the support it requires to invest in scientific research and technological innovations, as well as develop prototypes and concepts that align with local content policies of the Federal Government.

He noted: “The future of our great country doesn’t only rest upon the valour of these young patriots but also the curricula with which our warriors and scholars are formed.

“If we must take the centre stage in protecting our people, this Academy must access the support it requires to invest in scientific research and technological innovations and develop prototypes and concepts that align with the Federal Government’s local content policies.

“This esteemed institution was founded to lead the way and boasts research centers dedicated to exploring scientific inquiries and translating the our grandest ideas and theories into reality. Now is the time for us to be the model for the continent.”

Welcoming the young cadets as they join the ranks of the nation’s patriotic heroes, President Tinubu congratulated the Commandant and the entire NDA community for upholding their noble tradition.

Earlier, the Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John O. Ochai, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment and support to the academy towards the realisation of the noble dreams of its founding fathers.

He applauded the personnel and staff of the academy for their unwavering efforts in discharging their duties, as well as the graduating cadets for their tireless efforts throughout their training.

The commandant reminded the graduating cadets that the training they have undergone in the academy would enable them to take leadership responsibilities and positions as military officers of Nigeria.

The event witnessed parades, march past, presentation of prizes to best graduating Cadets, conferment of commission, presentation of parchment of commission as well as administering of the oath of allegiance.

The passing-out parade was well attended by eminent dignitaries, including Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Ali Ndume; Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Kefas Agbu of Taraba State; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.

Others are Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, among others.

NDA PASSING-OUT PARADE:
PRESIDENT TINUBU VOWS TO CRUSH TERRORISM, POVERTY IN NIGERIA

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CDS RECEIVES NIPR EXECUTIVES: TO STRENTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIP

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CDS RECEIVES NIPR EXECUTIVES: TO STRENTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIP

By: Tukur Gusau

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa today , 12 November , 2024 received the Executive members of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) led by its President, Dr Ike Neliaku on a courtesy call on the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The aim of the visit is to strengthen the already existing mutual and beneficial relationships between the military and the institute.

In his remarks, General Musa showered appreciation on the institute for its support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN) and for its relentless efforts at enlightening Nigerians about the military, particularly in securing the nation.

The CDS further stated that the military will continue to partner and work together with the institute as he assured that the AFN will not rest on its oars to work in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate of restoring peace and ensuring Citizens are safe in the country.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku appreciated the CDS for his act of professionalism and his efforts in securing the nation, while thanking him also for his efforts in making sure military personnel undergo constant training.

According to Dr Neliaku, the NIPR in its campaigns will continue to elighten the public to clearly understand the mission of the military. He further pledged to also train military personnel on public relations practices. The NIPR President in the same vein congratulated the CDS on the recent exoneration of the Military by a Special Investigative Panel on alledged Infractions by ICRC and Reuters respectively. Similarly, he praised the AFN for accepting the hosting rights of the Africa Military Games, 2024.

Finally, he expressed his heartfelt condolence to the AFN over the recent passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as a true patriot and a hero who served the nation with his whole heart.

CDS RECEIVES NIPR EXECUTIVES: TO STRENTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIP

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DEFENCE, ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONDOLE WITH FAMILY OF LATE COAS, OSUN STATE

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DEFENCE, ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONDOLE WITH FAMILY OF LATE COAS, OSUN STATE

….. Inform Family of Preperations for National Honour

By: Polycarp Okoye

The Defence and Army Headquarters (DHQ/AHQ) Team, comprising several Maj Gen’s, Officers and Soldiers, lead by the Chief of Accounts and Budgets, DHQ, Major General KI Yusuf, were in Osun State on Tuesday, 12 November, 2024, to commiserate with the family of late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whose unfortunate demise occurred on 5 November 2024.

On arrival at Osun State, the team headed for the government house, where they were received by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, alongside his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi and other members of his cabinet. The team subsequently paid condolence visits in company of the Governor, to His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Ashiru Olatoye, the Olobu of Ilobu Kingdom, in his Palace; and family of the late Army Chief.

While delivering the condolence message, Major General KI Yusuf, noted that the team’s mission was in absolute honour to late General Lagbaja; adding that the sad news of his demise, has left very shocking waves on all personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) and indeed the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

He said, “we are also here to convey and express the condolences of the President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and members of the AFN; particularly, members of the NA, who he led and commanded during his lifetime”

“General Lagbaja, was a pragmatic and gallant officer, who fought and commanded his troops from the front, against terrorism and other criminalities bedeviling Nigeria. He took the welfare of his troops very seriously, and these are well evidenced in the several completed and ongoing projects which he approved across the country.

The NA under his command, has witnessed great transformation”, he added. General Yusuf, further encouraged the family of the deceased, to brace up with the circumstance, in order to pull through the trying period; assuring them of the AFN’s continued support to the family. He conveyed to the Lagbaja Family, President Bola Tinubu’s directive to give the late COAS a state burial at the National Military Cemetary in Abuja.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, lamented the loss of General Lagbaja, saying he was an illustrious son of Osun State, whose exemplary life of simplicity, generosity, patriotism, dedication and sacrifice, will remain indelible in the history books.

He recounted his personal interactions with the late COAS and his immense support towards the realization of an Airport in Osun State among several projects he initiated in the State. He appreciated the AFN for the condolence visits urging for a sustained communication with the family, and the entire state.

In the same vein, the Royal Father, Oba Ashiru Olatoye, in an emotional speech, expressed deep satisfaction with the manner with which the AFN has collaborated with the Ilobun Community and the family of late General Lagbaja.

Some of the major activities during the condolence visits, were, signing of the condolence register, presentation of condolence letters to the Governor, Royal Father as well as to members of Lagbaja family.

Other members of the AFN Condolence Team include the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General OG Onubogu, Major General BA Ilori, Director of Planing AHQ Department of Planning, Major General JO Adeyemo, Commandant NA School of Artillery, and Major General AP Oguntola, Commandant, NA Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies. Others were; Major General JB Olawumi (Rtd) former DG NYSC, and Major General AS Ibikunle (Rtd).

DEFENCE, ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONDOLE WITH FAMILY OF LATE COAS, OSUN STATE

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ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

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ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff who passed on Tuesday 5th November 2024 after a brief illness. Gen Oluyede paid the condolence on Wednesday 6 November 2024, at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army.

Paying tribute to the late COAS, Gen Oluyede extolled his gallantry, dedication, and legacies throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.

In a succinct message penned in the condolence register opened in honour of the late COAS, the Acting COAS stated, “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army commiserate with Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, the children and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant and extremely dedicated leader Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal) the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed. “

It would be recalled that the Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was on 19 June 2023 appointed Chief of Army Staff by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and fully assumed command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023.

A seasoned Infantry officer, the late General Lagbaja, was commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He distinguished himself as a Special Forces Commander and a military leader per excellence who held several appointments in the course of his exemplary military career. Late General Lagbaja served as General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions of the Nigerian Army in Enugu and Kaduna, respectively. He also commanded 9 Brigade Ikeja and 2 Brigade Uyo as well as 72 Special Forces Battalion on two separate tours of duty. Prior to his assumption of command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, he was the Chief of Operations (Army), where he coordinated all the operational activities of the Nigerian Army. As the then Chief of Army Staff, he worked assiduously to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges experienced across the nation.

ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

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