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NIGERIAN ARMY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT TRADOC MERIT AWARD 2024

By: Sani Uba
The Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA) in line with its motto which is “Towards Greater Heights ” remains the centre of excellence for the NA in capacity building and resourcefulness.
Additionally, the command evaluates the proficiency of officers while developing their leadership capabilities that will assist NA in the career planning of officers.
Reward for merit occupies a special place in the life of every service personnel. It is in the light of this that TRADOC NA in conjunction with AHQ put together the fourth edition of TRADOC NA Merit Award for the year 2024 which held on Friday 1 November, 2024 at the newly built Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall in Minna Military Cantonment.

At the occasion, 26 officers who distinguished themselves in various promotional examinations were honoured with awards of academic excellence, as well as a deserving NA Division that performed most commendably among various Div Training Schools.
The command also used the occasion to appreciate some distinguished personalities who contributed to the progress and development of TRADOC NA. The award also sought to reward and recognise hard work, dedication and commitment of NA officers while promoting healthy competition among Corps or institutions towards enhancing professionalism. The 2024 Merit Awards was a testament to the NA’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.

In his remarks at the event, the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), acknowledged the significance of the Merit Award to the NA. The Acting COAS, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of officers who excelled in the NA promotion examinations conducted by the TRADOC NA in the year 2024.
He disclosed that the initiative will encourage officers to prepare adequately for future examinations and stimulate junior officers to strive for excellence thereby, enhancing professionalism in the NA. The Acting COAS also emphasised on the significance of recognising commitment and professionalism of officers, noting that the promotion examinations were crucial determinants of officers’ career progression.
The SGoH congratulated the awardees and highlighted the role of the TRADOC in fostering a culture of excellence and healthy competition among officers.
He also thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the NA. The Acting COAS also commended the Commander, TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe for his effort in moving TRADOC in line with international best practices.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Host and Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe, reflected on the significance of the Merit Awards, which was first introduced in the year 2021.
Maj Gen Aligbe noted that the awards had become essential in promoting administrative efficiency and operational effectiveness within the Army. He further stated that the evaluations and assessments carried out by TRADOC NA had led to improvements in the quality of training across various NA schools, formations and units.
“This year’s ceremony introduced a new category, the Best Division Award, which evaluates divisions based on the performance of their training schools.“The change aims to recognize the unique challenges faced by different divisions, ensuring a fair assessment of their training activities towards meeting their respective operational tasks.
Maj Gen Aligbe disclosed that the Army’s training objectives for the year 2024 were met, with a comprehensive report expected at the upcoming COAS Annual Conference in Abuja.
“Also, as part of NA’s commitment to community welfare and broader civil-military cooperation, approximately 33,000 educational materials (exercise books and writing materials ) were distributed to over 7,000 children in 4 schools within the Minna Military Cantonment as part of this year’s TRADOC NA Educational Support Programme,” he said.
The Commander TRADOC NA expressed his profound appreciation to the COAS for his unrelenting material as well as financial support to TRADOC NA.
This support, according to him, ensured the completion of the newly commissioned Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall. The merit awards include the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Award for Excellence, for Lieutenant-Captain Practical Promotion Examination, Awards for the Best Candidates Per Subject in Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination, Captain to Major Written Promotion Examination as well as award for the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination among
The event also marked the commissioning of the newly constructed Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall, underscoring the NA’s commitment to enhancing training and social activities within Minna Military Cantonment.
The gigantic project was commissioned by the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) , Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede represented by the Director General Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa.
Also in attendance at the event were Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Service Headquarters , Heads of Defence, Services, Agencies and Establishments , Commanders and Commandants of NA Formations and Schools, Heads and Representatives of the Security Agencies Heads and Representatives of Federal Government Departments and Agencies, Senior Military Officers (Serving and Retired) amongst others.
Some highlights of the event were goodwill messages by some past Commanders of TRADOC NA ( Maj Gens SU Abdulkadir, MA Koleoso and SO Olabanji retired), special performance by NYSC Cultural Troupe and Stereoman Ekwe.
NIGERIAN ARMY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT TRADOC MERIT AWARD 2024
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Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist

Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) along the Pump House axis of Gamboru Ngala–Kala Balge Road in Borno State.
Sources report that the attack occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on Sunday when terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat. One of the terrorists was fatally injured during the exchange of fire, and his corpse was recovered from the scene.
The security situation in the area has since been stabilized.
End
News
Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students
By: Michael Mike
Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, have been advised to pursue academic aspirations in Saudi Arabia Universities.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries. Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University, Prof. Saad Daajim, said no fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently schooling in various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over
3,200 Nigerians graduated from Saudi Arabian universities in last one decade.
The forum which was has as theme “alumni of Saudi universities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surrounding countries and their impact on sustainable development.”
Daajim said: “In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi Universities. Already, in the last one decade, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria.”
He said his country is open to admitting more Nigerians to study in their universities, adding that prospective students from Nigeria will be given acceptable rate.
“We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies and medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge number of population to the African contigent,” he added.
He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme which is available to all irrespective of religion.
The Khalid University Don said scholarship are for both Muslims and non-Muslims, adding that: “According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all even scholarships.
“And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents.”
Speaking on the forum, the Don said it is to open communication with alumni from Saudi Universities and see how they are impacting on their environment.
He said: “We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.”
On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Daajim said graduates who wishes to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.
He said: “Actually, when they graduate from Saudi University, they could continue their higher studies in Master or PhD. And if they are well qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.”
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.
Ahmad said: “Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace and development.”
She added that: “Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni network for national advancement, for educational advancement and sustainable nation building.”
She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture and development of the country.
She said: “Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.
“The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective and a strong sense of science. These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development. Indeed, many of you have become respected scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and public servants whose influence continues to shape our society positively.”
On his part, the Secretary of the Alumni, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, who was a graduate of Islamic University of Medina said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.
He stressed that “Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as moral is concerned, as far as even earning livelihood is concerned.”
Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students
News
Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits, an informant, and a suspected drug supplier during a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in Kware Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Oct. 4, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a five-man syndicate notorious for terrorising communities in Wamako and Kware areas.
The police team stormed the suspects’ hideout in Sabon Birni, Kware LGA, leading to the arrest of Bubale Mohammed and two others, alongside an informant and a suspected drug baron who allegedly supplied the gang with hard drugs.
Items recovered during the operation include dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and various illicit drugs.
According to the sources, video footage retrieved from the suspects’ phones showed them dressed in military uniforms and displaying rifles inside their camp.
Sources said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto
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