CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH

By: POLYCARP OKOYE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, celebrated Christmas with officers and soldiers of Headquarters (HQ) 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), and other units and formations within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). The celebration was marked with a lunch held at Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, on Tuesday 24 December, 2024.

While delivering his Christmas goodwill message to troops, the COAS, who was represented by the Corps Commander Signals, NA, Major General GO Adesina, expressed delight over an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with troops in 2 Division NA. He gave thanks to God Almighty for assisting the NA in overcoming the many challenges it faced during the year; adding that the achievements recorded so far worth the celebration. The COAS said, “I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude and respect to all officers and soldiers for your doggedness and bravery in tackling the security challenges within your AOR.” This special Christmas lunch is intended to help me meet with troops in the field in an atmosphere of joy and festivity, so as to boost your morale and hopefully invigorate and recharge you all for the task that is still ahead of us in the new year.” General Oluyede further appreciated officers and soldiers who have paid the supreme price while serving the nation selflessly and defending its integrity. He saluted specially, the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, and all NA personnel who died defending Nigeria. “Our hearts and thoughts are always with their families”, he said, praying that God grants them eternal rest in his kingdom.

The Army Chief, also emphasized on commitment of the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to provide all necessary assistance the NA requires to deliver on its constitutional duties. “On my part, I have directed that the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), be enhanced and sustained for the benefit of troops”, he said, urging them to key into the available scheme in Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment. He further stressed that welfare of troops including the injured and families of the dead will remain major focus of his welfare scheme.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, noted that the COAS’ approval of the lunch, was aimed at recognizing as well as appreciating troops for their dedication and commitment in the conduct of their duties. He appreciated the COAS for his strategic guidance and unwavering support which he said was key to the successs recorded by the Division.

He also thanked serving and retired senior officer and dignitaries who graced the occasion, saying their presence was inspirational, and an indication of sustained love and unwavering dedication which they still have for the system. Major General SO Olabanji, Major General A Alabi and Brigadier General D Dahiru, were in attendance and celebrated the festive period with troops.

Highpoints of the occasion, were the distribution of lunch and music displays by 2 Div NA life band. The COAS and GOC, including serving and retired senior officers present served troops extensively to their preferred dishes.

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Security situation has improved in Yobe—Buni

Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, has said that the security situation in the state has tremendously improved, and Yobe state today is one of the most peaceful states in the Northeast of Nigeria.

He said the effort and support of the state government to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the ongoing counterinsurgency and other security operations in the state, adding that the government will continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies within the limit of its resources.

Governor Buni disclosed this in Buni Yadi during the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede Christmas luncheon with men of Sector 2 NE OPERATION HADIN KAI.

Buni, represented by Alhaji Aji Yarima Bularafa (Mal Terab), the state commissioner for Wealth Creation, Employment, and Empowerment Generation, urged the troops to intensify surveillance and clearance operations in Yunusari, Geidam, Gujba, and other local government areas bordering Borno state to check possible surprises by the insurgents.

The governor calls for a continuous review of the current thinking and strategy to outdo and overcome the insurgents whose tactics and strategy are continually changing.

He assured that the Yobe state government remains a partner in progress in the current and ongoing counterinsurgency effort, suggesting that as much as possible we should try and make the operation population-centric by carrying the people along.

In his welcome remarks, Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force NE Opreration Hadi Kai, Major–Gen. MCE Ejike said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Christmas lunch is an avenue that brings officers and men in the front line together for merriment and also for commanders and officers to interact freely with troops.

He appreciates the Chief of Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM, for his support for this event in particular and generally for his unwavering commitment to enhancing professionalism and regimentation in the Nigerian Army.

Ejike reiterates that the pivot of our operations here in the theater is firmly hinged on the COAS command philosophy, which is, I quote, “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

Security situation has improved in Yobe—Buni

Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, felicitates the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, as he celebrates his 65th birthday.

Zulum, in a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, on Friday, extolled the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing it as exemplary.

Zulum was quoted as saying, “On behalf of the people and government of Borno State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your birthday. Your leadership in Nasarawa State has been an inspiration and your commitment to progress and development is commendable.”

He added, “As you celebrate this special day, may it be filled with joy, good health and continued success in your endeavours. Let us work towards a brighter future for our states and nation.”

Governor Zulum expresses gratitude to Allah (SWT) for Governor Sule’s good health and strength while urging him to remain steadfast in his values and services to the good people of Nasarawa State.

Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65