The Nigerian Navy on Thursday, December 28, decorated newly promoted Commodores, Captains and Commanders.
The Navy Board had on December 21 approved their promotions to the new rank.
Those decorated with rank of Commodore are Captain TM Abdulrahim, Captain BA Kuton,
Captain TS Ngada, Captain GU Nwabunike, Captain OE Oladipo, and Captain SM Tasiu.
Those decorated with the rank of Captain are Commander BI Hadi, Commander EO Omeje, Commander TG Abusi, Commander NF Omeire,
Commander OA Ekokotu, Commander TG Adeyemi, Commander AM Idu, Commander YA Kurba, and Commander RE Oparaji
While those decorated with the rank of Commander are LT. Commander S Munnir, LT. Commander AS Adamu,
LT. S Nenshi, LT. Commander Y Tegina, LT. Commander S Yakubu,
LT. Commander RO Iyinbo, and LT. Commander IK Mohammed.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, charged the newly promoted officers to be more dedicated to their duties.
The CNS who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Joseph Apkan, said the officers emerged successful after rigorous screening.
He said: “Promotions in the military, though really regular, do not connot a process that lacks regirous scrutiny and fairness. Therefore, any of the successful officer seated here today can not take this particular promotion for granted that is why we follow this age long tradition to formally decorate the successful senior officers at each of the promotion boards.
“The officers have emerged put of several others of their colleagues and it is a testament to their dedication, deligence and loyalty.
“Their investiture today herald a new phase in their career and demands for higher commitment, dedication and output in the service of our nation, especially at this auspicious moment in the history of our country.”
He appreciated the spouses of the newly decorated officers for their support to their husbands as they perform their national duty.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday, December 28, decorated the 47 Brigadier General that were recently promoted to the rank of General in the Nigerian Army.
The new Major Generals were decorated with their new ranks at the Nigerian Army Command Officers Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
The Nation recalled that the Army Council had on December 21 approved the promotion of 47 Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General, while 75 Colonels were elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.
Among those newly decorated Major Generals are WB Etuk, JE Osifo, WM Dangana, TB Ugiagbe, ASM Wase, MA Abdullahi, BI Alaya, AO Oyelade, OO Arogundade, EI Okoro, CR Nnebeife, FU Mijinyawa, MT Abdullahi, M Adamu, ND Shagaya, ME Onoja, MO Erebulu, BA Ilori, MO Ihanuwaze, O Nwachukwu, EE Ekpenyong, SI Musa, M Galadima, ànd AP Ahmadu.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, urged the newly decorated officers to continue leading by example and inspiring others to better their footsteps.
Matawalle who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event said the Nigerian Army needs more leaders like them “who are willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of our nation.”
He said: “This promotion is a beacon of hope to all Nigerians and a call to elevate your efforts in the fight against insecurity especially in the North West and other parts of the Country.
“Your promotion is a testament to your many years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our great nation. As a Nigerian, I know firsthand the sacrifices that come with attaining this height. It takes a lot of courage, discipline, and resilience to rise through the ranks.
“I am also aware of the rigorous process of selecting those being honoured here today and I am bold to say you are all indeed one of our finest breed and the Nation is proud of you.
“You have all shown exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking and a deep understanding in the course of your careers. Your contributions to the Nigerian Army are invaluable, and we are confident that you will continue to serve our nation with honour and distinction.”
In his speech, The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, congratulated the newly decorated major generals, saying their promotion was a reward for their hard work and commitment to duty.
Lagbaja said the Nigerian army as a system frowns at incompetence and urged them to give their best having attained the level of policy formulation in the Nigerian army.
He urged them to be logical and objective in their professional dealings as well as put in their best towards delivering on his command philosophy.
He advised those who did not benefit from the promotion to see it as a challenge and work harder for it in the future.
“Today, these 47 newly decorated major generals have ticked the necessary boxes and have been rewarded for their hard work.
“I want to add that getting here is not the end, what you do with the rank and the responsibilities that comes with it count tremendously.
“Going from here, I must remind you that you have now joined the system and going forward, when you point an accusing finger at the system, know that four fingers are pointed at you and the rest possibly misdirected.”
Giving vote of thanks on behalf of other decorated officers, Maj.-Gen. GTO Ajetimobi, said they were highly motivated with their new rank. He also assured of their loyalty and dedication to duty in line with the COAS command philosophy.
The new governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Thursday, December 28, paid a condolence visit to the family of his former boss, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in Ibadan where he assured that the legacies of the late governor will not be eroded.
The governor was at the Jericho, Ibadan residence in company of the members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly members.
It is the first official visit of the governor outside the state.
Addressing newsmen at the residence, the governor described the late Akeredolu as a courageous leader who stood firm and never took the interest of his people for granted.
Speaking, he said the late Akeredolu would never be forgotten because his legacies and impacts can be seen and felt across the state and the country.
The governor described his late principal as a sincere, courageous, selfless and patriotic leader who fought for his people, championed development and touched many lives.
Aiyedatiwa in an emotional tribute, also described the former governor as a caring and compassionate husband, father and grandfather, adding that it was a rare privilege to have served under his tutelage.
He reiterated that the demise of his late boss is a great loss to Ondo state, the Southwest region and Nigeria at large, stressing that Akeredolu’s struggle for a peaceful, fair and just society is one that can never be forgotten in a hurry.
The governor noted that the legacies of late Akeredolu will continue to reverberate in his invaluable contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Ondo state, the growth of the Anglican Church and the reforms in the legal profession in Nigeria.
He emphasized that Akeredolu completed and fulfilled his mission on earth and was blessed with wonderful children that can sustain his good name.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “We are here as a government under my leadership as the governor of Ondo state on behalf of the people of Ondo state to pay a condolence visit to the immediate and extended family of our former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, who passed on yesterday. We are here in his private home here in Ibadan.
“We have to do this because he has always been our leader, a courageous one for that matter, one who has governed Ondo state in the last six and half to seven years, with great courage and with some many legacies he has left behind.
“He is an exemplary leader, a courageous one, a leader that believes in fairness, equity and justice. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who speaks on national issues so that so that adjustments and proper decisions can be made concerning any issue in Nigeria. So he’s known for that, as an activist.
“Today, he’s no more and we have to pay him that respect by coming to the family to condone and commisserate with them and we have done that. We pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost. And for those of us that he has left behind, to be able to emulate some of the values, the sterling qualities that he is k own for so that we can keep on with the legacies that he has left behind.”
Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.
Prayers were offered for the Akeredolu family, while Governor Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.
Afrobeats sensational singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has given his cousin, Folasade Adeleke, a brand new diamond wristwatch for being his best staff of the year.
The moment Davido presented the expensive accessory was shared by Folasade on her Instagram page.
Davido presented the boxed watch to her for being dedicated and zealous in her work.
On giving it to her, he declared his cousin his best staff of the year.
She was immensely excited over this and thanked her brother for the gift.
Media personality, Ojuolape Dotun, popularly known as Do2dtun has taken to social media to condemn the idea of involving kids in parental issues.
On his X account, the radio personality expressed his disapproval of using kids as pawns in what he referred to as “dirty fights” between estranged partners.
Dotun made the remarks while discussing an interview video featuring Emeka Ike’s wife, Suzanne, and her son Michael, where they testified against Emeka Ike.
Dotun criticised the decision to involve the child while airing personal grievances during a separation.
He expressed that if he were the interviewer, he would have stopped the child from participating.
Dotun, however, acknowledged Susan’s right to express herself but urged her to share the situation without involving her son.
He said: “You can fight but never involve the kids. If I were the interviewer, I wouldn’t let the child on. I think in all we do, we need to apply a little more pressure when it comes to our ethics. I get it but l’d rather she says it herself not through the child
When you involve kids as a won to fight your partner, you don’t love them. You will think anyone will grow up and be a better father or Mother doing that? no! You just scarred him by letting him do that interview. Fi ht dirty if you care to but don’t ever use the kids.
“They said “don’t bring a knife to a gun fight” Great! but don’t use the child as the gun or knife in a fight”.
Controversial reality TV star, Josephina Ijeoma Itabor, popularly known as Phyna, has bemoaned the rate at which her family members feel so entitled to her wealth.
In the first episode of her podcast, “Spill with Phyna,” Phyna brought up the subject of how she left her aunt’s place at age 15 to start fending for herself.
The reality star revealed that her family feels entitled to the money she has earned for herself, with 98% of them feeling this way.
She said even though her father was wealthy at the time, he declined to take on the duty of seeing that she completed her schooling during this period.
She claimed that the experience made her start on her own when she entered a postsecondary school, requiring her to take on several jobs to make ends meet.
“I left my aunt’s house at age 15, she used to sell food at Auchi. Out of 100% of my direct family, I have 98% of my family members who are entitled”, she said in part.
See some of the reactions below:
hugomah_ chided: “This girl enwecharo sense eziokwu!! No matter what I can’t drag my parents out like this bruvhhhhhhhhhh. Most of our parents no try, that’s true, but dragging them out like this? Nawa. Na why e good even when you get home training, try get personal training too. OT!! OT di very important.”
callme__aya urged: “Y’all leave her to tell her story and don’t shut her up!”
realpreshchinah.o commented: “I understand what she’s saying, that thing can pain sha. Abeg don’t judge her if you haven’t been through what she has been through. Everyone has different story to tell and life shows us shege in different ways so let’s be kind with our words.”
amara_shuga said: “Phyna talks too much God !!!!”
db_naturals_ remarked: “Family entitlement and emotional blackmail in Africa should is a topic that has many segments that should be broken down.”
The Budget Supervisor of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Hon. Azeezat Owonla-Odubajo, has donated a borehole to the residents of the Baruwa Ward-E community, providing them with access to clean water.
The project was commissioned on Thursday, December 28, by the former council boss of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Shakiru Adisa, and Azeezat’s father, the Baale of Cardoso Community.
Azeezat explained that she was moved to initiate the project in the area due to the lack of power supply and the long distance residents had to cover to access water.
She said: “This is not the first or the second project facilitated by my humble self here, but I just felt the pains of people grappling with the unavailability of power supply coupled with the long distance they travel to get water.
“So, I just thought of something that I could do that could ease their stress and as well help the federal and state government for people to get the dividends of democracy because they put us there, so why not give something tangible enough and that will help ease their stress?
“The people will always want more; I pray that God gives me more grace to at least give them as my quota to influencing development. God so good we have been able to facilitate power supply through a prepaid meter arrangement and also a generator set for them to revert to when there is a power outage because I want it to be 24 24-hour water supply. I have handed it over to the CDA chairman for maintenance and supervision.”
“In this regard, I also want to appreciate our Governor, our own Mr. Sellable- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we want to say thank you so much, because he has been a huge inspiration for young people like myself too, to make sure we give back to the community.”
Azeezat encouraged women to chart a path forward for themselves in 2024, urging them to reject the notion that they cannot succeed in politics without compromising their values.
She presented examples of successful women who have utilized the resources available to them to make positive contributions to society.
She said: “It is the season of Christmas and New Year, I want to appeal to women like myself most especially young women, you don’t have to see politics like a stigma or something bad, it is what we all have to get involved in and do, because together we can. If you say one person should be doing it and you are at the back it is not too good, it is better we are all together and we are doing this.
“Leadership is not all about politics, you can be a leader in your community and do great things, so I would charge every young woman like myself, and there are so many opportunities for women lately.
“It is not just about what you can offer with your body, now we have so many opportunities women are at the forefront, and we have many women on top, Dr. Betta Edu is a very good example, so I would advise women to please key into politics, leadership and mentorship and as well contribute to their community irrespective of any level they are in life.”
During the inauguration of the water project, Shakiru Adisa, former Executive Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, acknowledged Azeezat’s commitment to serving the community.
He praised her dedication to giving back and emphasized that the community had no regrets in appointing her as a Supervisor at the LCDA.
Adisa said: “I thank Azeezat Omoowo who is the initiator of this water project, she thought it wise to give the dividend of democracy back to the people who voted the party in. She is a young woman with a heart for doing wonderful things for people.
“She has done several empowerments within a short time like empowerment to the whole residents of Ayobo-Ipaja, she has given scholarships to many who are now in the higher institution, and this water project is another one here in the Orisun community.
“She wants them to enjoy free clean water, the CDA should ensure the proper maintenance of the borehole for it to last.
“They can also make time frames for the facility to operate say in the morning from 6-9 am and evening from 4-8 pm to ease management of the borehole quite well, we have no regret that she was appointed one of our supervisors in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.”
Azeezat’s father, High Chief Morouf Owonla Baale of Cardoso where the project is being sited, expressed his satisfaction with the project being implemented in their community.
He noted that it was a proud moment for him as a parent, knowing that his child had taken the initiative to facilitate a commendable project within their neighbourhood.
He stated: “I feel fulfilled because for a son of the soil to be doing a wonderful thing like this is very impressive, this is what we expect from her and I am sure more is still coming through her to Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA not limited to this community.
“All we need to do for her is to pray for a long life and good health for her to continue with the good job she had in mind. She had good intentions and plans we are not surprised as she is doing it because she happens to be a son of the soil and that is exactly what is expected of her.
The traditional leader also tasked well-meaning individuals in the community not to leave developmental responsibilities to the government alone, given the myriads of issues they had to attend to in society.
Baale Owonla said: “Our needs here are not limited to one thing so many are still not being done like road infrastructure, stable electricity and so many other things like that but all I just believe is that government alone cannot do it, so in any form, we individuals too can contribute our quota, I think we should give them support.
“They are trying so we cannot say we want to leave everything to them because in this place we don’t have good roads, we lack so many things but I believe with time, the government will come to our aid.”
He, however, urged the initiator to always look back and see to the maintenance of the water project as well.
“We can’t leave it for the community to maintain, they don’t know the purpose and motive of the initiator, and she has to come around to check, to aid maintenance she needs to give support regarding that too.”
For Mr. Akinwunmi Kayode Olawale the Chairman Platinum CDA Orisun Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, the gesture by Azeezat is a very wonderful one as it will ease the problem people encounter in their effort to access clean water before now.
Akinwunmi Kayode Olawale, the Chairman of the Platinum Community Development Association (CDA) in Orisun Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, described Azeezat’s gesture as wonderful. He highlighted that the project would significantly alleviate the difficulties people previously faced in accessing clean water.
He noted: “Before now people go about looking for water, this nearby Church later started providing us water to help out but with this wonderful project she has just done in our community, we really appreciate it as it will go a long way to address water supply issue here.”
Less than 24 hours after Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the new Governor of Ondo state following the demise of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, some cabinet members of the former governor have resigned their positions.
Some of them said that their decision to resign from their offices hinged on the unfortunate and untimely death of Akeredolu.
She claimed that during her mother’s prayers, she made a vow to return her to God if He could grant her sight.
She stated: “I was born blind, I didn’t open my eyes at all. Of course that became a challenge. My parents tried all they could to get this baby to see, everything they tried medically proved abortive and we had to resort to God.
“My mum became a prayer warrior, she started praying and fasting from nowhere. Not like she believed that would work but I eventually opened my eyes which was such a miracle. The eyes were so red, I mean blood red. According to my mum, she has promised to give me back to God if God could help her solve that problem, so that’s where the church comes in.”
