- Forum implores leaders to shun divisive rhetoric
- Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims in Enugu forest
All Progressives Congress (APC) state governors yesterday concluded a two-day strategic meeting in Lagos with an expression of their support for President Bola Tinubu’s latest security measures.
Specifically, they resolved to “strengthen community security, intelligence gathering and support for victims of violence.”
The meeting comes on the heels of last month’s meeting of southern governors in Abeokuta which called for the establishment of state police as part of the efforts to boost security across the country.
In the last few weeks, President Tinubu has appointed a new Minister of Defence,a new Chief of Defence Staff, and new service chiefs for the army, navy and air force.
He also ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) and the deployment of such officers for core duties across the country, in addition to the recruitment of more hands for the police and the armed forces.
Besides its supports for the president on security, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) also reaffirmed its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said the meeting provided a platform for the governors to review the nation’s political, economic and social direction, deepen coordination and strengthen collective action.
“We met to assess where the nation stands, align our priorities, and reinforce our shared responsibility to the Nigerian people.
“Our commitment to the Renewed Hope vision remains unwavering,” Uzodinma said.
The chairman said that the governors agreed that every reform of the current administration must have a direct and positive impact on Nigerians.
“Reforms must improve lives, protect dignity and expand opportunities for all, whether in rural or urban areas, young or old, men or women,” he added.
He commended the Federal Government for efforts to stabilise the economy, boost national security and set foundations for sustainable growth.
Uzodinma noted ongoing reforms in food security, power, transport, social investment and enterprise development.
“Our job as progressive governors is to ensure these national reforms translate into real improvements in every ward and every community,” he said.
On the cost of living, he acknowledged that Nigerians were making sacrifices.
“We fully recognise the temporary burdens the public is facing.
“We deeply appreciate the patience and resilience of our people as we work toward a stronger, more inclusive economy,” the governor said.
He said that APC governors resolved to step up interventions in food production, SME support, youth employment, social protection and targeted relief for vulnerable households.
“No one will be left behind. We will intensify efforts to ease hardship and support families,” he said.
On infrastructure, he praised Lagos State for innovations in transport and urban renewal.
“Lagos continues to show leadership in modern infrastructure delivery.
“We agreed to deepen peer learning and expand investments in roads, housing, public transport, water, digital connectivity and climate-resilient structures,” he said.
Uzodinma said that the governors also reviewed Nigeria’s security situation, commending improved coordination across security agencies and community volunteers.
“Safety of lives and property is non-negotiable, Uzodinma said.
He urged leaders at all levels to promote unity, moderation and respect, warning against hate speech and divisive tendencies.
“Social cohesion is essential. We must all use our voices to promote peace, not division,” he said.
He said that the forum emphasised the importance of effective local government administration in realising the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots.
“We are committed to improving transparency, accountability and service delivery in local governments,” the chairman added.
He said that the governors would expand citizen-engagement platforms such as town halls and consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, labour and professional groups.
“Listening to the people and adjusting based on feedback are key to building trust,” he said.
Increasing number of APC governors shows Nigerians’ trust – Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, host of the meeting commended his colleagues for their commitment to national development.
Sanwo-Olu described their deliberations as a reaffirmation of loyalty to APC and commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said he was grateful that all governors created time to participate fully in the meeting, adding that the depth of discussions reflected their dedication to strengthening governance.
He commended the governors for dedication to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
“For the past 12 hours, we have asked ourselves tough questions: How do we better the lives of our people?
“How do we support our president and strengthen our country by supporting national agenda?”
The governor applauded the increasing number of APC governors, crediting it to the forum’s leadership under Gov. Hope Uzodinma.
“We are now 25 progressive governors.
“When we began, we were barely 18 or 19. This growth shows that Nigerians trust our party’s direction,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu announced that Lagos would host its first cultural festival in nearly a decade, on Dec. 27, promising an event that would showcase the state’s heritage.
“This year, about 10,000 of our people will proudly wear the festival uniform.
“We are excited to revive this tradition and celebrate our culture in a grand way,” the governor said.
Nigeria must come first, COAS charges officers, soldiers
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, yesterday charged officers and men of the Nigerian Army to place the nation above every personal consideration.
He spoke at the passing out parade of 250 new officers from the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
General Shaibu described their commissioning as a milestone earned through sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to national service.
He reminded the new officers that they were now full stakeholders in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and must be guided at all times by the principle that “Nigeria must come first” in every action and decision throughout their careers.
Many of the officers, he noted, would soon be deployed to operational theatres where their courage, discipline and training would be tested. He urged them to fall back on the knowledge, skills and values instilled in them while remaining focused and adaptable.
The COAS assured them that they would never face challenges alone, stressing that the Nigerian Army officers’ corps is built on camaraderie, loyalty and shared commitment to the fatherland. He urged them to uphold these values as they prepare for the realities of command.
Shaibu emphasized sound judgment, strategic planning and responsibility, warning that leadership carries both consequences and rewards. “Always have a plan. A bad plan is better than none,” he told the new officers.
He reiterated the Army’s dedication to improving personnel welfare and supporting their career development, urging them to pursue continuous professional growth in line with his vision of a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
The Army chief also reaffirmed the unwavering subordination of the military to democratic authority, describing respect for constitutional governance as the foundation of professionalism. He charged all personnel to be proud defenders of democracy and remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties.
Troops storm kidnappers hideout, rescue 14 victims in Enugu forest
Troops of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA rescued 14 kidnap victims, following an ‘high-impact” raid on a kidnappers’ den in Orokam Forest linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation stemmed from actionable intelligence provided by vigilant community sources, it was gathered yesterday.
The victims were abducted on Friday from Ezimo Agu community in Udenu LGA and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, but held by their abductors in dispersed clusters across the forest.
The troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes launched an assault on one of the kidnappers’ hideouts deep inside the forest.
“On contact, the criminals unleashed gunfire, prompting a fierce engagement,” a military source said.
“The joint force’s superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and relentless advance forced the kidnappers to break contact and flee, abandoning the abductees.”
The source said the troops subsequently handed over the rescued victims to the Divisional Police Officer, Udenu Division, for proper profiling and to reunite them with their families.
