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Akinboyewa assumes office as NAF spokesman, solicits synergy with media
He took over from the erstwhile spokesman, AVM Edward Gabkwet.
In his remarks, Akinboyewa lauded Gabkwet’s efforts toward projecting NAF’s image over the years, saying his predecessor had done an outstanding job.
Akinboyewa said that Gabkwet always kept the public abreast of all the Air Force’s efforts in ensuring that Nigerians were safe to do their lawful businesses.
The new NAF spokesman also solicited the support, synergy, and partnership of the media toward achieving the directorate’s mission.
Akinboyewa said that the assignment given to him was daunting, and pledged to put in his best to justify the confidence reposed in him through the media’s support.
He said: “Let me start by expressing my profound gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
”This is for the confidence he reposes in me to entrust me with the very great responsibility of managing the image and reputation of a great service such as the NAF.
“It is important to also mention that the successes that he has recorded would not have been possible, if not for the support and the synergy that we enjoy from our partners, the media, your good selves.”
He stressed that without the media’s support and cooperation, the successes would not have been possible.
Akinboyewa solicited for the same support, partnership, and synergy to continue.
He said that he was very open to the media’s input and advice, and urged journalists to reach him at whatever time of the day or night.
“If a call does not go through, put a message through on WhatsApp and you definitely will hear back from me.
“The key thing that we need to meet is that we are firm partners when it comes to securing this country and protecting the people.
“The armed forces and the NAF in particular and the media, must maintain a very strong, firm and robust synergy,” he emphasised.
According to him, without such synergy, the goals of making Nigeria a peaceful, prosperous and safe place for the people, which the service and media both share, cannot be achieved.
Earlier, the former spokesman, Gabkwet, thanked the Chief of Air Staff for giving him a second opportunity to serve the NAF as its spokesperson.
He expressed confidence that his successor would continue to project NAF and its activities, urging the media to continue to support NAF in its operations.
“He will be continuing from where I stopped.
“I strongly believe that the Chief of Air Staff could not have picked a better senior officer to continue to project the image of Nigerian Air Force to the Nigerian public.
“I strongly believe that Akinboyewa comes fully prepared for this appointment.
”This is because he is somebody that I have known for about 30 years now, right from our days at the Nigerian Defence Academy in the early ‘90s,” he said.
Gabkwet enjoined journalists to extend the kind of relationship which he enjoyed with them to his successor.
He explained that it was the surest way that he would be able to settle down quickly and continue to do the good work, which he was known for.
“I would like to use this opportunity to solicit for your friendship, for your hand of fellowship to the new director.
“And for your collaboration, advice, and guidance to enable him to settle down in his new assignment and continue to do what is very important to us,” he added.
The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abuja Chapter, Mr Stanley Ogadigo, also lauded Gabkwet’s professional way of handling, projecting and managing the image of NAF over the years.
Ogadigo urged the new spokesman to sustain the high level of professionalism of NAF’s public relations to deal with issues of reputation building and management.
According to him, reputation is a core asset that every organisation should work very hard to maintain.
He added that, being a member of NIPR, the institute would appreciate his flying its flag at the highest professional level. (NAN)
As Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peace and unity in the country.
Extending warm greetings to all the faithful and people of goodwill across the nation on Palm Sunday, CAN said the sacred occasion invites citizens to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, whose message of peace, humility, and sacrificial love remains as urgent today as it was over two thousand years ago.
This was contained in a statement released by the Christian body on Sunday, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the April 4, 2025 attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
It added that the acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
CAN called on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The statement read in part, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—a powerful symbol of peace, humility, and hope.
“This moment, recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times. These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.
“With deep sorrow, CAN strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of 4 April 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government—at all levels—to intensify its efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed. The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. May God grant comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and peace to every troubled heart. In times like these, we are reminded that true leadership is most vital when lives are at risk and communities are in distress.
“In this critical moment, we call on our leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolising peace and servanthood—remains a timeless example. Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice, and a steadfast commitment to national healing.
“In the same spirit, we appeal to all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to rise above division and embrace our shared identity as one people under God. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity.
“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“As we lift our palm branches today, let them serve not only as symbols of worship but as signs of our collective resolve to work for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace in these trying times. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by divine insight; for our people, that they may draw strength from unity; and for our nation, that peace may reign in every corner.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.
The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.
In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.
The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.
He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.
“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.
He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.
Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.
He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.
According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”