News
Nigerian Army Bids Emotional Farewell To Captain Ayuba In Her Home Town
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has paid its final respects to Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba, who was laid to rest with full military honours in her hometown of Sambon Gida, Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The solemn event was attended by top military officials, family, and friends who gathered to celebrate her life and service.
Brigadier General Philip Ebuk, Commander of 1 Division Supply and Transport, represented the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, during the burial. In his tribute, he described Captain Ayuba as a committed and highly professional officer who served Nigeria with distinction.
Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba was born on 9 July 1987 in Shogunle, Lagos State, but hailed from Jaba LGA in Kaduna State. She began her academic journey at Police Children School, Ikeja, before moving on to Toamy Private College in Egbe. Her pursuit of higher education led her to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, where she obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Administration.
Her determination and passion for serving the nation motivated her to join the Nigerian Army through the Direct Short Service Course 23 on 3 July 2017. From that moment, she embarked on a remarkable military career that earned her respect and admiration.
Throughout her service in the Nigerian Army, Captain Ayuba held several important positions. She served as the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations within the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport. Additionally, she played a key role as Staff Officer Grade 3, Information and Publication, at 81 Division Army Public Relations.
Her exceptional leadership skills, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty distinguished her as a highly respected officer. She consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to her responsibilities, setting a high standard for her colleagues.
Captain Ayuba’s commitment to excellence was evident in her pursuit of further military training. She successfully completed various specialised courses, including:
Young Officers’ Course in Public Relations
Media Operations Officers’ Course
Legal Aspects of Combatting Terrorism Course
Her outstanding performance in these courses enhanced her capabilities as a military officer, reinforcing her status as a valuable asset to the Nigerian Army. In recognition of her service and contributions, she was awarded the General Operations Medal, a testament to her dedication and achievements.
Beyond her military accomplishments, she served as an inspiration, particularly for female officers striving to excel in their careers. Her journey stood as proof that determination, discipline, and hard work could lead to great success in the armed forces.
As part of the final military rites, the Nigerian Army honoured Captain Ayuba with a traditional 21-gun salute. Her Next of Kin was presented with the national flag and her military insignia, symbolising her selfless service to the nation.
During the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a brilliant officer. He highlighted her exceptional qualities and described her passing as a significant loss not only to her family but also to the Nigerian military and the country as a whole.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledge support for the immediate provision of water in the 23 local, promise to fulfill his campaign promises, his preoccupation is to serve the people of Kaduna State who elected him to office
He said in the last 22 months,his administration has intervened in the agricultural sector, enhanced education and brought security in areas that were most affected by insecurity in the past.
Governor Uba Sani who spoke after the Iftar dinner with Kaduna Social Media Influencers at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday, said that he is focused on governance and will not be distracted by quarrelling with anyone.
He disclosed that the scarcity of pipe borne water supply which has been plaguing Kaduna State in the past, will be soon be addressed, promising that water will be available in all the 23 local governments by the end of the year.
The Governor recalled he declared a state of emergency in the water sector when he assumed office because the capacity utilisation of the water supply scheme was less than 5%.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed the capacity has now risen to 30% and by the end of the year, it will reach 100%.
He said that his administration has cleared the salary backlog of Kaduna State Water Corporation staff amounting to N800 million, adding that ‘’we have settled electricity debts worth N1.3 billion. We are also retrofitting all small water supply schemes in all the 23 local governments.’’
The Governor also reiterated that peace has returned to Birnin Gwari and Giwa local governments, which were threatened by insecurity during the last administration.
According to him, the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years due to security challenges, was opened last November and business is now booming, adding that on a daily basis, over 30 trailers load cattle to the southern part of the country.
Governor Uba Sani commended the social media influencers for highlighting the activities of Kaduna State Government, promising to support them in their efforts to promote the administration.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Kaduna Social Media Influencers, Malam Adam Garba, thanked the Governor for hosting them for Iftar, adding that this was the first time that any Governor has done so.
The Chairman equally commended Governor Uba Sani for the support that he has been giving to them, pointing out that Government had earlier given them Ramadan palliatives.
Malam Adam however pleaded with the Governor to provided employment to some of their members who have requisite qualifications, when job opportunities are available.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who’s still in the US, claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.
She said, “I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”
IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives
Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.
Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.
As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.
While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.
Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.
“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”