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Tinubu hails Guards Brigade over security of FCT, environs
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Guards Brigade Nigerian Army for checkmating all forms of security threats in the nation’s seat of power as well as his personal security.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, gave the commendation at the elite guards’ West Africa Social Activities on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that the presidential guard had during the year displayed exceptional commitment towards securing the seat of government, the Federal Capital Territory, and its environs.
“I also appreciate the efforts of the commander, officers, and men of Guards Brigade for always willing to sacrifice an extra hour of hard work of planning and coordinating the presidential security duties.
“The ceremonial parade and operational endeavours are very much appreciated.
“Your style in managing the security threat in the FCT has ensured the safety of not only the president, but that of other citizens, visitors, and diplomats.
“I therefore urge you to continue to be extraordinarily compassionate and empathetic in the conduct of your operations, and to always strive for excellence in discharging your responsibilities.
“I say thank you for your dedication and commitment to security and securing lives and properties, and for sacrificing your today for our tomorrow,’’ he said.
The president also extended his appreciation to the personnel’s families for their overbearing support and understanding that made it possible for them to dedicate time required to perform various duties.
He expressed confidence that the brigade would always rise to the challenges of its duties and keep the flag of the Nigerian Army flying at all times.
According to him, the diversity of experience, skill, and talent of officers and soldiers of the Brigade is an asset to the Nigerian army and indeed the nation.
“I believe that your dedication to duty will encourage and motivate other soldiers elsewhere to emulate your exemplary effort.
“I also thank you all not just for your service to this great nation, but for reminding us why Nigeria will always be a great nation,” he added.
Tinubu lauded the brigade for organising the WASA event, adding that the traditional dance and local dishes on display would no doubt allow them to appreciate their culture better.
He said the event would also help them to preserve their cultural heritage and distinct identity.
“Today’s WASA is not just about our culture and traditions alone, but also a celebration of our collective spirit that falls on Guards Brigade, and indeed the Nigerian army.”
In his welcome remarks, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said the brigade recorded several operational successes recorded in the FCT and parts of Nasarawa and Niger states.
He said that discharging their responsibilities has kept troops away from their families, who had remained supportive, patient and resilient.
Onasanya said that troops also simultaneously and efficiently coordinated the conduct of all routine and national surveillance targets in the course of the year.
He said that the 2024 WASA was aimed at appreciating the troops and their families by creating an avenue for officers and men to engage in a relaxed atmosphere after a very busy year.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the display of various cultural dances, traditional costumes and dress by the various ethnic groups.
It also featured a raffle draw that saw many people going home with different items such as refrigerator, smart television sets, bags of rice and other household items.
The star prize was a cow, while the president’s representative added a cash gift of N1m to the winner and other cash prizes.
Of note is the recognition of some soldiers who distinguished themselves in operational activities during the year, as well as tug of war between female soldiers and soldiers’ wives, which was won by soldiers’ wives.
The event was climaxed with the beating of the retreat, layering of flags as well as lighting of the bonfire. (NAN)
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.