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Army Holds Service of Songs in Honour of Lagbaja

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The Nigerian Army on Thursday held a Service of Songs in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed on after a brief illness on Nov. 5.

The service of songs marked the commencement of the burial rites for the late COAS whose remains was flown into Abuja on Thursday from Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.

-Gen.
Kelvin Aligbe, reminisced on their journey at the Nigeria Defense Academy.

Aligbe, who is the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), noted that the late COAS and 199 of them assembled for training as members of the course on Sept. 12, 1992.

He said that they trained and were commissioned together into the armed forces, adding that the late Lagbaja right from onset led with no doubt.

“He was first and foremost an operational commander.

“Little wonder that while commands in the services are sometimes difficult to come by, he had the privilege of being the only person, if my memory serves me right, to have commanded a battalion at two different times.

“He commanded brigades at two different times. He was a General Officer Commanding at two different times.

“He was primed for the operation that he led, through which, even though they say soldiers don’t die, his memories, they fade away.

“The only way my course mates and I and the other members of the armed forces, officers and soldiers that he left behind, can honor his memory truly, is to continue what he believed in.

*He believed in the indivisibility of Nigeria. He believed in service. He gave everything. At the risk of sounding immodest, I don’t know if we gave him enough.

“Dear course mate, dear friend, dear boss, sleep until we meet again,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Hajiya Bilikisu Ibrahim, described the late COAS as a man that gave hope and courage to those he served and led.

Ibrahim said that the memory of Lagbaja would remain indelible in the hearts of every member of the Nigerian army family for a very long time.

“In every step, he walked a path of growth, of unyielding strength and dedication to the service of Nigeria.

“To those he served, he was a pillar of protection, an unwavering beacon amidst storms of insanity and threats.

“But beyond our soldiers was a man of faith, a spirit rooted in devotion and conviction in the trials of duty, he held fast to his spirituality, finding in prayers the fortitude that guided him through the darkest battles.

“His beliefs were his anchor, a quiet force that strengthened him as he led a sacrifice for the nation he loved.

“His life was not only a mission of arms, but of the heart of journey where faith met duty and courage met compassion.

“As we gather hands held in solace and grief, we recall the gentleness in his smile, the depth of his wisdom, the vision that he led armies and inspired peace,” she said.

The Global President of St. Charles Grammar School Osogbo Old Boys Association, Mr Tade Adekunle, read a poem written by one of the current students of the school, in honor of the late COAS.

Adekunle disclosed that the poem was written by an SS2 student named, Agboola Rahim.

Part of the poem reads, “the immortal hero, a militant heart, now still and cold.

“The nation mourn, both young and old. A warrior’s soul, a poet’s might on the field of faith, you shone so bright.

“With every piece of bread, you shield our motherland leading brave men with a steadfast hand, but now empty blade of honor now laid down.

“Its cannon’s cry extinguished, yet legend remains. A warrior’s pulse, now stilled in time. On the altar of freedom, you laid your life, your sacrifice, our beacon of hope”.

The event had in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who led other service chiefs including the Acting COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

Others were the Chief of the Air Staff represented by AVM Iboro Etukudo; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Also in attendance are the Comptroller -General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, former service chiefs, retired military officers, wives of the service chiefs flanked the wife of the late COAS, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja.

According to the burial programme, funeral service will hold at the National Christian Centre while the interment follows at the National Military Cemetery Abuja on Friday. (NAN)

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Kaduna’ll be Secure During Yuletide-CP

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 The Police Command in Kaduna State said it  has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state.

The  Commissioner of Police, (CP), AIG Ibrahim Abdullahi, said this in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, on  Sunday in Kaduna.

Abdullahi also reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the festive season.

He said that proactive measures have been put in place to address potential security challenges and to reassure the citizens of their safety during the celebrations.

 Abdullahi said, “Major deployments of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti Vice Section, CP Monitoring Unit and Operation Fushin Kada have all been made in strategic flash-points within the state.

The CP also urged the public to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and security of the state.

 “The youths are warned to refrain from the use of banned items like fireworks, knockouts, and any other materials capable of causing fear or unrest in the streets, “he said.

The CP also commended the collaborative efforts of the various stakeholders in promoting a harmonious atmosphere across the state.

He assured the public that the command would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, working tirelessly to prevent crimes and uphold peace.

“The Kaduna State Police Command wishes everyone a joyous and safe holiday season, “Abdullahi said.(NAN)

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IG Visits Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody in Ilorin 

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The Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death of a man reportedly tortured to death by the police.

Report says that 35-year-old Jimoh Abdulquadri was said to have been tortured to death by some policemen at the Kwara Command late Friday.

The deceased, who was of Balogun Fulani community at Erubu in Ilorin, reportedly died in police custody in questionable circumstances.

During a condolence visit to the deceased’s community, Egbetokun pleaded with the entire members of the community, especially the youths, not to take the law into their hands.

He disclosed that he had directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Abdulquadri.

The IG assured that the matter would not be swept under the carpet, saying “justice will be served”.

Expressing his regrets about the incident, Egbetokun recalled how Ilorin indigenes received him as the Commissioner of Police (CP) in 2020.

He added however that it was saddening that he had to visit the state in a sour mood.

“I am always very excited to visit Ilorin because when I was posted here in 2020, I was warmly received by the people who often prayed for me.

“Your prayers then still go with me, and it is not an exaggeration that I claim Ilorin indigeneship.

“I am very sad to be here today (Sunday) on a condolence visit over the death of Jimoh, of which circumstances surrounding his death are very worrisome.

“But justice must be served. I have already directed investigation, and I have given necessary directives to the CP here. We will get to the root of this case,” the IG told his audience.

He however cautioned the community against rushing into conclusion but to await the findings of the investigative committee which would be made public.

“Let us not jump into conclusions. I have visited the State Command and I have directed a thorough investigation.”

Egbetokun assured that the Police would support the family of the deceased.

“We know that no amount of support will ease their pains, but we’re sure that our efforts will go a long way.

“I pray that no sad story will bring me to Kwara again,” he said.

Various speakers at the occasion, including the Balogun Fulani, youths and the Ilorin Decendants Union representative, demanded justice regarding the death of Abdulquadri.

Report says that the deceased was arrested by police operatives on Thursday for allegedly owing one Peter, a fellow colleague at Olam Farms in Offa, the sum of N220,000.

He reportedly died in custody late Friday.(NAN)

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2024 was Turbulent for us But God Strengthened us, Makinde Says

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Gov. Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go through turbulent times in the year 2024.

“2024 had been really turbulent, but God has given us the strength to keep pushing,” he said in his remarks at the 2024 Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organised by the state government.

Makinde recalled the Jan.

16 explosion which occured at Bodija area of Ibadan and claimed several lives and destroyed property amounting to billions of Naira.

The governor also pointed at the recent stampede at Islamic High School at Basorun in Ibadan which took the lives of not less than 35 innocent children.

He then reiterated his administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Oyo State, saying the state’s development had been his priority since 2019 when he assumed office.

The governor thanked the state House of Assembly’ Speaker and all members of the Assembly for the timely passage of the 2025 state budget, which he would sign into law on Monday.

He also commended the judiciary for working together with the two other arms of government “for us to have harmony in the running of government in the state”.

Makinde equally thanked religious leaders and the people of the state for their support, noting that the cooperation of the people made it possible for his administration to achieve success.

“I use this opportunity also to thank traditional rulers for maintaining peace in their various domains,” he said.

In his exhortation, the Presiding Bishop, Christ Life Church, Wale Oke, implored Nigerians to embrace light and abstain from darkness.

“Corruption, inequity, partiality, idolatry, among others, are agents of darkness,” he said.

Report says that the governor read the ninth lesson of the service while his wife Tamunominini read the eighth lesson.

The event, which was held at the Remembrance Arcade at Government House in Ibadan, involved prayers for government functionaries, political leaders and the entire people of the state.(NAN)

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