By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, calling for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army and traditional institutions to enhance national security.

The visit, which took place at the Iga Idunganran Palace in Lagos, was aimed at strengthening the Army’s longstanding relationship with the Lagos traditional council.

He emphasized the significance of traditional authority in promoting peace and stability, noting that Nigeria’s customs and traditions “remain sacrosanct and must always be honoured.

General Shaibu praised Oba Akiolu’s fatherly role and consistent goodwill toward Army formations in Lagos, describing the monarch’s support as invaluable to the institution’s operational effectiveness.

Responding, Oba Akiolu commended the Nigerian Army for its unrelenting sacrifice and professionalism in safeguarding the country. He said the military remains “a critical pillar upon which the Nigerian State stands,” adding that its personnel have contributed immensely to maintaining national stability.

The monarch applauded General Shaibu’s leadership and commitment to ensuring a secure Nigeria, before offering special prayers for lasting peace in the country and for the COAS’s successful tenure as the 25th Chief of Army Staff.

The Army said the visit highlights its continued efforts to strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, whom it described as crucial partners in the nation’s security architecture.

The statement was issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned that Nigeria’s corruption crisis is so pervasive that strict enforcement of existing laws could land the majority of citizens in prison.

The alarm was raised by the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Kaduna State, Ishaku at a capacity-building workshop on local government accountability convened yesterday by the State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Ishaku, who spoke on the theme “Accountability in Local Government: A Springboard for National Development,” said corruption has become deeply embedded in every facet of Nigerian life.

He said: “If the laws were to be applied to the latter, about 80 percent of the people you see walking the street freely will be in jail.”

Ishaku described corruption in Nigeria as “endemic and deeply entrenched across all levels of governance and society, driven by weak institutions, lack of accountability and pervasive socio-economic factors.”

He explained that corruption has diverted public resources, worsened poverty, fueled social unrest and stalled development efforts across the country.

He added: “Let me be clear, there is no massive wealth that is acquired that has no criminality behind it. Even if it is by bequest, check its origin — at best you must have underpaid labour.”

The ICPC Commissioner lamented that many Nigerians resist anti-corruption reforms because corrupt practices offer personal benefits. “Not everybody wants to hear about fighting corruption,” he said. “Probably because the pact benefits the dyad to the detriment of the entire society.”

Issuing a direct challenge to local government chairmen, he criticised leaders who complete two terms in office without visible achievements. “It is appalling and quite disheartening for you as Council Chairmen at the point of exit cannot pinpoint any accomplished legacy project,” he said. “Do you really deserve to be there in the first place?”

Ishaku also called for tougher penalties for graft, arguing that current sanctions are insufficient. “Where someone steals 2 billion and he is sent to prison to spend just 5 years is just a slap on the wrist,” he said. He urged a review of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws to make them stronger and more deterrent.

He encouraged Kaduna State to adopt mandatory project monitoring similar to the ICPC’s Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative, which he said has compelled many contractors who abandoned public projects to return to site.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman Legas, aligned with the ICPC’s concerns and added that public attitudes also undermine development efforts.

Legas described Kaduna as a major economic gateway to Northern Nigeria but noted the pressures the region faces. He argued that although Nigeria is “one of the richest countries in the world” by potential, progress has been hampered by poor leadership and weak civic responsibility.

He revealed that his ministry saved “over 8–9 billion” through rural electrification repairs across Zonkwa, Makarfi, Ikara, Kudan and Soba, but lamented that the same communities “stole all and vandalized those transformers.”

According to him, this demonstrates that development cannot succeed when citizens destroy government-provided infrastructure.

He called for wider public enlightenment and stronger collaboration between agencies and local governments to promote community ownership and protection of public assets.

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From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

Zamfara State Government has charged Corps members deployed to the State to demonstrate commitment and live harmoniously with host communities throughout their service year.

The charge was given by the State Governor, Dr.

The Governor was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Nasiru Galadima Kaura.

Addressing the Corps members, the Governor urged them to contribute meaningfully in their various places of primary assignment to help uplift communities across the state.

“You are arriving in Zamfara State at a time when this administration is fully implementing its rescue agenda; a holistic plan aimed at restoring peace, rebuilding institutions, and improving the quality of life for our people. You are an important part of this vision,” he said.

The Governor assured the Corps members of his administration’s unwavering commitment to their security and welfare, stating, “We have put in place various arrangements to ensure that you serve in safe environments”.

He further promised that Corps members who distinguish themselves through exemplary performance and community development initiatives would be duly recognized and rewarded by the State government at the end of their service.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NYSC with the necessary logistics and resources to ensure a comfortable and productive service year.

In his remarks, the State NYSC Coordinator, Malam Lawal Ahmad, appreciated the Zamfara State Government for its continuous support to the scheme.

He encouraged corps members to remain dedicated to serving their fatherland and urged them to be security conscious.