NEWS
Senate President hails Armed Forces on Nation Building Sacrifices

The President of the Senate, Mr Godswill Akpabio, says the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are the foundation upon which citizens stand tall.
Akpabio said this at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2025 Lecture and Art Exhibition, organised by the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.
His speech entitled: “Building a Synergy for Development”, was presented on his behalf by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen.
Gbenga Daniel.Akpabio said that every inch of progress recorded had been rewarded with the courage, sweat and too often, the blood of the men and women of the armed forces.
He also hailed families of the servicemen and women, describing them as unsung heroes.
“Your sacrifices are the foundation upon which our citizens stand tall.
“Nigerians owe you a debt that can never be fully repaid, ” he said.
He said the gathering was not merely to observe a tradition but to honour a legacy that was forged on courage, sacrifice and unyielding devotion to the nation.
“Today, we do not only remember our heroes, we celebrate their resolve, resilience and remarkable contributions to the development and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Great nations are built from the strength of their institutions and unity of their people, ” the senate president said.
According to him, the Nigerian armed forces are truly exceptional but they cannot succeed in isolation.
“These challenges we face, insurgency, banditry and the pursuit of sustainable development require a unified response.
“We must commit to a partnership grounded in trust, mutual respect and the shared vision for a better Nigeria,” he said.
Report says that the 2025 lecture entitled, “Armed Forces Celebration and National Development” was delivered by the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Lucky Irabor.
Irabor urged enhanced civil-military relations to avoid the military being seen as anti-people as well as welfare and wellbeing of its veterans.
He said the sense of duty and patriotic disposition of the veterans could serve useful purposes in different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He said the veterans could serve as part of the early warning systems in various parts of the country, where they are domiciled.
“They can also assist in security policy development at community levels and also serve as part of local law enforcement or civil defence and emergency services, ” he said.
The event also featured exhibition of some selected artworks from the Nigerian Army Museum and some Nigerian artists, anchored by Prof. Jerry Buhari of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. (NAN)
NEWS
Adamawa Health Supply Management Agency Revolutionizes Drug Procurement

From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency has introduced sweeping reforms in the state’s healthcare delivery system, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality medicines to health facilities across the state.The agency’s Executive Secretary, Dauda Deri disclosed that the new system allows the state to procure drugs directly from certified pharmaceutical manufacturers, cutting out middlemen and guaranteeing quality, safety and affordability.
The new system enables the state to receive supplies directly from manufacturers, ensuring that every batch of drugs can be traced and any problems swiftly addressed.This development is a significant step towards eliminating substandard medications and improving the overall quality of healthcare in the state.Deri emphasized that the centralization of drug procurement with reliable data has not only improved efficiency but also reduced costs, making medicines more affordable for both the poor and the general public. Governor Fintiri’s prioritization of healthcare has been instrumental to the agency’s success, and the state’s swift establishment of the Health Supply Management Agency has been recognized nationally.The agency’s recapitalization has also revitalized the pharmacy profession in the state, with pharmacists who previously left the state for better opportunities returning to Adamawa. The government has provided all necessary working tools, encouraging pharmacists to join the civil service.With newly built hospitals, upgraded facilities, and a steady supply of quality drugs, the Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency is setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in the region. The agency’s efforts are expected to improve the health and well-being of the people of Adamawa State, and its success serves as a model for other states in Nigeria.NEWS
AFRO Awards 2025: Film Director Lauds Philanthropists, Organizations on Humanitarian Services
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A US based Film Director, Taiwo Oduala has commended the unprecedented achievements and humanitarian services being rendered to the less privileged by philanthropists and corporate organisations.Oduala gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Lokoja.
The Nigerian born film director, who hosts the Afro Awards in Los Angeles, America, said life is all about service to God and humanity, no matter how low or highly placed in the society. He said that the love for mankind that some individuals and organizations are displaying across the globe gave birth to the Afro Awards four years ago.The founder and executive producer of the Afro Awards, said the awards were solely aimed to recognize and honor individuals, who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian excellence in various fields.”The first event was held on Nov. 6, 2022, at Regal La Live, 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, California and hopefully by Oct. 24, we shall be holding the 4th edition of the award.”The Afro Awards has hosted and honored over 5,000 individuals since its inception, recognizing their contributions to humanitarianism and philanthropy in American and African communities alike,” he said.According to him, the 2025 event promises an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and powerful recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity, leadership, arts, entertainment, and global excellence.He added, “AFRO Awards is an international celebration dedicated to honoring the achievements of individuals and organizations that exemplify humanitarian values and excellence in their respective fields.”Looking at the past honorees including global icons, philanthropists, and change-makers, we believe the AFRO awards will continue to stand as a symbol of unity, inspiration, and cultural pride.”NEWS
Kogi Monarch Hails Ododo’s Leadership Style, Promises Peace Maintenance

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
His Royal Majesty, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state has commended Governor Usman Ododo’s Leadership Style with a promise to complement government’s efforts in maintaining peace and order in his domain.
He said Governor Ododo’s administration has been impactful and demonstrated a high level of human face leadership capacity. His Royal Majesty gave the commendation while speaking at the one-year anniversary of his receipt of the staff of office as a first-class traditional ruler.”One year ago, the Akinrin of Ekinrin was honored with the staff of office by Governor Usman Ododo during a colorful ceremony attended by a large crowd at the Kogi State Government House’s Glass House in Lokoja, Kogi State. Myself and my subjects remain eternally grateful to the Governor and will continue to be solidly behind your people-oriented administration”When God says yes, no individual or group can say no. I, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin, am profoundly grateful to God for this gesture. On behalf of the Ekinrin community in Ekinrin-Adde, I also extend my gratitude to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for elevating the Ekinrin throne to its first-class status.”The two significant events—the grading of the stool and the presentation of the staff of office—are truly memorable. To God be the glory.”I would like to thank all the friends of Akinrin and the Ekinrin community, both in Ekinrin-Adde and beyond, who have congratulated Oba Akinrin and the Ekinrin community. Thank you, good people!”Let me reiterate what I often say: our unity is not only our strength; it is also our path to progress and the ultimate reason we are here. I encourage all of you to love one another, for God is love. Congratulations to everyone in Ekinrin-Adde”