Five retired Nigerian army officers pulled out of Service
Five retired Nigerian army officers pulled out of Service
The Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps (NAOC) on Friday pulled out five retired Major Generals in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the officers bade the army farewell at the headquarters of NAOC, Abalti Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.
The reviewing Officer, Maj.-Gen Omotomilola Akintade, who spoke on behalf of the other four, said that the journey was a tough one, noting that there were periods of pain, strength, weaknesses, war and peace.
Akintade, however, said that “these experiences, which characterise our noble profession, were not unanticipated during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)”.
He also said that it was his honour to speak on behalf of the other four retired generals being pulled out on the unique and memorable occasion.
Akintade said it marked the formal disengagement from active service in the Nigerian Army and, indeed, the Armed Forces.
He said that they were most delighted to be honoured with a valedictory parade as they bade farewell to the profession of arms.
“I reflect, with great sense of nostalgia, about 34 years ago, when we reported to this very place as young, vibrant and enthusiastic officers after graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“It was with an honour to have been posted to the NAOC. I am confident to say that each of us being pulled out today had benefited immensely from the corps which has helped to nurture us from novices to true professionals and outstanding leaders.
“We shall continue to uphold the Ordnance Corps virtue of “One Big Family,” he said.
He said it took endurance, encouragement, determination, grace of God and prayers to reach the pinnacle of the profession.
“Today is notably a remarkable day that will long remain etched in our hearts. It is a day of great emotional sentiments, nostalgic memories, genuine thankfulness, boundless joy and above all, a sense of unwavering contentment.
“We are bowing out of service at a critical moment when our beloved country is going through a number of challenges and Armed Forces personnel are being deployed to carry out internal security duties.
“I, therefore, admonish all serving personnel to be loyal, dedicated and highly professional in the execution of your duties.
“I urge you to avoid actions that will bring the name and image of the Ordinance Corps and indeed the Nigerian Army to disrepute.
“Let me also remind you of the Oath of Allegiance to which we all swore on commission, which is to be loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to protect her territorial integrity from external aggression.
“In this regard, you must continue to demonstrate a total commitment to your duty to the nation without any form of bias or involvement in partisan politics.
“As my colleagues and I bid you all farewell today, I would like to appreciate the Nigerian Army for giving us the opportunity to serve our fatherland in different capacities within and outside the country.
“I must respectfully appreciate the present Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and all the past COAS for their vision and focus towards ensuring a vibrant Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps capable of sustaining the Nigerian Army both in peace and war.
“I am confident that the corps will continue to offer valuable support to the Nigerian Army.
“I also thank all our distinguished guests, serving and retired senior officers, for making the event a success.
“To our families, no words can quantify your support throughout our service years. The sacrifices and prayers all played a major role in making us to see this day.
“Now specifically to our wives, the true and silent heroes, all we can say for now is that we are back home fully.
“To the Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Ugwuoke, we appreciate your kind gesture in organising this Pulling Out Ceremony.
“I personally thank you for the special honour bestowed on me to review this parade.
“As we formally disengage from the NA alive, we must remember our colleagues who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We pray that God continues to comfort the families they left behind,” Akintade said. (NAN)
In a recent live television appearance, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had blocked her attempts to introduce motions on the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State and demanded sexual favors in return for her speaking rights.
Responding to the allegations during an appearance on Arise TV on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ita-Giwa, who represented Cross River South Senatorial District, said it was inappropriate for female senators to claim sexual harassment after attaining such a high political office.
She described such complaints as a sign of weakness, implying that women in the Senate should be empowered and confident enough to avoid such situations.
She said, “By the time you contest elections and get to Senate, you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed. You go there to serve, and you are all equal in that place. And again, it shows weakness; you don’t allow it. It (sexual harassment) can not happen in the Senate.
“I am not saying the lady is lying, but when you get to the Senate, you’re there as a person. You’re not there as a woman.
“At that stage in politics, if you come out and say someone is sexually harassing you, it is a weakness.”
When questioned whether female lawmakers should remain silent if they are sexually harassed by colleagues, Ita-Giwa firmly stated that accusing fellow lawmakers of making advances is a sign of weakness for female senators.
“I do not agree with Senator Akpoti on this issue. It is the worst sign of weakness for a woman to come forward and accuse a man of making advances at that level,” she said.
Ita-Giwa emphasised that female senators should view themselves as equals to their male counterparts, noting that securing a senatorial seat is no easy feat for anyone, regardless of gender.
News
Ramadan; Govts approve reduction in working hours for Civil Servants
Ramadan; Govts approve reduction in working hours for Civil Servants
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has approved a reduction in official working hours for civil servants in the holy month of Ramadan.
The approval is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Awwal Manu-Dogondaji, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
According to the statement, civil servants in the state will now work from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.
It added that normal working hours would resume after Ramadan.
Manu-Dogondaji urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayers for lasting peace and stability in Kebbi and Nigeria.
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has also approved reduction of working hours for state civil servants to honour the 2025 Ramadan fast.
The approval is in a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Muhammad Dagaceri, on Tuesday in Dutse.
He stated that “civil servants in the state will report to the office at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, throughout the Ramadan period.
“On Fridays, the civil servants will report at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.’’
The head of service explained that the gesture is to provide opportunities for civil servants to fully engage in spiritual activities associated with the holy month.
“It is hoped that civil servants in the state will use the Ramadan period to pray for God’s guidance and blessings for our state and the country in general,” Dagaceri added.
Muslims worldwide have started observing the 29 or 30 days of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Lunar calendar.
While observing the dawn-to-dusk fast, Muslims are to refrain from eating, drinking and intimate activities throughout the period.
Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,400 years ago.(NAN)
News
7 armed robbery suspects arrested by Police operatives,firearms, ammunitions recovered
7 armed robbery suspects arrested by Police operatives,firearms, ammunitions recovered
The Police Command in Enugu State, says it has arrested seven suspects for alleged armed robbery and conspiracy.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that the suspects were apprehended by detectives attached to the command’s Criminal Investigation Department.
He explained that the arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence and response to a report received at the Unity Police Division.
He added that exhibits which include firearms, ammunition, machetes and other alleged stolen items were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, on Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 respectively, the Unity Police Division received a report that suspected armed robbers invaded and robbed some residents of Ibagwa-Nike community in Enugu of their valuables.
“Upon the transfer of the case, detective from the state’s CID attached to the Anti-Robbery (D9) Section immediately launched an intelligence-guided investigation, leading to the apprehension of the seven suspects.
”One pump-action gun, two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges and two machetes, were recovered from the suspects.
”Also recovered were SIM cards, Identity cards, clothes, supplement drugs and other robbed items, which the owners have identified.”
The spokesman said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court once investigations were concluded.
Ndukwe quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, as reiterating the command’s determination to significantly reduce crime in the state.
Uzuegbu said this however required the continuous contribution and unwavering support of residents.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and steadfast in supporting the police. (NAN)