Federal Govt committed to welfare of Military officers, says Godswill Akpabio
Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to the welfare of military officers.
Akpabio gave the assurances when he inaugurated the remodeled Officers’ Mess of the National Defence College (NDC), in commemoration of the graduation of the college’s Course 32, on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, had shown unwavering support for the armed forces, adding that the mess project was yet another example of such commitment.
Akpabio also gave assurance of the government commitment towards timely completion of the college’s permanent site at Piweyi, adding that the Senate would ensure adequate provision for the project in 2025 budget.
“We believe strongly that this will enhance the morale of our officers, providing them with a very conducive environment to unwind, to reflect, and to engage in the kind of strategic thinking that is essential for the security of the global community, not just Nigeria.
“In these walls that you are seeing today, conversations will be held, visions will be met, and friendships will be forged, and all of which will contribute to the strength and resilience of our armed forces.
“As we have formally commissioned the remodeled NDC officers’ mess today, please remember that this is more than just a building, but a sanctuary for those who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.
“It is a place where the future leaders of our global community, the armed forces, will gather, will learn, and will grow.
“It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to support and uplift one another, and to stand at the front lines of our national security,” he said.
The senate president commended the commandant and staff of the college for the giant stride being made by the college and becoming a global centre of learning for military officers from across the world.
According to him, this institution, steeped in history and tradition, has long served as a cornerstone in the lives of military officers, providing not just a space for relaxation and friendship, but also a vital hub for strategic discussions and fostering of unity among the armed forces.
He said the project signified that they were more or less dedicated to the ideals of excellence, discipline, and service that had remained the cornerstone of the institution.
“The National Defence College has been a beacon of leadership, producing officers who have gone on to serve our great nation, to serve Africa, and now even the global community, because of your composition for years with distinction and honor.
“Today, we take a significant step towards ensuring that this legacy continues for generations to come.
“The NDC officers’ mass is a testament to our collective commitment to the welfare of our military personnel and the continuous improvement of their working and living environments,” he added.
The Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, thanked Akpabio for being part of the college’s transformational efforts, adding that he supported the construction of the mess when he was governor of Akwa Ibom.
Olotu said the newly renovated mess was meant for the unwinding and relaxation of personnel of the college as well embodies the support to personnel where they can rest, regroup, and rejuvenate in readiness for their vital duties.
“It is important, ladies and gentlemen, to place on record the unmatched contribution of His Excellency, the Senate President to this College and the officers’ mess over the years.
“For this reason, His Excellency has been our grand patron over the years, and I would also like to express our profound gratitude to him personally, because without him, this mess would not have been established in the first place.
Because we all remember him serving as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom, on a visit to this College, he provided the initial funding that was used to actually erect this place that we have just remodeled,” he said. (NAN)
News
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026).
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
The president attended the summit alongside some members of his cabinet.
On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement is aimed at deepening economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade and investment, and enhancing technology transfer.
It will also expand collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy.
In his address at the summit, Tinubu announced that Nigeria and the UAE would jointly host INVESTOPIA in Lagos in February.
The initiative is designed to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria.
Tinubu also said Nigeria targets mobilising up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance.
He said the funds would support energy transition reforms and expand nationwide access to electricity. (NAN)
News
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied receiving a letter from Gov. Dauda Lawal seeking to defect to the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were speculations across the state over Lawal’s move to defect to APC.
A statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, described the speculations as fabricated.
“The party came across a fabricated report purported to have emanated from one Tambarin Gusau claiming that Go Dauda Lawal has sent a letter to the party wanting to join the APC.
“The report is malicious, unfortunate, unfounded, mischievous and showed the unprofessional manner which some people can go in misleading others and causing chaos in a stable and a peaceful party like the APC.
“The APC has responsible channels where everything is done in a guided manner,” Idris said.
According to him, the party has not received any letter from Lawal as claimed through the imagination of the writer nor was the party aware of any recent moves by the governor to defect from the PDP to the APC.
“All members of the party and indeed the public especially in Zamfara should therefore disregard such report.,” Idris added.(NAN)
News
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.
The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.
He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.
“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”
“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.
Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.
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