News

Nigerian Legion To Build Mini-Estate For Veterans In Lagos

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2024

The Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, says it has plans to build a mini estate, to ease the accommodation needs of its members in the state.
The State Chairman of the legion, Deputy Commandant General (DCG), Akeem Wolimoh, said this in an interview with The Tide’s source in Lagos, yesterday.
The source reports that the Nigerian Legion is a non-profit veterans’ organisation founded in 1964, which members include people who served in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Legion is not a para- military organisation, but an off-shoot of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It is a statutory body, as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria official Gazette No. 64 vol. 75 of Sept.30, 1988. It is designed to address the welfare needs of veterans.
Ironically, many ex-service men are faced with many challenges, the worst being lack of decent accommodation to retire to after their service years.
Wolimoh, however, told The Tide’s source that the body was concerned and worried about the pitiable condition of most of their colleagues, hence, the move to create a mini estate in Epe, where decent accommodation would be provided for members.
He said the body had recently sealed a deal to acquire 283 acres of land in Epe, a fast growing metropolitan area in Lagos State, to berth the decent accommodation for military veterans.
According to Wolimoh, there are many ex-service men, who are living in one room shanties and slums in very unfavourable conditions, as a result of lack of accommodation.
“We want to support the needs of military veterans, especially in the area of accommodation because living in unfavourable conditions has negatively impacted their health.
“As recommended in the Nigerian Legion Act, the legion is saddled with the responsibility to provide hostels and accommodate those veterans, who are perceived to be in need of accommodation.
“It is also recommended that the legion shall provide necessary support to the families of fallen heroes and deceased ex-service men, in one way or the other,” he said.
According to him, the plan of the legion is to build an all encompassing estate that will have a resort centre, medical facility, farmland, market, among other things.
He, however, says that financial constraints was slowing down the pace of achieving the body’s lofty idea.
“We have, however, met with a financial mortgage institution and we were advised to register a cooperative, which we did in the name of Nigerian Legion Multipurpose Organisation in January 2023.
“Efforts are ongoing to get the necessary approval from the government and then bring in investors because it is a huge project that the legion cannot financially handle on its own.
“We already have the land, all that is remaining now is government’s approval; once that is done, construction will start,” he said.
Wolimoh told The Tide source that the first phase of the project would be the construction of 30 housing units, to be completed under the public-private partnership initiative.
“This is of utmost urgency to meet the accommodation challenge of veterans.
“It will enable us to quickly provide accommodation for 30 families and get them off the deplorable conditions, which they presently live in.
“By the time the financiers have completed all formalities, we should be able to provide enough accommodation that will address this challenge within a span of between 10 years and 20 years.
“The housing project that will provide decent shelter for ex-servicemen will be a continuous one,” he said.
DCG Wolimoh, told The Tide source that the idea to build an encompassing estate to be likened to a farmyard housing estate, was conceived when he was young.
“As a young man growing up in Epe, I experienced how wives of soldiers then from the military barracks in Epe contributed significantly to stabilising the prices of food in the market.
“Whenever they came with their farm produce to Ayetoro market, which is the central market in Epe, the market price of farm produce would significantly fall.
“As a result of cultivating their farmlands in military barracks, they were able to harvest large quantities of crops, which greatly impacted on the society, to the benefit of the consumers,” he said.
The chairman said that it was a scenario worth recreating in the Nigerian Legion’s proposed housing estate.
“All we need are capable retired veterans, who can still supervise farming activities in a corporate way , where each one will be responsible for certain portion of farmland.
“So, the estate will serve as both accommodation for the veterans, means of sustenance as well as a source of economic relief to the community through their farm produce,” he told The Tide source.
Wolimoh said that the Lagos chapter of the legion would soon perform the ground breaking ceremony of the Nigerian Legion, Training Institute at Itokin, Epe.
“Within that place, we already have plans to build a secondary school and mini health centre for ex-service men.
“We need a health centre for ex-service men where they can be admitted, especially for those who do not have people taking care of them at their old age.
“This challenge is not only peculiar to Nigeria but also other countries of the world where ex-service men suffer because they don’t have family members to take care of them,” he said.
The chairman said that they had already invited people to register as caregivers and that enough people had already shown interest in the job of caring for veterans.
“In addition we have about 350 registered widows of fallen heroes in Lagos State, that we reach out to during every festival to cushion the effect of the high cost of living.
“So, we have taken steps towards achieving this plan, we have already set up our machinery, especially in the aspect of housing and provision of medical facility.
“We are presently responsible for five military veterans on sick bed, paying their bills and buying drugs that are not covered by their NHIS,” Wolimoh said.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor