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Synergy Key In Countering Security Challenges, Buhari Insists
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that intelligence gathering and synergy among security agencies are major catalysts in winning the war against terrorism and other security challenges in the country.
The president stated this while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2021, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro Abuja.
He charged the military to do more in information gathering to comprehensively defeat all forms of security challenges in the country.
The president, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, acknowledged the successes so far achieved by Nigerian Army (NA) and other security agencies in the North-East and other theatres of operations across the country, noting that the Army is a key element of national power and diplomacy.
Buhari, who commended the COAS for his sterling and exemplary leadership of the Army, also expressed satisfaction in the progressive restructuring of the NA to a value oriented professional Army, adding that the invigoration will enable the NA function more efficiently.
The president maintained that for democracy to thrive, there must be adequate security of lives and property, stating that his administration is doing its best to equip the Armed Forces to optimally perform its constitutional roles.
He charged the NA to remain apolitical and continue to operate within the framework of the principles of fundamental human rights and strict adherence to rules of engagement in its operations.
Buhari assured the Armed Forces and all security agencies of adequate and prompt provision for their welfare and entitlements.
In his remarks at the conference, the Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd) represented by the Director, Army in the Ministry, Mr Sunday Attah, appreciated the president for his unflinching support for ongoing operations across the country, assuring that all resources will be judiciously utilised.
He expressed optimism that decisions taken during the conference will generate new strategies for enhancing security and assist in charting a better course for the NA in 2022.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, stated that the conference is an annual event of the NA, in line with his vision to have a “Professional Nigerian Army, ready to accomplish all Assigned Mission, within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”.
Yahaya pointed out that year 2021 was full of activities for the NA, adding that the NA was confronted with enormous security challenges across the country and vowed that the NA will not relent in its efforts to root out terrorism, banditry and other crimes in the country.
He added that the conference will provide opportunity to evaluate efforts on ongoing operations, towards achieving overall national defence and security objectives and chart the way forward for better performance in the year 2022 and beyond.
He explained that 2021 COAS Annual Conference comes with two features, viz., indigenous research and development exhibition and valedictory dinner in honour of retiring personnel of the NA, to appreciate them for their sacrifices and meritorious service to the nation.
A major highlight of the conference was the Research and Development Exhibition organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation (DATI).
Dignitaries, who graced the occasion, include former Defence and Army Chiefs, members of the National Assembly, service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, top brass of the NA, National President Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, (NAOWA), principal staff officers from Defence and Services Headquarters.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol