society
BRIDGING DIVIDES, BUILDING UNITY: NIGERIAN ARMY’S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE COURSE AS A PILLAR OF NATIONAL INTEGRATION
BRIDGING DIVIDES, BUILDING UNITY: NIGERIAN ARMY’S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE COURSE AS A PILLAR OF NATIONAL INTEGRATION
BY
BRIGADIER GENERAL SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN (RTD) mni fnipr
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”-Charlemagne
In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, language is more than just a medium of communication, it is a gateway to understanding, empathy and effective leadership. At a time when many are lamenting the widening ethnic, religious and cultural divides across the nation, the Nigerian Army has chosen a different path, one of unity through language and cultural integration.
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, marked yet another significant milestone on Friday, 9th May 2025, with the graduation of 150 officers and soldiers from across its various formations and units. These graduates of the Indigenous Languages Course 18/2025 represent the 18th group of personnel to complete this flagship initiative, which, since 2018, has equipped over 2,410 personnel that become proficient in two other languages other than their mother tongues in any of the 3 major Nigerian languages. Thus equipping them to serve not only as protectors of the nation, but also as bridges across its many divides and agents of national unity.
The course is the practical expression of the Nigerian Army Language Policy, which mandates that all personnel must learn at least two indigenous languages apart from their mother tongue. This is not a cosmetic requirement, but a strategic initiative of the Nigerian Army. In the multi-ethnic theatres of Nigeria Army’s counterinsurgency and internal security operations, whether in the Northeast, Northwest, South-South or other geo-political regions, managing community relations has compelled a proficiency in local languages as an important tool in operational effectiveness and mission success of the troops.
The programme is a brainchild of the forward-looking leadership of the Nigerian Army and the management of NARC, in partnership with Laclic Services Limited. It bears eloquent testimony to the evolving role of the military in ensuring law and order in the country. All thanks to this wonderful initiative, today’s soldier is not just a fighter, but also a negotiator, peacebuilder and communicator. Special commendation must go to Laclic Services Limited, the indigenous company that supplies well-trained instructors and high-quality teaching aids. The organisation’s dedication to linguistic excellence and cultural preservation has been central to the programme’s success.
Participants of the programme are immersed in both theoretical and practical learning. Classes include local culture, grammar, vocabulary, phonetics and conversational skills. The course curriculum also integrates photo stories, group work, presentations and rigorous written and oral assessments. One of the most impactful components is the practical field immersion, where trainees visit the nearby Mammy Market at Mambilla Barracks, interact with civilians in their chosen languages, and test their communication skills and proficiency in real-time. On graduation day, participants stage playlets, which are performed entirely in the new languages they’ve acquired. These dramatisations are more than ceremonial; they are symbolic of the bridge-building spirit the programme seeks to instil.
Across the world and here in Nigeria, there are countless examples of how language proficiency has changed the trajectory of military and humanitarian operations. In 2002–2003, during the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Nigerian troops earned the admiration of local communities largely because some had taken time to learn Krio, the lingua franca. This linguistic empathy smoothed community engagements and de-escalated tensions. Similarly, in Liberia and Sudan, Nigerian peacekeepers’ knowledge of local languages often made the difference between suspicion and cooperation.
Contrast this with situations where language gaps exacerbate mistrust. During the early stages of the insurgency in Northeast Nigeria, numerous misunderstandings between troops and local communities were linked to poor communication. Civilians misinterpreted military movements and intentions, while troops, unable to decode local dialects or cultural nuances, struggled to build rapport. In several cases, critical intelligence from locals was lost in translation, if not missed altogether.
Outside the military, language differences have triggered or prolonged conflicts, particularly in multi-ethnic settings. A notable example is the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, where the inability to mediate between ethnic groups, compounded by poor communication, allowed propaganda and hate speech to go unchallenged. Even in advanced democracies, language barriers within immigrant or multi-ethnic communities continue to affect law enforcement, healthcare delivery and justice administration.
The Indigenous Languages Course demonstrates that language can be a powerful peacebuilding tool. It allows soldiers to interact with their colleagues, neighbours and host communities in their tongue, breaking down barriers, winning hearts and minds, and enabling more effective civil-military cooperation. It also enhances internal cohesion within the military, fostering mutual respect and unity across Nigeria’s ethnocultural spectrum.
This initiative is as much about national integration as it is about professional development. It empowers personnel to function better, not just on the battlefield, but in their everyday engagements with the very citizens they swore to defend. It reinforces the belief that to secure a nation, you must first understand it, and to understand it, you must speak its many tongues.
This programme undoubtedly stands as a model for other government agencies, institutions, and even private organisations, which can benefit from improved interethnic communication, stronger community engagement, and enhanced operational cohesion through indigenous language proficiency. If the military, an institution often associated with rigid hierarchy and combat discipline, can embrace linguistic diversity as a strength, then so can the rest of the country. We must move from mere tolerance to active appreciation of our differences. Language is where that journey begins.
As Nigeria continues to search for a unifying national identity, initiatives like the Indigenous Languages Course of the Nigerian Army offer a compelling blueprint. It reminds us that nation-building is not only the duty of politicians and intellectuals, but of every institution and indeed every citizen willing to take one more step towards understanding the other.
To further encourage participation, the Nigerian Army supports officers and soldiers who successfully graduate from the course with a monthly stipend. Additionally, to ensure continued proficiency and commitment, such personnel are tested annually, reinforcing both the seriousness of the initiative and its long-term impact. It is also important to highlight the annual online recertification examinations, which serve as a mechanism to ensure that participants continue to practice and retain the languages they have learned at the NARC. In addition, facilitators occasionally reach out to selected graduates at random, offering informal check-ins and gentle reminders to keep their linguistic skills active and relevant.
As the latest graduates take the stage at NARC, let us salute them, not just for their newfound language skills, but for becoming living symbols of Nigeria’s promise: that despite our differences, we can speak as one.
It is now time for all Nigerians, individuals, institutions, and governments at every level, to recognise, commend and emulate this remarkable initiative. Language should not divide us; it should connect us. Just as the Nigerian Army has shown leadership in bridging ethnic and cultural gaps through structured language education, so too should our schools, civil service, institutions and communities embrace multilingualism as a tool for national integration. Let this be a national movement that values every Nigerian tongue, culture, and effort to understand the other. By learning one another’s language, we take the first step toward learning one another’s pain, dreams, fears, and hopes.
Only then can we move beyond mere coexistence to truly live as one, bound not just by geography but by a shared commitment to peace, harmony, and mutual respect. Let us rise above our divisions and embrace the strength in our diversity, building a united Nigeria under God where every voice is heard, every culture is honoured, and every citizen belongs and is respected.
The writer, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), mni fnipr, is a respected public affairs analyst and a specialist in security and strategic communication. He can be reached via his social media platforms using the handle @skusman.
Carry‑On Chaos: Travelers Clash Over Tightened Size Rules in 2026
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“As airlines worldwide strictly enforce carry‑on dimensions, social media erupts, passengers incur surprise fees, and industry experts warn that confusion and inconsistent policies are straining the travel ecosystem.”
A growing storm of discontent has erupted across social media platforms, particularly on TikTok, as air travelers from the United States to Europe and beyond grapple with the tightening of carry‑on luggage size enforcement in 2026. What began as a viral video warning about changing baggage measurements has ballooned into a widespread debate over airline policies that many passengers say are opaque, inconsistent and financially punitive.
The spark was a clip shared by TikTok user karenschaler, a screenwriter and travel enthusiast, urging fellow flyers to reexamine their carry‑on bags before their next trip. She insisted that “so many carry‑on bags that used to get through fine are now getting pulled, gate checked and you are being charged,” especially if those suitcases have hard shells, bulky wheels, or extended handles that make them technically oversize.
What most passengers didn’t realize until recently is that this isn’t a new rule implemented by governments, there’s no global treaty or international regulator that set new carry‑on dimensions for 2026. Rather, what’s changed is the degree of enforcement by airlines and how they interpret their own size restrictions, which often include wheels and handles in the measurement.
At the centre of the controversy is the 22 x 14 x 9 inches limit (56 x 36 x 23 cm), a standard carried by many U.S. carriers, including American Airlines and others. Under these policies, the size limit now explicitly counts everything on the bag not just the main compartment, but also the wheels and pull handle. Bags exceeding this, even by fractions of an inch, are being flagged at gates and subjected to surprise “gate‑check” fees that can range from around $35 to $65 or more.
A particularly viral incident that fuelled the debate involved an NHS doctor denied boarding on an easyJet flight because her carry‑on (though marketed as compliant) was deemed too large when measured by airline staff at the gate. That moment, widely shared and criticized online, has given tangible form to passenger frustration.
Experts point to multiple forces behind this shift. Airlines are under growing pressure to reduce boarding times and streamline turnaround operations. Flight delays often are caused by bottlenecks at boarding gates when oversized bags are discovered last‑minute. Stricter enforcement, carriers say, helps ensure that baggage physically fits into overhead compartments and that flights depart on schedule.
Dr. Sarah Rodrigues, an aviation policy expert at the Global Transport Institute, explains: “Airlines are trying to balance operational efficiency with passenger convenience. When policies lack clarity and consistency, you inevitably get confusion and frustration and especially when their interpretation varies from one airport or carrier to another.”
Some carriers, like American Airlines, have even removed rigid bag sizers from gate areas, instead training agents to use discretion when assessing bags, with instructions to “err on the side of the customer” for borderline cases. But that discretion itself is part of the confusion, with travelers unsure what will be accepted at one airport and rejected at another.
On TikTok and Reddit threads, travelers have shared anecdotes of bags that flew without issue in 2025 now being denied in 2026. Common complaints include unclear advertising by luggage manufacturers and many still label products as “carry‑on approved” without noting that airline measurements must account for wheels and handles.
One frequent commenter lamented, “We bought a new bag last year to fit requirements now it’s suddenly not good. This is the biggest scam. Every year the airlines seem to change rules for carry‑ons.” Another quipped, “Did the overhead bins shrink?” encapsulating a sentiment that the rules are arbitrary rather than grounded in real capacity needs.
Travel consumer advocate Mark Jenkins, director of the Airline Passenger Rights Foundation, warns: “When airlines tighten enforcement without clear, unified communication, you disenfranchise passengers. Clarity, not ambiguity, should be the lodestar of airline policy.”
Part of the frustration stems from the sheer lack of global standardization. In the U.S., many carriers still adhere to the 22 x 14 x 9 standard, while some, like Southwest Airlines, maintain slightly larger allowances for now. Other parts of the world feature entirely different rules; some European proposals even aim to mandate free hand luggage for passengers, another layer of policy that can run counter to carriers’ current practices.
The result is confusion among passengers who might (without a global regulatory baseline) find their luggage acceptable on one flight and penalized on the next.
Consumer groups advise that travelers measure their luggage carefully (including wheels and handles) and check airline‑specific policies before booking. In an era where ancillary fees contribute significantly to airline revenue, passengers increasingly find themselves navigating a labyrinth of hidden charges.
Dr. Elizabeth Moreno, a transportation economist, notes: “Air travel is no longer just about the ticket price. It’s the sum of every fee (checked bags, carry‑ons, seat selection) and when airlines alter enforcement without uniform messaging, it erodes consumer trust.”
The carry‑on debate of 2026 reflects broader tensions in modern air travel: operational efficiency versus passenger rights, profitability versus transparency, efficiency versus customer experience. As travelers share their frustrations online and industry policies continue to evolve, one thing remains clear, the skies may be busy, but the policies on the ground need greater clarity, cohesion, and fairness if passengers and airlines are to move forward together peacefully.
*BREAKING NEWS*
UKA Shakes Global Digital Finance Space with É-ATC Gold Coins Launch
In a groundbreaking move, the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has officially launched its É-ATC Gold Coin, backed by a staggering $10 billion gold reserve. This revolutionary cryptocurrency is set to disrupt the global digital finance landscape, boasting a starting market capitalization of $10 billion and a token price of $20.
The launch of the É-ATC Gold Coin marks a significant milestone for UKA, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to innovation, financial stability, and progress. The organization apologizes for recent digital inconsistencies and assures stakeholders that corrective measures are in place to ensure a seamless experience.
Emperor Dr Ugochukwu Christian Esemonu. Emperor incharge of Africa Region, Emperor incharge of Santorini Empire. Also Emperor incharge of Admin to the Global Throne. A man who is standing stronger and stronger inspite of distraction, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God, Jehovah, and acknowledged the visionary leadership of Nobilis Solomon Winning, the Father of the Kingdom. The message also recognized the invaluable contributions of esteemed stakeholders, including the Global Emperor Admin of Atlantis, the Head of Government, and the Secretary General to Government.
The É-ATC Gold Coin is designed to rival leading global digital solutions, offering a secure, reliable, and transparent means of financial transaction. UKA citizens and global stakeholders are encouraged to complete their KYC processes and participate in acquiring the coins, becoming part of this historic moment in digital finance history.
“Today, we mark a new chapter in UKA’s journey, one of innovation, growth, and prosperity,” said Emperor Dr. Ugochukwu Christian Esemonu. “We are committed to delivering excellence and driving progress for our citizens and stakeholders.”
UKA’s leadership has called on citizens to unite, move forward in discipline, and peaceful coexistence, as they expand their platforms for business, trade, investment, and exchangeability. The organization is poised to surprise its critics and rise stronger, with a focus on delivering tangible results and driving growth.
The Reigning Monarch Emperor Solomon Winning’s unwavering faith, courage, and tenacity have brought UKA this powerful new beginning. His steadfast leadership has kept the vision alive, even in challenging moments, and has proven to be a beacon of hope for the people of UKA.
The É-ATC Gold Coin is now among the top 12 most powerful market capitalization in the world, a testament to UKA’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
*Key Highlights:*
– É-ATC Gold Coin launched with $10 billion gold backing
– Starting market capitalization: $10 billion
– Token price: $20
– Crypto version designed to compete with leading global digital solutions
– UKA citizens and stakeholders encouraged to participate in acquiring coins
society
Zamfara State Launches Landmark IDP Policy and Action Plan as UNDP, Northwest Forum Pledge Support
Zamfara State Launches Landmark IDP Policy and Action Plan as UNDP, Northwest Forum Pledge Support
In a significant move to address the humanitarian crisis wrought by banditry and internal displacement, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, has officially launched a comprehensive policy framework and action plan aimed at delivering durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.
The Governor attended the joint launch ceremony for the IDP Policy and the State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, an initiative simultaneously rolled out for both Katsina and Zamfara States in the nations capital Abuja today Feburary 16, 2026. The event marks a pivotal moment in the region’s approach to managing displacement, shifting from emergency response to long-term, sustainable recovery.
The ambitious programme is the product of a strategic collaboration between the Northwest Governors Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This partnership underscores a unified, regional acknowledgment that the challenges of displacement require coordinated, multi-state solutions that address root causes and build lasting resilience.
For Zamfara State, which has borne the brunt of years of insecurity, the new policy is being hailed not merely as a bureaucratic formality, but as a binding social contract with its most vulnerable citizens. It establishes a clear roadmap for restoring the dignity of displaced families, with a laser focus on rebuilding shattered communities and creating viable pathways for safe return, peaceful resettlement, and sustainable reintegration.
The framework goes beyond temporary relief, outlining concrete strategies to help displaced populations not just survive, but ultimately thrive in safety. It seeks to transform the lives of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods by ensuring they are active participants in the state’s recovery.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Lawal reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to translating the policy document into tangible, measurable impact on the ground. “Under my leadership, we remain committed to ensuring that this framework translates into measurable impact for our people.”
The launch signals a new chapter for Zamfara, one focused on healing and forward momentum. By anchoring the response in a durable solutions framework, the state government aims to build systemic resilience, strengthen the capacity of local institutions to manage future crises, and ultimately, shape a more secure, stable, and inclusive future for all residents of Zamfara State.
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