New Nigerian Defense Academy Commandant Visits Emir of Zazzau

Major General AK Ibrahim, the newly appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), visited the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. This visit marks General Ibrahim’s first official engagement since taking command, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the military and traditional institutions in promoting peace and security.

During the visit, held at the Emir’s palace in Zaria, General Ibrahim expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between the NDA and the local community. He highlighted the Academy’s role in training future leaders of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the significance of engaging traditional leaders in fostering stability within the region.

His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli welcomed General Ibrahim warmly, acknowledging the historical relationship between the military and the Zazzau Emirate. He commended the NDA for its contributions to national security and pledged his support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of military personnel and their families.

“The Nigerian Defense Academy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our armed forces,” the Emir stated. “A strong partnership between the military and traditional institutions is vital for maintaining peace and security in our communities.”

General Ibrahim took the opportunity to discuss various outreach programs the NDA is implementing, which aim to educate young people about military careers and promote civic responsibility.

The meeting concluded with a prayer for peace and prosperity in the region, with both leaders expressing optimism for a fruitful partnership moving forward. General Ibrahim’s visit underscores the NDA’s commitment to engaging with local leaders and fostering a spirit of cooperation to enhance security and community development across Nigeria.

As Major General AK Ibrahim embarks on his leadership journey at the NDA, this visit sets a positive tone for ongoing collaboration between the military and traditional institutions, aimed at ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.

OGSTEP Benefits Over 65,000 Ogun Residents as Project Nears Completion

More than 65,000 residents of Ogun State have benefitted from wide-ranging economic and social interventions under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World Bank-supported initiative designed to foster inclusive growth across key sectors.

The figure was disclosed yesterday during the 7th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) held in Abeokuta, where representatives of the Ogun State Government and the World Bank reviewed progress made as the five-year project approaches its final phase.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, who doubles as Chairman of the OGSTEP Technical Committee and Vice Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, outlined the project’s achievements across its major components: agriculture, skills development, business enabling environment, and public sector governance.

Representing the State’s Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, Olabimtan said the project has positively impacted over 24,800 farmers through interventions in crop production, aquaculture, and poultry. He added that rehabilitation works on poultry pens and storage facilities are ongoing to improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

In the area of skills development, he noted that all eight Government Technical Colleges across the state are undergoing rehabilitation to create conducive and modern learning environments. He added that more than 17,000 individuals including women, youths, and farmers have completed various literacy and vocational training programmes, while an additional 24,000 are currently enrolled under the Ogun State Skills Fund.

Highlighting progress under the Business Enabling Environment component, Olabimtan revealed that over 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) have been processed and issued, enhancing land security and investor confidence in the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, underscored the impact of OGSTEP on technical education. He noted that the rehabilitation of technical colleges, training of science teachers, and provision of startup kits to trainees have helped strengthen the state’s workforce development.

The OGSTEP State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, described the Implementation Support Mission as a critical evaluation platform for measuring performance and aligning strategies. She commended the collaboration among implementing agencies and cited the rehabilitation and equipping of four Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) as a testament to the project’s broad and inclusive impact.

Stakeholders at the session expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that OGSTEP has laid a strong foundation for sustainable development, enhanced human capital, and a more vibrant business environment in Ogun State.

Royal Blessing For Iwa Day : Alaafin of Oyo’s Historic Endorsement Echoes Yoruba Heritage

By – Senator Akeem Adeleke

In a monumental show of cultural pride and unwavering support for the future of Yorubaland, the President of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum, Dr. Hassan Tolani, led an esteemed delegation of the forum to the historic palace of the Alaafin of Oyo. This royal visit was marked by deep reverence and a commitment to values that define the Yoruba heritage.

His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Engr. Akeem Abimbola Owoade Elewu Etu I, the revered Alaafin of Oyo and Royal Grand Patron of our Coalition, graciously received the delegation and, in a heartwarming gesture of fatherly love, officially endorsed “Iwa Day” as an annual celebration to be hosted within the sacred walls of his palace every October 1st.

Iwa Day, rooted in the timeless Yoruba ethos, is a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating the essence of Iwa (character) — the noble attributes of respect, integrity, humility, resilience, kindness, and communal responsibility that every Yoruba youth is called to embody. It is a day that reminds us all that Iwa l’ewa, character is beauty.

This endorsement is more than ceremonial; it is a royal affirmation of hope, a testament to the enduring greatness of Yoruba youth, and a call to excellence, unity, and purpose.

As we march into the future, may Iwa Day serve as a sacred mirror through which our young men and women continually reflect on their values and contributions to society.

With heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty, we invite all sons and daughters of Oduduwa, home and abroad, to rally behind this noble cause, for in nurturing good character, we build a better Yoruba nation.