LAUTECH Emerges Qualifier at NOA Southwest National Values Debate

In a thrilling display of intellect and oratory, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has been crowned the Southwest champion at the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate and Capacity Building Conference. The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and held at the Julius Berger Hall of the University of Lagos, aimed to inspire a culture of national values and civic responsibility among Nigerian youth.

The competition culminated in a gripping debate between LAUTECH, represented by Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Olushina, and the University of Ibadan, represented by Oyedijo Olarenwaju and Chineke Ugochukwu. The teams dissected the topic, “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building,” presenting compelling arguments that explored the intricate interplay between governance and civic duty.

LAUTECH’s Adekunle Ayomide impressed with his calm yet authoritative delivery, while Oladeji Olushina’s vivid examples underscored the importance of shared responsibility. Their counterparts from the University of Ibadan countered with historical insights and pragmatic solutions, making the contest a true battle of wits.

After intense deliberations, the judges awarded LAUTECH the southwest championship title, earning them a ₦5,000,000 prize and a ticket to the grand finale, where they will compete for the ultimate ₦20,000,000 prize.

The event was more than a competition. A capacity-building segment led by distinguished facilitators offered invaluable insights to attendees. Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, renowned as “The Oracle” and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, delivered a session on leadership and personal development, encouraging participants to harness their unique strengths for societal impact.

Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, engaged the audience with an exploration of human behavior and its role in national progress. Through practical exercises and anecdotes, he emphasized the need for mental and emotional resilience in achieving personal and societal goals.

Tolu Meduna, the program coordinator, articulated the essence of the initiative: “Our goal is to raise Citizen Values Brigadiers—youths who will champion the ethos of unity, accountability, and resilience. This is how we build a stronger Nigeria.” Meduna also outlined the event’s national scope, noting that the debate series will span all six geopolitical zones of the country, with the ultimate winner determined by online viewers at a live broadcast event.

The conference attracted notable dignitaries, including Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Opeyemi Alabi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Youth Mobilization; and Izehi Semira, Founder of Shape A Child Initiative. Hon. Fatai lauded the initiative, stating, “This aligns perfectly with our collective mission to create a Nigeria where values drive progress.”

As the curtains fell, the 7 for 7 National Values Charter left an indelible mark on participants. Beyond the awards and accolades, the initiative ignited a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, and national development. All attendees received Citizen Values Brigade certificates, symbolizing their role as ambassadors of change. The National Identity Project is championed by the director general of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu.

For LAUTECH, the journey to the national grand finale promises new challenges and opportunities. For the nation, the message was clear: embracing shared values and responsibilities is the path to a brighter future.

The value train continues its journey, uniting hearts and minds in a shared vision of progress and national pride.

Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

The 17th International Security Conference, hosted by the Institute of Security, Nigeria, saw Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, inducted as the 2nd Patron of the Institute. The event, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, was a gathering of top security experts, academics, and stakeholders.

General Olu Bajowa, the 1st Patron of the Institute, hailed General Buratai as an exemplary leader who embodies courage, determination, and patriotism.

“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,” General Bajowa said.

He further lauded Buratai’s wealth of experience and his invaluable contributions to the fight against insurgency and terrorism during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled,” Bajowa added.

In his acceptance speech, General Buratai highlighted the critical role of security education and training in ensuring national safety and pledged to support the Institute’s programs.

“Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” Buratai stated.

He called for unity in building a secure Nigeria, adding, “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives.”

The conference also featured other notable speakers. Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, underscored the importance of focusing on domestic development, particularly in agriculture and smallholder peasant farming.

“For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Bello said.

Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun emphasised grassroots security education as a tool for sustainable development, while Major General Bulama Biu urged policymakers to implement actionable strategies beyond rhetoric.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action, stressing the need for collective efforts to secure Nigeria’s future and foster prosperity for its citizens.

Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an emissary to Abu Dhabi’s Chabad chapter, has been missing since Thursday, and Israel’s security services reportedly fear he was kidnapped or murdered, it emerged Saturday.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement confirming Kogan’s disappearance and said authorities were treating the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.

The PMO added that the Mossad intelligence agency had launched an “extensive” investigation into the incident alongside Emirati authorities.

At the same time, the National Security Council issued a reminder that it has advised for some time not to travel to the United Arab Emirates for non-essential purposes.

Ynet cited security officials as saying there is growing suspicion Kogan was murdered, and the Walla news site reported that Israel has information that he was being followed by Iranian intelligence, citing security sources.

Kogan is a dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, and has been part of the Abu Dhabi Chabad chapter since Israel normalized ties with the UAE in late 2020. According to Ynet, Kogan participated in the first ever Holocaust remembrance day ceremony in the Gulf state in 2021, and led the Yizkor prayer during the event.

Kogan is the nephew of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was murdered along with his wife in a terror attack at the Nariman Chabad House in Mumbai in 2008, Channel 12 news reported.

Kogan has served as an aide to the Chief Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates, Rabbi Levi Duchman.

The UAE became the most prominent Arab state in 30 years to establish formal ties with Israel under a US-brokered agreement in 2020, dubbed the Abraham Accords. It has maintained the relationship throughout Israel’s more than 13-month war in Gaza.

Israel has been on high alert for Iranian efforts to harm Israelis and Jews around the world through its various agents and proxies, as the countries have exchanged direct military blows for the first time this year.

Iran launched major drone and ballistic missile attacks against Israel in April and October, in response to Israeli strikes on its proxies in Lebanon and Syria. In late October, Israel retaliated with a series of strikes in which dozens of aircraft targeted strategic military sites across Iran as well as air defense batteries.

Iran has vowed to respond but has not yet done so in any major capacity.