celebrity radar - gossips

Usman: An officer and a gentleman

Published

3 years ago

July 22, 2023

Usman: An officer and a gentleman

In Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), the Nigerian Army has produced a shining star – one with intellectual resources, a master of perpetual public relations. He’s a perfect example of a round peg in a round hole.

The first and only time I met Mr. Usman was at a public event in honour of leading Nigerian columnists, organized by The League of Nigerian Columnists in October 2021. As a former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, it was befitting for him to be the lead speaker, as the theme of the event was Security & Human Rights. Asides that, I have watched many of his interviews on TV.

His voice hardly rises more than a whisper. Audible but not loud. In other words: a measured voiced. He is not just a cool speaker or soft spoken, he personifies it. The cool, collected air about him as usual, makes you wonder what he was doing in military uniform.

At the event, the 56-year-old (now 58) spoke of a wide range of issues bordering on security and human rights. It wasn’t the regular boring speech that many public servants give. It had soul. You could tell he was a huge part in the speech writing and his thoughts were clearly reflected. I know this because I have read many speeches and listened to many speeches in my over 30 years of existence. I have also written several speeches for people. And like I mentioned earlier, I have listened to him several times on TV. And I know his world view.

Part of his statement read: ‘’Globalisation has further compounded the problems of states in guaranteeing the safety and security of the citizenry as there is a clash of western ideas and ideologies. Western values and ideas have overridden our societal values and thus heightened hopes and expectations. With this, things were expected to get better but could not because of neo-colonialism and capitalism.

‘’Therefore, the State finds it very difficult to respond to both, based on respect for human rights. Here, we have a situation where a system or community does not believe in a particular way of life, yet some citizens believe in it. Typical examples are homosexuality and lesbianism, which the Western world is trying to impose on Nigeria. Some are saying the countries are wrong. On the other side, the terrorists want to impose their religious ideologies. Therefore, the world is in a state of dilemma regarding ideas and ideologies competing with each other.’’

We are definitely on the same page in this regard.

Usman can easily pass for a scholar who was never part of the military when he speaks or writes. But when he begins to articulate his experience in the army, you would be amazed. He can be described as the best of both worlds. In other words, an officer and a gentleman. Born February 2, 1965, Mr Usman had his primary and secondary education in Kukasheka and Kafanchan, in Kaduna State, respectively. He joined the Nigerian Army as recruit in 1983 and was posted to Headquarters 82 Division Army Public Relations, Enugu.

Before he retired from the Nigerian Army in February 2019, he was the Director of Army Public Relations and Spokesman for the Nigerian Army for four years. While in service, he promoted hard work, dedication, professional excellence and changed the face of public relations practice and strategic communication in the Nigerian Army. He has set the bar very high for his successors.

How did he become the face of the Nigerian army? Well, it wasn’t without dint of hard work. It took him many years of preparation. He studied the courses required and he became qualified.

After a few years in the Army, he went to Bayero University Kano to study mass communications and was awarded a bachelor’s degree after four years, graduating in 1991.

He took public relations courses at different institutions and held positions as Army spokesperson at different commands within and outside the country throughout his career.

He holds a Master’s degree in Media, Peace, and Conflict Studies from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace (UPEACE), San Jose, Costa Rica. He also attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, as a member of Senior Executive Course 40, 2018.

The former Army spokesperson has attended several professional courses, seminars, and workshops both within Nigeria and abroad in his remarkable military career. These include Senior Officers’ Spokesman’s Course at Joint Information Activities Group, Royal Air Force, Halton, London, the United Kingdom in 2015, Journalists Protection in Conflict Zone course at Hellenic National Defence General Staff Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre, Greece in 2016 and a 6-month Basic Arabic Course at the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Ilorin in 1994.

While in the military, he served in various units and formations of the Nigerian Army and had two tours of duty on United Nations Peace Keeping Operations in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. He also held several command and staff appointments in various formations and units of the Nigerian Army, the last of which was, Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR).

Mr Usman was appointed acting spokesperson of the Nigerian Army on January 30, 2015, while a colonel. His appointment was confirmed in June 2017, months after he was promoted as a brigadier-general in December 9, 2016.

He has won several awards since his retirement from the Army in 2019. For aspiring officers across all security agencies, his remarkable story must be known. Not only for would-be officers but undergraduates who want to make a career in any field of endeavour as civilians. It is very important to tell stories like this, especially today when a lot of youth are seeking for shortcuts to success. There is no shortcut to success. Only hard work and consistency lead to success.

And the Kukasheka way is an enduring one. It is the best path to success.

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

Published

17 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.

The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.

“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.

The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.

As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.

Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

3 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.