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Usman: An officer and a gentleman

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Usman: An officer and a gentleman

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.

 

Usman: An officer and a gentleman

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.

 

 

Usman: An officer and a gentleman

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.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Electrifying Night at The 17th Headies Awards: Rema, Davido, Odumodublvck, Tems Shine Bright in Lagos

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Electrifying Night at The 17th Headies Awards: Rema, Davido, Odumodublvck, Tems Shine Bright in Lagos

Electrifying Night at The 17th Headies Awards: Rema, Davido, Odumodublvck, Tems Shine Bright in Lagos

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Africa’s biggest night in music reached dazzling heights on Sunday as the 17th Headies Awards lit up Lagos with an unforgettable celebration of excellence, culture, and rhythm.

Rising star Zerry DL kicked off the excitement, clinching the Rookie of the Year title, marking his arrival among the continent’s brightest talents. Meanwhile, superstar Davido reaffirmed his dominance in the digital space, grabbing the Digital Artist of the Year award.

In a powerful testament to the global ascent of Afrobeats, Rema’s groundbreaking album HEIS was crowned Afrobeats Album of the Year, while soulful songstress Tems delivered a touching moment, winning Best Recording of the Year for her poignant track “Burning.”

The arena erupted in cheers as Odumodublvck was named Next Rated Artist, a highly coveted honor, beating out a strong lineup of rising talents including Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff. His win not only signals a new era but underscores the dynamism sweeping through Nigeria’s music scene.

Adding to the night’s prestige, Special Recognition Awards were presented to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, YouTube Africa’s Managing Director Alex Okosi, and sports executive Amaju Pinnick, celebrating their contributions to the growth of music, arts, and culture.

This year’s Headies Awards carried a historic weight — a double edition — with the 18th Headies already announced for December 2025, making up for the ceremony’s absence in 2024.

Other major wins included:

  • Song of the Year: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake

  • Soundtrack of the Year: “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ & Abbey Wonder

  • Best Rap Single: “Cast” – Shallipopi & Odumodublvck

  • Best Vocal Performances: Lojay (Male, “Billions”) and Liya (Female, “I’m Done”)

  • Headies Viewers’ Choice: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad

  • Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad – “Ask About Me”

  • Best Music Video: Director Pink for “EGWU”

  • Songwriter of the Year: Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi – “Vision”)

  • Producer of the Year: London (OZEBA)

The Headies once again proved why it remains the gold standard in celebrating African artistry, creativity, and global impact.

As Lagos danced deep into the night, the message was clear: Afrobeats is not just a genre — it’s a global movement.

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Simon Ekpa Busted: Finland Says ‘Yes’ to Nigeria’s Extradition Request

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Simon Ekpa Busted: Finland Says ‘Yes’ to Nigeria’s Extradition Request

Finland Approves Extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria in Landmark Terrorism Case

In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape regional security dynamics and test the bounds of international law, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a polarizing Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, to Nigeria. The extradition is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2025, following a ruling by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025.

Ekpa, who controversially refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been at the center of violent separatist rhetoric and activities that have plagued Nigeria’s southeast in recent years. He was arrested in Lahti in November 2024 after an extensive investigation by Finnish authorities into his alleged role in inciting violence from abroad.

Though often mischaracterized in media and political circles as a factional leader within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), IPOB has publicly and repeatedly disassociated itself from Ekpa and his actions.

“Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers, and his actions have nothing to do with the actual Biafran struggle or IPOB’s ideology of non-violence,” an IPOB spokesperson said in a firm rebuttal. “It is dangerous and deceptive to label him as part of IPOB.”

Ekpa leads a fringe group called “Autopilot”, and is allegedly linked to the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a shadowy militant outfit accused of deadly attacks, kidnappings, and violent enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s southeastern states.

Finnish police have accused him of inciting violence through incendiary online broadcasts, which are believed to have inspired multiple deadly attacks on Nigerian civilians and security personnel. Four other individuals have also been detained in connection with financing and supporting his operations.

The Nigerian government, which has been pursuing his extradition since early 2023, welcomed the Finnish court’s decision as a major diplomatic and legal victory.

“This is a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who think they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil,” a senior official from the Ministry of Defence remarked.

The extradition comes despite Finland’s general reluctance to extradite its citizens outside the European Union. However, officials cited exceptional circumstances and invoked provisions under the Rome Statute, which both Finland and Nigeria have ratified, to facilitate the process. The Finnish government stressed that the decision adhered to both international law and due process.

Upon his return to Nigeria, Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges including terrorism, incitement, conspiracy, and crimes against the state. His prosecution is anticipated to become one of the most closely watched legal cases in modern Nigerian history, with significant scrutiny from both local and international human rights organizations.

As July approaches, all eyes will be on the Nigerian judiciary and the government’s ability to manage the legal and political storm that is likely to follow Ekpa’s extradition and trial.

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