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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.

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Let’s build a future where access to healthcare is strengthened…….Oba Odugbemi

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Let’s build a future where access to healthcare is strengthened…….Oba Odugbemi

 

A call has gone to every stakeholder in the health sector to build a future where access to healthcare is guaranteed and strengthened.

The Onilisa of Lisa Kingdom, Oba Oladele Odugbemi make the call in Lisa while donating a Sanitary Sterilisation Box to the Lisa health centre.

Oba Odugbemi said that the donation became necessary in order to further strengthen the capacity of the health centre for the benefits of the people.

The royal father stressed that his foundation, Oladele Odugbemi foundation would continue to make meaningful impacts in community healthcare aimed at complementing the efforts of government in healthcare delivery system.

He pointed out that the foundation reflects its unwavering commitment to promoting quality healthcare services, enhancing hygiene standards and supporting health institutions with essential tools that contribute to safer and healthier communities.

According to the monarch, all stakeholders in the health sector should work hand-in- hand with government to take healthcare to the doorsteps of the masses as government cannot do it alone, hence health is wealth.

Oba Odugbemi also charged the governments at all levels to declare a state of emergency in the health sector so that every Nigerian can have smooth access to healthcare delivery system in the interest of the country and for the benefits of the masses.

The monarch therefore said that the foundation would continue to care for the people through empowerment by ensuring that masses have good and quality health condition.

The Sanitary Sterilisation Box was presented by the Foundation Director, Hajia Suliat Odugbemi – Tinuosho to the Matron of Lisa Community Health Centre, Mrs Temitope Nofisat Sanni who received it on behalf of the health centre.

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants

 

The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.

 

Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema

 

Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.

From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.

Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.

Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.

 

Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller

 

For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.

Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.

His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.

Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.

 

 

Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force

 

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.

The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.

Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.

Growing Global Influence

The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.

Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.

 

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Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

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Olowu Kuta To Yoruba Obas: Uplift Culture And Tradition Of Our Forebears

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

 

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

 

 

In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”

 

 

Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.

 

 

He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

 

“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.

 

 

The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

 

 

“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.

 

 

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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