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22 Brigade Emerges Winner Of Inter-brigade Competition In Kogi

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The Nigerian Army, Ilorin, has emerged victorious in the highly competitive 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below competition, held at the 12 Brigade headquarters in Charimaigumeri Barracks, Lokoja.

The participating brigades include 4 Brigade Benin, 12 Brigade Lokoja, 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, 42 Engineer Brigade Ede and 2 Division Garrison Ibadan.

The 5-day competition, which began on Monday, April 7, was designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, and teamwork among soldiers.

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Announcing the result at the closing ceremony on Friday, the Chief Judge of the Competition, Col. Adeniyi Adebayo, said 22 Brigade emerged first position with cumulative points of 430; while 12 Brigade came second with 400 points; and 42 Engineer Brigade clinched third position with 380 points.

The 32 Brigade got fourth position with 360; 4 Brigade came fifth with 350 points, while 2 Division. Garrison clinched sixth position with 330 points and was awarded the Wooden Spoon.

In his closing remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, NA, Maj. -Gen. Obinna Onubogu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the participants for their passion, doggedness, dexterity, skills and professionalism.

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He said, “The glamorous outing is in no doubt a culmination of hard work, discipline and resourcefulness put in at various levels of preparation by the various contingents. Most importantly, purposeful training, which is the bedrock of military professionalism, was the catalyst to what we have witnessed during the competition.

“With this, let me remind all that we must continue to train ourselves so that we can develop the required capability in our troops to handle every challenge thrown at them by the security environment.

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“Therefore, the just concluded competition is not only timely but key in improving the combat readiness of our soldiers within 2 Division AOR. It behooves on all of us not to rest on our oars, but start preparing for future competitions.”

The GOC assured that the Division would continue to pursue its training schedules in order to perfect on current Tactics, Techniques and Procedures and acquire new ones with a view to realizing the COAS Command Philosophy.

To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”, he said.

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He promised that the areas of observed weaknesses would be strengthened and those areas of strength would be consolidated.

READ ALSO: DHQ Vows To End IPOB Reign, Sit-at-home In S’East

The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his continued support to the Division in the provision of adequate resources for all training activities.

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“My appreciation also goes to the Chief Judge and his team for a job well done. I sincerely commend the host formation 12 Brigade, and organizers for successfully organizing and conducting this year’s 2 Div. Inter-Division Corporals and Below Competition.

“To all our invited guests, your presence and support are appreciated. We thank you for honoring our invitation,” the GOC said.

Earlier, the Commander 12 Bde, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi said the competition has prepared corporals and below for more challenging responsibilities.

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He commended the soldiers for their inspiring display of courage, teamwork, resilience and military professionalism, qualities that defined not only exceptional soldiers but extraordinary individuals.

“This competition was not just about winning trophies or earning bragging rights. It was about sharpening our skills, strengthening our bonds, and reinforcing the culture of excellence that defines the Nigerian Army.

READ ALSO: ‘No Gree For Terrorists’ In 2024, DHQ Urges Nigerians

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“What we have witnessed here is a reminder that every soldier, regardless of rank, has a critical role to play in operational success.

“You faced gruelling challenges, pushed past limits, and showcased the power of teamwork and perseverance. Carry this spirit forward, it is the foundation of greatness”, he said

The commander appreciated the GOC for his visionary leadership and continued commitment to building a force that is not only combat-ready but also grounded in discipline and professionalism.

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He noted that the competition has boosted the COAS Command Philosophy: “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

“This competition has brought us one step closer to that goal. As we depart to our various locations, I leave you with this adage ‘Strength does not come from winning, your struggles develop your strength.

“You have all grown stronger here. Go forth with pride, knowing you have honoured your teams, formations and the Division. May the lessons learned here continue to guide our training and operational engagements,” the commander said.

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Lagos Unveils Artisan Certification To Curb Building Collapse

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The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory has launched a new certification and training programme for artisans in the construction industry as part of efforts to stem the spate of building collapses in the state.

The initiative, known as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme, was unveiled at a stakeholders’ forum held in Ese-Offin and Badagry, where block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel fabricators and welders converged to pledge support for safer construction practices.

In a statement on Thursday by the Lagos Government, General Manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, said the programme marked a decisive step in tackling recurring tragedies linked to substandard construction materials.

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Without artisans, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every construction is safe, sound, and secure. We need to earnestly curb episodes of collapse in high-water-prone communities, and we do not want such in your community. It ends today,” he said.

READ ALSO:Lagos Opens Portal For Teaching Job Applications

According to the statement, the CSIP is a five-year assessment programme aimed at certifying construction materials as fit-for-purpose.

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It will also produce an official directory of approved block moulders, concrete mixers and steel fabricators, to whom developers will be directed for supplies.

This is not just about enforcement; it is about partnership and empowerment. Together, we can forge an unbreakable alliance that makes Lagos a model for building safety and integrity,” Abdul added.

Technical experts at the forum highlighted the scientific backing for the initiative. Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, stressed the need for mandatory soil tests before construction.

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Similarly, Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department advised builders to ensure architectural drawings are obtained and preserved, describing them as “a core requirement in the Lagos building process.”

Artisan guild leaders welcomed the initiative. Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, described frequent collapses as “disheartening” and commended the forum as a step in the right direction.

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On his part, Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Fashina Aro, noted the peculiarities of Lagos’s swampy terrain and urged all stakeholders to ensure materials and soil tests are completed before bricklayers commence work on any site.

Building collapse has been a persistent challenge in Lagos, with many lives lost and substantial property damage over the years.

READ ALSO:Lagos Opens Portal For Teaching Job Applications

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In recent incidents, emergency responders have had to rescue workers from collapsed structures.

PUNCH Online reports that rescue teams pulled eight workers from the debris of a collapsed building in September.

Reports by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild show Lagos accounts for about 55% of recorded building collapse incidents in Nigeria over the past several decades.

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In response, Lagos has taken steps to strengthen bodies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency, enhancing enforcement, monitoring, and regulation of building standards.

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Edo deputy gov warns MOWAA Against encroachment

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Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has warned management of Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) to adhere strictly to laid-down demarcation between the museum and the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).

Idahosa, who gave the warning when he visited the site on Thursday, expressed displeasure over MOWAA’s alleged encroachment on ESH land despite earlier directives.

The deputy governor stressed that governor Monday Okpebholo had mandated him to ensure compliance with the demarcation lines.

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“Governor Okpebholo asked me to advise and also warn the MOWAA management to stick to the demarcation lines between the ESH and the MOWAA institution,” the deputy governor said.

READ ALSO: Idahosa Hails Insurance 1-0 Thrashing Of Niger Tornadoes

During the visit, Idahosa supervised the demolition of parts of the obsolete tuberculosis building at the hospital and monitored debris clearance to facilitate the hospital’s expansion project.

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Recounting earlier efforts, he said: “Few weeks ago, we were here to give demarcation on the boundary between MOWAA and the ESH.Apparently, the MOWAA management decided to encroach on the land given to ESH.

“We came to let them know that the Edo State Government is firm on it, and we have given them the right coordinates. We have also sealed the part that belongs to the ESH, so MOWAA, at this point, can no longer encroach.”

Idahosa emphasized that the government’s priority remains the security and health of Edo people, noting that compliance with lawful boundaries is in the interest of both institutions.

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READ ALSO: Idahosa Lauds Edo Specialist Hospital Facilities

This is not a witch hunt. The governor is fair enough to allow MOWAA to continue with whatever we met on ground. He has not encroached or done anything contrary to the law. Hence, they should also stick and abide by the law,” he said.

The Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. Anthonia Njoku commended Okpebholo for protecting the hospital’s expansion interest.

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Similarly, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Imoisili Igabali noted that negotiations had been ongoing with MOWAA over the demarcation and that a temporary perimeter wall had been set up in the meantime.

As an agency, our responsibility in the state is to ensure that development in the state is done according to laid down rules and regulations,” Igabali stated.

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Police Begin Enforcement Of Tinted Glass, Siren Regulations In Edo, Delta

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The Zone Five Police Command have begun enforcing the ban on the unauthorised use of sirens and tinted glass permit regulations.

NAN reports that the zone five command located in the South-south Geo-political Zone comprises Edo and Delta.

This is contained in a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh, in Abuja.

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The exercise, the command said, is in line with the existing laws and directives of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which apply to all vehicles with tinted glasses, whether factory or non-factory fitted.

READ ALSO:Edo Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers In Gun Duel

Momoh quoted the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Salma-Dogo Garba, as saying that the enforcement would also affect the subsisting ban on the unauthorised use of sirens.

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According to Garba, there will also be strict enforcement on the use of revolving lights, Police SPY and unallocated official number plates, as well as the use of unregistered vehicles.

“In view of the above, motorists yet to register their vehicles with tinted glasses are strongly advised to do so at www.possap.gov.ng.

“Thereafter, they should proceed to their state command headquarters for physical verification.

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Those who are not desirous of obtaining the tinted glass permit are advised to remove such tints or replace the factory-fitted glasses with transparent ones, as legally provided by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act 2004.”

The AIG warned field operatives and their supervisory officers to ensure that the exercise was carried out with utmost professionalism, devoid of any form of harassment or extortion of motorists.

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He stressed that any officer found wanting would be duly sanctioned, while the concerned supervisory officer would be held liable.

Garba further urged motorists to cooperate with the Police during the exercise in order to ensure public safety and national security.

READ ALSO:Police Rescue Mother, Baby, Five Others From Kidnappers In Kwara

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He also charged residents to promptly report any form of harassment, extortion, or other unprofessional conduct to the nearest police station, the commands CRUs, or the ZPPRO.

NAN reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that strict enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit requirement will begin across Nigeria on Thursday.

The directive comes under the authority of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a law intended to bolster security and curb criminal behaviour.

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Under the new mandate, all vehicles with tinted windows are expected to carry valid and verifiable permit documents, which must be presented whenever requested by law enforcement.

NAN

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