News

22 Brigade Emerges Winner Of Inter-brigade Competition In Kogi

Published

3 months ago

April 12, 2025

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

News

NYSC Commends Bauchi Govt On Infrastructural Development In Orientation Camp

Published

13 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on his infrastructural development projects in NYSC permanent orientation camp in the state.

Mr Umoren Kufre, the NYSC Coordinator in the state made the commendation on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ stream II orientation course on Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the renovation of corps members’ hostels and camp officials’ blocks as well as the construction of a brand new multipurpose hall in the camp by the state government portrayed the governor as a good father of the youth.

“This kind gesture will remain very fresh in our minds for a long time to come. Once more, thank you, your Excellency.

“I also wish to thank the Bauchi state Government for providing the conducive environment and security for both Corps members and camp officials which contributed in no small measure in making this exercise a huge success

“Similarly, I appreciate all of our collaborating agencies that sent their personnel to assist us in the running of the camp. My staff, as usual, were at their very best to ensure a seamless exercise. May God bless and reward you all

“I wish to register our appreciation to the Wailo Community for being our good host and neighbours over the years, their efforts in meeting our needed casual labour demands eased much stress on the Corps members and officials

“In the same spirit, I sincerely like to commend the patriotism, loyalty, patience, perseverance, understanding, and the good conduct of Corps members during the orientation course,” he said.

Kufre enjoined the corps members to continue to be obedient, loyal and diligent, urging them to endeavour to settle down quickly in their places of primary assignment and adapt to the ways of life there.

He further called on them to do their best in obeying the rules governing their host communities, learn to appreciate their customs and culture and ensure that they leave the places better than they meet them.

“The people of Bauchi state, as you have been told many times, are hospitable people and the glaring proof as you can see are the buses sent by Local Government Councils to convey you to your places of primary assignment.

“I implore you to reciprocate this good gesture by contributing your best to the upliftment of your host communities and Bauchi State in general,” said the Coordinator.

1,300 corps members completed the orientation course and were posted to different parts of Bauchi state for the one year compulsory service.

News

Ghana Deports Convicted Nigerian For Smuggling Fake $100,000

Published

14 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

A Nigerian, Aremu Adegboyega, convicted by a Circuit Court in Accra, Ghana, for smuggling counterfeit CFA francs worth over $100,000 into the country through an unauthorised border route will be deported to Nigeria, according to The PUNCH.

Justice Christiana Cann, who presided over the case ordered his immediate deportation by the Ghana Immigration Service.

According to ASP Isaac Anquandah, as cited by a Ghanaian news outlet, The Chronicle, on Monday, Adegboyega was arrested in 2023 by customs officers stationed at the Aflao border while he was travelling on a motorcycle.

The 55-year-old was charged with two counts of possessing forged notes, in violation of Section 18(2) of Ghana’s Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), as well as one count of illegal entry into the country.

For possession of counterfeit CFA francs, the court fined the convict 250 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢3,000.

In default of payment, according to the report, he will serve a two-year prison sentence with hard labour.

For illegal entry into Ghana, he was reportedly fined an additional 120 penalty units or GH¢1,440. If he fails to pay, The Chronicle reports, he will serve another two-year prison term.

The sentences are expected to run concurrently, meaning he will serve a maximum of two years if he defaults on both payments.

The report added that, in addition to the fines and prison sentence, the court ordered his immediate deportation to Nigeria.

Adegboyega was apprehended at Beat Zero, an unauthorised crossing point along the Ghana-Togo border.

Riding as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle and carrying a backpack, according to the police, he aroused suspicion, prompting the officers to search his belongings.

During the search, officers discovered bundles of suspected counterfeit currency: CFA francs totalling CFA 80,653,000 and Nigerian naira amounting to N101,500.

Further investigation revealed that he had smuggled the fake currency into Ghana from Togo.

According to the police, he admitted in a caution statement that he was aware the money was counterfeit.

He also confessed to receiving the forged notes from a man identified as Alhaji Saibu in Nigeria, under the instruction of an alleged mafia figure named Alhaji Dials, believed to be based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Adegboyega joins another Nigerian, Abu Arome, who is currently standing trial alongside three Ghanaians for alleged fraud.

A statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the suspects were accused of committing the crime using forged documents, falsified signatures, and fraudulent claims.

News

CAC Unveils AI-powered Portal For 30-minute Company Registrations

Published

18 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

The Corporate Affairs Commission has launched a pilot Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal to overhaul the current Company Registration Portal.

The Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, disclosed this at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum meeting.

A statement issued by the commission on Tuesday described the initiative as a game-changer aimed at significantly reducing registration timelines and enhancing the ease of doing business across the country.

According to Magaji, the new system allows for instant name reservation approvals, likening the process to opening an email account.

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“It is intelligently designed to suggest available alternatives and grant real-time approvals, removing the traditional bottlenecks,” he said.

One of the portal’s standout features is its ability to facilitate business registration using only the National Identification Number of a director or proprietor.

Magaji said that once real-time NIN verification is successful, a certificate of incorporation would be generated and delivered to the applicant’s email within 30 minutes.

He stated, “The target time for business registration is under 30 minutes to generate a certificate and deliver to the customer’s email, subject to real-time NIN verification.”

While acknowledging that some delays may still arise due to external validations from the National Identity Management Commission, he revealed that a contingency plan has been built into the platform, using AI-powered photo ID matching to overcome such hitches.

In addition, the Commission plans to introduce a two-factor authentication system with OTP verification for all transactions.

This, according to him, will ensure no changes can be made to company records without the explicit knowledge and consent of the registered directors.

Magaji further announced that a CAC mobile application would be launched in the final quarter of 2025 to allow users to track and manage transactions on the go.

Speaking on new partnerships, he disclosed that the Commission is currently reviewing over 100 requests from local and international super agents, including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System, aimed at deepening access and streamlining services.

Meanwhile, the Registrar-General also revealed that the Commission would commence a review of its service fees effective August 1, 2025, citing the need to maintain service quality and implement ongoing reforms.

The statement added that goodwill messages at the forum were delivered by the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia U. Eke; Chairman, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Sir Sebastian Essien; and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Elder Dogala Sakpege.

Also in attendance were Mechi Brown, Director of Industry at the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Miema Akpa, who represented the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Port Harcourt branch.

A CAC technical team was present during the event to attend to customer complaints and provide on-the-spot solutions to registration challenges.