News

Chief Of Air Staff Tasks Officers On Respect, Protection Of Host Communities

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2023

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has called on the newly graduated officers of the Special Forces of the Nigerian Air Force to respect and protect the members of their host communities.

Abubakar, who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Usman Abdullahi, Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Headquarters, made the call in Bauchi on Friday during the graduation ceremony of 135 students of the Special Forces Course 11/2023.

According to him, from the high quality of tactical display by the graduating students, there was no doubt that they had imbibed the basic skills and techniques required to conduct special operations in achieving the operational objectives of the Nigerian Air Force.

He explained that the successes of the Nigerian Air Force in shaping the battlespace and neutralising adversary capabilities had resulted in degrading operational capacity of bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements in different operational theatres.

“To the graduating students of Special Forces Course 11/2023, I am aware of the rigors of your training on ground, in the air and that’s why you have been decorated with your Special Forces emblem. I say well done.

“I therefore urge you to exhibit what you have learnt during the course whenever and wherever duty calls.

“This call will require you to exhibit courage, commitment and loyalty in the discharge of your duties.

“Once deployed, you are implored to treat your host communities with utmost respect as your task is to protect them from hostile threats,” he said.

Abubakar also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian Air Force despite the harsh economic realities and promised to continue to employ the available resources for the betterment of the country’s service.

Earlier, Aminu Bello, the Commanding Officer, Regiment Training Centre Annex, Nigerian Air Force, Bauchi, said a total of 308 Nigerian Air Force personnel of the Regiment Specialty were nominated to undergo Medical and Physical screening for the 93 days Special Forces Course.

He explained that out of the number, only 294 reported and 148 trainees scaled through the medical and physical screening tests.

According to him, these successful personnel commenced the training in September but at the end of the course, a total of 135 comprising five officers and 130 airmen completed the course.

“Trainees embarked on 10, 15 and 20 km loaded marches respectively with the objective of improving their endurance, even in rugged terrains.

“Several day and night live firing exercises were conducted to ensure that trainees were able to acquire and neutralise targets instinctively at short, medium and long distances.

“About 80% of these trainees came with no idea of swimming but at the end of the swimming phase, all of them graduated from basic to intermediate swimmers,” he said.

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.