A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), has called for the introduction of mandatory military training for all Nigerians, beginning with the National Youth Service Corps.

This, he said, is a way of promoting national unity, discipline, and resilience in the face of growing security and social challenges.

Ihejirika made the call on Friday night at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 18 Alumni Association in Abuja.

He reflected on his early days in military service and the camaraderie built over the years with fellow officers.

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The former Army chief said the discipline and patriotism instilled in them during training were instrumental in shaping their careers and national contributions.

“Given the current situation of things in our country, I believe it’s time we start thinking about mandatory military training for our citizens.

“We can start with the National Youth Service. This will help us build a generation of Nigerians who understand sacrifice, responsibility, and patriotism,” he said.

Ihejirika praised the government’s decision to restore the old national anthem, saying it reinforces the spirit of unity.

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He emphasised that the line “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” perfectly captures the essence of national service and shared identity.

He also expressed concern over how the national anthem is now reduced to mere fanfare at official events.

“It should be a daily reminder of our oath of allegiance. It must return to schools, communities, and national ceremonies,” he said.

Drawing from his own life experience, Ihejirika recounted his humble beginnings from his village in Abia and how military discipline transformed him.

He credited the support of colleagues and mentors for his successful career, which culminated in his appointment as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Army Staff.

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Beyond his advocacy, the retired general also commended the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as highly experienced and well-trained.

“Many of the officers leading today served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other conflict zones.

“They have earned their stars through real battle experience and are doing remarkably well,” he added.

He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritise peace and stability, reminding them that no office or position is sustainable in the absence of national unity.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the dinner had in attendance the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and representatives of service chiefs amongst other dignitaries.

NAN

The Oyo State Government has announced scheduled dates for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination and Common Entrance Examination across the state.

The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olayiwola Olusegun, in a statement on Saturday, informed the general public, especially parents, guardians, and students in Junior Secondary Schools across the state, that the ministry will conduct BECE between Monday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

He added that the examination would commence daily at 9:30 am at the respective schools of the candidates.

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Meanwhile, the 2025 screening/placement exercise, also known as the Common Entrance Examination into Junior Secondary Schools, will come up on Thursday, 17 July 2025.

According to him, the exercise will commence by 7 am at the designated screening centers for the Screening/Placement Exercise.

He enjoined students to go to the designated examination centres with their writing materials.

The commissioner, therefore, directed principals to make proper and adequate arrangements for the monitoring of the examination throughout the period.

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He said, “Ministry officials and members of the Oyo State Examination Ethics committee will be moving round to monitor the exercise and ensure that the integrity of the examination is not compromised.

“The students and pupils are enjoined in their own interest to avoid all forms of examination malpractices, and members of the public are strictly warned against loitering at these schools and designated screening centres.”

He stressed that the entrance examination is strictly for the eligible candidates.

Traditional rulers in Osun state have put their weight behind the project of E-Library, embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, OSBC Chapel, with the donations of Air-conditioners Computer systems.

The announcements were made during an inspection tour of the E-Library, named after the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun, at Ile-Awiye, Oke Baale, Osogbo; where Oba Makama announced the donation of four Air-conditioners, in continuation of his support as the Life Patron of the chapel.

Chapel chairman, Comrade Lateef Agboola in rapt attention to instructions from Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun during the inspection tour.

In his royal message, the Eburu of Iba, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Okunoye Adeogun also pledged the donation of Six units of Computers, as his own way of supporting the noble cause, in solidarity with his royal colleague.

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Other monarchs on the entourage of the Olowu of Kuta, including Oba Ismaila Gbadamosi Fabunmi (Olaa of Ajagunlase); Oba, (Dr.) Kazeem Adio Orioye (Onigege of Igege) both in Olaoluwa Local Government Area of the state, Oba (Dr.) Alamu Moshood Oparonke (Onisara of Feesu Kingdom) in Iwo Local Government Area, Oba Musibau Adebayo Akinloye (Oori of Oloori) and Oba Femi Idowu (Olaota of Ilota) both in Ayedire Local Government, as well as Oba Adekunle Omolola (Oniraan of Iran) in Ayedire Local Government, and Oba Waliulah Azeez Alabi (Olu of Lahan) in Olaoluwa Local Government Area, all pledged to support the project in solidarity with Oba Tegbosun.

Other eminent personalities and groups on the entourage of the Olowu of Kuta included Chief Ogundeji Eleuibon; the Big Brothers Club of Osun; Responsible Ladies Group, Nigeria Youth Council leadership, Online Media Owners Association, YMLF Osun as well as the Olowu-in-Coincil, among others. They also pledged their support to complete the E-Library project.

Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun in group photograph with Responsible Ladies Group.

In their separate remarks, the Board Chairman of OSBC, Engr. Mayowa Olosho, and the Director-General/Permanent Secretary of the media conglomerate, Mrs Jolaade Igbaroola, appreciated the royal fathers, eminent personalities and groups for deeming it fit to support the project, which many believe is first of its kind in the history of NUJ.

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Earlier, the chairman of NUJ, OSBC Chapel, Comrade Lateef Agboola, had explained that the vision of his predecessors to start the project many years ago, was to make the chapel a hub of information and reservoir of knowledge.

He added that, when completed, the E-Library will serve not only the members of the union, but also other people who might need necessary information to back up their research works.

He, therefore, pledged the resolve of his administration to make the library functional before the end of July 2025.