All posts by Udom

Army Commander expresses confidence in operational planning of military, security agencies

Security
By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, April 20, 2023 (NAN) The Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC), Lagos, Maj.-Gen. Adeyemi Alabi, on Thursday expressed confidence in the abilities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties.

Alabi, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said this at the 81 Division Operations Planning Cadre 2023, with the theme: “Leadership and Tactical Operational Planning Within A Joint Environment”.

The four-day training held from April 17 to April 21, at the 81 Div’s Officers’ Mess, Outer Marina, Lagos.

The Commander said that the cadre would broaden officers’  perspectives on contemporary issues affecting the military as well as members of the larger security stakeholders.

“It gives me immense joy and a sense of fulfilment to state that in the past four days we have witnessed a cadre which has been quite insightful and thought provoking.

“There is no doubt that you have enriched your knowledge through the varieties of lectures, presentations and practical exercises given by various resource persons.

“I am glad to note that the lecture focused on leadership and tactical operational planning,” he said.

Alabi said that the manuevre approach to warfare, role of air support, social media management and legal obligation in symmetrical warfare, among others were also considered during the training.

“It is my expectations that the diverse issues discussed and lessons learnt in the cadre will be put to use for the overall benefit of the Nigerian Army and other security services and agencies.

“This will help to enhance the discharge of our professional duties to our nation and it is only when this is achieved that our training will have been well justified.

“However, I am impressed with the level of contributions and discussions that ensued after each presentation,” the commander said.

Alabi said that the professional conduct and service delivery of officers must remain in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, in the pursuant of the constitutional roles.

“Our state of discipline, fighting efficiency, dedication and loyalty to the construction must be above board.

“I implore you all to uphold the norms and tradition of the Nigerian  Army and your respective services to embark on virtues that will positively project our image in general.

“I thank the COAS for always providing us with the needed leadership and support in all ramifications in carrying out our assigned tasks,” he said.

The commander also appreciated all facilitators for their invaluable contributions and for availing them with their wealth of experience throughout the cadre period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Naval Dockyard graduates 38 in shipbuilding

Graduation
By Oladapo Udom
Lagos, April 19, 2023 (NAN) The Naval Dockyard Limited on Wednesday graduated 38 personnel in various aspects of shipbuilding.

The Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Adm. Hamza Ibrahim, made the disclosure at the Naval Dockyard Apprentice School, Lagos, during graduation of the Basic Apprenticeship Certificate Course III.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the apprentices were trained in welding and fabrication, carpentry and joinery, electrical electronics and motor rewinding, plumbing and pipe fitting, among others.

Ibrahim said that the training would address local shipbuilding issues, domesticate and advance local ship production, and support shipbuilding activities of the Nigerian Navy (NN).

“Without a doubt, the NN is now in a better position to contribute to the development of the local workforce, the actualisation of Nigerian content, and the country’s technological advancement.

“As you return to your ships, the Nigerian Navy expects total allegiance, strict discipline and focus on duties.

“Therefore, your top priority shall be ensuring the long-term viability of what you have acquired, and executing it flawlessly,” he said.

The admiral said that the vision of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Faruk Yahaya, for the Nigerian Navy emphasised specific technical training and development.

“The CNS’s aim has always been to have a navy that is well-trained, effective and highly capable of achieving national security objectives.

“Today symbolises yet another significant advancement in the Nigerian Navy’s technical training, and this graduation represents a tremendous accomplishment for the graduates as they continue their endeavours in the service,” Ibrahim said.

He urged the graduates to prove that they could perform delegated tasks flawlessly with little or no supervision.

“Graduates who meet our requirements will represent the Naval Dockyard Apprentice School and be able to defend themselves persuasively in any circumstance,” the admiral said.

Ibrahim said that the Naval Dockyard Apprentice School was re-opened in 2019 after it was closed for technical reasons.

“This is the third set to be completed since the school was reactivated, and you have more reasons to rejoice.

“This achievement is a once-in-lifetime opportunity, and I will like to thank the school’s staff, graduates and the commanding officer for their dedication to the navy.

“I sincerely congratulate the graduates, their colleagues, spouses and children.

“God has rewarded your sacrifices, suffering and self-denial,” he said.

The admiral thanked the CNS for investments in infrastructure and instructional materials in the Naval Dockyard Apprentice School.

“We appreciate the ongoing support that ensured the school was reactivated, has proper maintenance and ability to carry out its mission.

“I implore the commanding officer and staff to ensure that the school’s facilities are maintained and utilised to the fullest,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FG proud of Diya’s legacy, says Osinbajo
Diya
By Oladapo Udom (08062609466)
Lagos, April 7, 2023 (NAN) Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday said that the Federal Government was proud of late Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya’s legacy whom he said served his country with integrity and forthrightness.

Osinbajo made the remark during a condolence visit to the late Diya’s family at the deceased’s residence at 31 Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

“We are here to express the sincere condolence of the President and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to my worthy predecessor in office, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya.

“He served as effective Vice President under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha and served his country loyally and with great conviction.

“He put everything on the line for his country, not just as a soldier but later, as a political leader and he served with forthrightness and we are extremely proud of him,” Osinbajo said.

The vice president said that he was extremely proud of the legacy that Diya left as well as all that he was able to achieve in his life time.

“So, we are here to condole his family and I also pray for his family that he will remain blessed and that the Lord God Almighty will strengthen the family at this time.

“I pray that they also, will even be greater than the great Gen. Oladipo Diya, their father,” the vice president said.

Osinbajo, in the condolence register, wrote that Diya demonstrated a rare ability to manage men and materials effectively.

He also wrote that Diya built trust because he trusted others and served with integrity and forthrightness.

“We will remember him well and celebrate his legacy always,” Osinbajo said in the condolence register.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya died on March 26, at the age of 79. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OUU/EBI/VAO

Edited by Benson Iziama/Vincent Obi

Burial
By Oladapo Udom
Lagos, April 5, 2023 (NAN) The late former Chief of General Staff, Rtd  Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, will be buried on July 29, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Diya, Mr Olawale Adekoya, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos.

NAN reports that Diya, a former Military Governor of Ogun, who also served as Vice-Chairman of Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) in 1994, died on March 26 at the age of 78.

Adekoya said that the funeral rites would commence on July 26 with Night of Tribute, while Service of Songs and Christian Wake would hold on July 27 and July 28 respectively.

“The final burial rites will hold on July 29 with the church service, interment, reception and final laying to rest, while the thanksgiving service will hold on July 30.

“Further details will be made available in due course,” Adekoya said.

Meanwhile, a family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the funeral rites would hold in the late Diya’s country home, Odogbolu, Ogun. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Seminar

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, March 28, 2023 (NAN) The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Tuesday, says it is imperative to produce well-trained commanders that will effectively confront the prevailing security challenges in the country.

Yahaya said this at the first Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2023 organised by 81 Division at Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps on Tuesday in Lagos

The seminar has the theme: “Capacity Development of Senior Commanders to Meet Emerging Security Threats in a Joint Environment”.

Yahaya was representative by the Commander Corps of Signals, Maj-Gen. Garba Abdullahi.

The COAS said that the seminar was in tandem with his vision of having “a professional Army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria”.

He said, “the myriad of security challenges the country is facing require commanders and leaders to be equipped with the requisite knowledge to tackle the situation.

“Therefore, the Nigerian Army will continue to organise trainings and seminars to ensure we build professional commanders and leaders at all levels,” he said.

Yahay noted that the seminar would also avail participants the necessary capabilities and competencies required to successfully accomplish assigned missions, as it relates to emerging security threats.

“The topics and resource persons have been carefully selected and designed to reflect current realities on ground as well as to enable participants to derive maximum benefits from the seminar.

“Accordingly, the seminar has been deliberately tailored to focus on leadership at command levels, intelligence gathering, military decision making process, logistics planning, legal implications and human right issues among others.

“As we continue to implement the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events and Training Directive for 2023, I implore you to seize the opportunity of this seminar to improve on your knowledge of leadership,” he said.

The COAS said that he expected that at the end of the seminar, the set objectives would have been met to enable them discharge their constitutional roles professionally.

“The dynamic and ever changing security situation in the country requires that the Nigerian Army equip leaders at all levels with the requisite capabilities to face these challenges, especially in a complex environment.

“I, therefore, urge you all to apply yourselves to all that will be taught by tapping from the wealth of knowledge and experiences of the resource persons,” he said.

Yahaya appreciated all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their professional conduct during the recently concluded general elections in the country.

“Your actions enabled the citizens to freely exercise their civic responsibilities. I am indeed proud of you,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Olawunmi Ashafa
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Diya:  Gov. Abiodun takes over burial arrangements

Burial

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, March 27, 2023 (NAN) The Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, on Monday said that the state would take over the burial of Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, to give him a befitting farewell.

Abiodun said this during his condolence visit to the family at the late Diya’s residence in 31 Adekunle Fajuyi St., GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lt.-Gen. Diya died on March 26 at the age of 79.

The governor said that Diya was a former governor of Ogun State in 1984 and was an illustrious son of the state, in whom they were specially very pleased.

“His contribution to the state will be remembered for many years to come.

“The least we can do to honour him and support the family is to take over and give him a befitting farewell and that is what we are going to do.

“A committee will be set up that will comprise members of our cabinet and members of the family, to ensure that we give our departed son a befitting burial,” he said.

Abiodun said that one of the lessons that could be learnt from the life and times of Diya was to absolutely put your trust and faith in God.

“I learnt that when God is with you, and when your trust and faith is in God, man can sentence you but God will uphold you.

“A sentence was pronounced on Diya’s life but God upheld him and he lived for many more years after that sentence.

“So, for me, that is one of the take aways that I will remember from the life and times of Lt.-Gen. Diya, who we are going to immensely miss,” he said.

The governor said that Diya was a soldier, a lawyer and a gentleman, who rose to the peak of his career by becoming the Chief of Staff at the Supreme Headquarters.

“He aslo became the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Div, he was the Commandant of the Nigerian War College, after which he became the defacto vice president of Nigeria.

“His philanthropic intelligence and community involvement is such that we can not write the history of Ogun State without remembering him particularly or  where he comes from , which is Odogbolu LGA.

“All of us in Ogun State will forever be grateful to the impactful life that he has lived,” Abiodun said.

He offered his deep condolences to Diya’s family on behalf of the entire people and government of Ogun State.

“Our prayer to the almighty God is to forgive his sins and grant recourse of his soul.

“We pray that the Almighty God will give his wife, Mrs Josephine Diya, the children and entire members of the family the heart to bear the loss,” Abiodun said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Diya reduced crime in Ogun as governor , says former chairman Mushin LG

Governor

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, March 26, 2023 (NAN) Mr Bayo Oshiyemi, a former Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) Lagos, on Sunday said that late Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, helped to reduce crime in Ogun State as the military governor.

Oshiyemi said this during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at his residence in No. 31 Adekunle Fajuyi St., Ikeja, Lagos.

The late Lieutenant  General died at Duchess Hospital, Ikeja, in the early hours of Sunday, March 26.

He said that when Diya was appointed Military Governor  of Ogun, he instilled some discipline into the residents of the state, he even banned night parties.

“He did this because of the attendant criminal tendencies in the state and long after he left office in Ogun State, that law still existed.

“It existed because the citizens generally saw a lot of benefit in outlawing night parties because many deadly things were done at some of those parties,” he said.

Oshiyemi, who is now the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters, said that Diya played a major role in the evolution to democracy.

“He played some role, which was largely misunderstood  and because I participated in some of the events, I know that history will record positive things about him,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President, Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers (RANAO) Association of Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Abdulhafeez Adewuyi, also condoled the family of the late senior officer.

Adewuyi prayed that the Almighty God grant his family the fortitude to bear his loss.

“Although, Diya was not a member of RANAO because our association is a voluntary one, however, our prestigious association has the interest of all officers at heart.

“May the soul of the departed senior officer rest in peace,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Diya

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, March 26, 2023 (NAN) Sen. Anthony Adefuye on Sunday said that the late Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya would be fondly remembered for the role he played during the June 12 struggle,  where he stood by the people and their mandate.

It could be recalled that the annulment of the presidential election held on June 12, 1993, sparked a chain of events that began with civic uprising in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Adefuye said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at his residence at 31 Adekunle Fajuyi Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

The senator said that the late general stood for honesty and he was a fan of the media.

“When he was vice president, he was always on the side of the people. During the June 12 problems, he stood with us and that is why we have a good bond.

“He has performed more than an ordinary person for this country and we all mourn him as he died at the age of 79,” Adefuye said.

Rt. Rev. Babtunde Ogunbanwo, Anglican Bishop of Ijebu South, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Diya was highly disciplined and stood for the unity of the nation.

“In 1993, he had every opportunity to become the Head of State, instead, he stepped down for General Sani Abacha just for the sake of peace and unity.

“When he was governor of Ogun State, if you steal money he will throw you in the guardroom because he is a committed Nigerian.

“We, as Yoruba people, as Odogbolu people, and as Ijebu people, we are proud of him. He lived a simple life of impact and integrity and we thank God for a life well spent,” Ogunbanwo said.

Also, Mr Oyewole Diya, a younger brother to the deceased and a former member, Federal House of Representatives, said that the Diya family had lost a unifiying factor.

“We lost our dad 40 years ago and my late brother took it upon himself to send everybody in the family to school.

“He practically made everybody in the family and gave us all an opportunity to be successful in life without reservation.

“I am what I am today by the grace of God and with the help of my brother,” he said.

The former politician represented Shomolu Federal Constituency in the House of Assembly in 1999 to 2007 and was also in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 and 2015 to 2019.

Diya died in the early hours of March 26. (NAN) (www.nannea.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Diya

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, March 26, 2023 (NAN) Mr Olawale Adekoya, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to deceased Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, on Sunday described him as a pioneering leader in many endeavours.

Born at Odogbolu, Ogun, on April 3, 1944, Diya died on March 26 at a Lagos Hospital at the age of 79.

He was one of the pioneer students of Odogbolu Grammar School in 1957.

Diya was also among the pioneer students of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) that graduated as Regular Course One cadets on March 18, 1967.

One of his peers at the NDA is retired Gen. Aliyu Gusau, defence minister from 2014 to 2015.

Another one is Gen. Ishola Williams who walked out on the army and on Gen. Sani Abacha in 1993 on the premise that his and the army’s takeover of government were immoral.

The same Gen. Abacha appointed Diya as his Chief of General Staff when he took over government from the Interim National Government (ING).

The ING was put in place by military president, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida when he “stepped aside’’ following strident measures by Nigerians to end military rule.

Before his appointment as Abacha’s deputy, Diya was the pioneer Commandant of the Nigeria War College between 1991 and 1993.

Earlier than these, deceased Gen. Diya was Commander 31, Airborne Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

He was appointed Military Governor of Ogun from January 1984 to August 1985, the period during which he banned night parties and closure of roads by revellers in a state widely known for “owambe’’ all-night parties.

He became General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigeria Army in 1985.

Diya’s passing on was first announced on Sunday in a terse statement issued by his first son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, a lawyer on behalf of the family.

His media aide, Adekoya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the deceased’s residence in Lagos that: “incidentally, Oyesinmilola along with his late father made history when they were both called to the bar on the same day some years back.’’

Diya was survived by Josephine, his wife, many children and grandchildren spread across the world.

“A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Wole Diya is his younger brother; Barr. Kehinde Diya is also his younger brother.

“We also have a General in the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya who was recently promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General,’’ Adekoya said.

Diya authored a book entitled: “Destiny Anchored on Faith’’ which encompassed the life he lived and elucidated on the role he played during Nigeria’s civil war of 1968 to 1970. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Students

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, March 24, 2023 (NAN) The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, says debate and quiz competitions are well thought out strategies to develop critical thinking in students.

Ajunwa made the assertion at the 81 Division NA 2nd Inter-Command Army and Other Secondary Schools quiz and debate competition which held at Nebo Hall, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Ojuelegba, Lagos.

The competition was sponsored by the GOC, who is passionate to see children grow up into critical thinkers and become world-class leaders in different endeavours.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Command Day Secondary School (CDSS) Lagos, (Ipaja),  came first; CDSS, Oshodi, came second and CDSS, Ojo came third.

Ajunwa said that the best thing that one could give to a child was education,  be it university education or craft, indicating that both educations were complementary.

“So, we must aspire to get both and that is why the education system is changed to 6-3-3-4 to make sure we can acquire both.

“The idea of this event is not to get a winner or loser but to make sure that we improve you in your studies, confidence level and especially in your ability to think critically.

“Critical thinking is one of the first forms in which a system develops and you may be able to critic whatever somebody gives to you and not swallow it hook, line and sinker,” he said.

The GOC said that during his days as a student, he was privileged to have participated in debate and quiz competitions which he said developed his confidence level.

“It is one thing for you to have the knowledge and it is another thing for you to practise it and to make it available to the public.

“It is my privilege to have seen that the students communicated a high level of knowledge and I believe that there are also good ones among you that did not come out to participate.

“I urge the teachers and the administrators to make sure that they continue to give the best to them so that their tomorrow and our tomorrow will be better,” Ajunwa said.

Ajunwa said that it was important for students to know that education was not only done in the classroom but also done outside the classroom.

“So, we must teach them to remain focused in that direction that is why you have to bring them out for activities such as this, sports among others.

“By so doing, they will have a complete education that is comprehensive and that is why this type of programmes are important.

“I believe in them because all of us are actually products of the same process and we will not allow the process to die,” Ajunwa said.

Muhammad Owolawi, an SSS 3 student of CDSS, Lagos (Ipaja), said that such competitions had helped him to build his self esteem.

Owolawi ascribed his ability to speak in public to his teachers and his colleagues  who encouraged him to be bold and always give his best.

Also, Mariam Adebayo, 12-year-old student in JSS 3, CDSS, Ojo said that her participation in debate, especially, when it brought laurels to her school, suppressed her initial stage fright.

Adebayo said that she was grateful for such opportunity to engage in public speaking and looked forward to more competitions in future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vivian Ihechu