Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, marked a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s welfare agenda with the commissioning of the newly remodeled Nigerian Army Post Exchange (NAPEX) Supermarket at Ojo Cantonment, Lagos, on 19 June 2025. The facility, renovated by the Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (NAWLG), underscores the NA’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of its personnel and their families.

Represented by General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, the COAS, emphasized that the operationalization of NAPEX represents a critical stride in enhancing troops’ welfare and promoting sound administration, a cornerstone of his Command Philosophy. He reiterated the NA’s commitment to prioritizing initiatives that foster the well-being of its personnel, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the nation’s security architecture.

Earlier in his welcome address, the GMD NAWLG Major General Ibrahim Taiwo, highlighted the paramount importance of welfare in effective troops management, noting that the COAS’ leadership has elevated the bar in this regard. He stated that the remodeled NAPEX supermarket aligns seamlessly with the COAS’ Command Philosophy, poised to positively impact the lives of troops, their families, and the broader barracks community.

While delivering his vote of thanks, the MD NAPEX, Brigadier General JB Adams, expressed profound gratitude to the GMD NAWLG for his visionary initiative, which promised to boost troops’ morale and fighting spirit across the nation. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in bringing the project to fruition.

The ceremony drew a distinguished gathering, including the Commander 9 Brigade, Executive Director of Operations NAWLG, Managing Director NADMACO, MD NAPEX, members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), and the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA), among others.

According to the press statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army “The event featured the cutting of the commissioning ribbon, unveiling of the commissioning plaque, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.

A total of 542 retiring personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully completed their pre-discharge training at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Lagos, as part of efforts to reintegrate servicemen and women into productive civilian life.

The Passing Out Ceremony, held on June 19, 2025, was attended by top military dignitaries, including the Special Guest of Honour, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, represented by Major General Kelvin Aligbe, Commander TRADOC. The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman, presided over the event.

Addressing the graduating participants, AVM Mamman highlighted the significance of the occasion as the first passing out for the year, commending the dedication and achievements of the course participants who had undergone six months of intensive vocational training.

“Today is a memorable day not only for the graduating personnel but for the entire NAFRC community. These senior citizens have demonstrated commitment and resilience in preparing for post-service life,” Mamman stated.

He noted that the Centre has trained over 53,000 personnel since inception and is committed to providing quality vocational training, research, and consultancy to support retiring personnel. Some recent achievements include infrastructural upgrades, acquisition of a Jet Mover ambulance, solar-powered streetlights, and the ongoing development of a 30-hectare agricultural land in Epe, Lagos.

The Centre also introduced lectures on business registration and entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission to prepare participants for economic self-reliance. Other innovations include the enhancement of e-learning platforms and skills training for widows and orphans of deceased personnel.

Speaking on the highlights of Course 1/2025, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, Director of Training, revealed that 585 personnel were initially enrolled, with 43 declared medically unfit. The final graduating strength includes 362 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Navy, and 46 from the Air Force. Notably, 24 female personnel were among the graduates.

Participants were trained across 33 skill acquisition workshops, including welding, fine arts, ICT, agriculture, and security management. Their curriculum also included entrepreneurship, management, and behavioral studies. Each participant undertook industrial training in locations across Nigeria, aligning with their preferred post-retirement destinations.

“Graduands are now equipped to manage businesses, contribute to national development, and apply their skills in civilian contexts,” Olatunji affirmed.

In his keynote speech, the Special Guest of Honour commended the resilience of the participants and urged them to uphold military values in civilian life.

“As ambassadors of the Armed Forces, the society expects high ethical standards from you,” Oluyede said. “Let retirement mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise, not an end to your service.”

He advised the retirees to avoid extravagant lifestyles and remain vigilant against post-service pitfalls such as poor financial management and negative influences. He also emphasized their potential roles in supporting security within their communities.

Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support of military welfare, including increased starter packs, and infrastructural improvements at NAFRC. He also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and other Service Chiefs for their strategic leadership.

The ceremony ended with the formal conferment of NAFRC Certificates to the graduates, many of whom showcased their final projects and products during an exhibition that followed the event.

The Nigerian Navy has successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents on the Naval Base Lake Chad in Borno State.

The Terrorists commenced their attack at about 2am on Wednesday 18 June 2025, with the intention to destroy the newly acquired swamp buggies procured by the Borno State Government for waterways clearance in the Lake Chad Basin and other military equipment at the Naval Base.

However, they were effectively repelled by the swift and decisive response of Nigerian Navy personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad with reinforcement from Land and Air component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The superior tactical coordination and firepower of the Nigerian Navy personnel and the other components of Operation HADIN KAI foiled the terrorists’ plans, resulting in significant losses for the insurgents and many were neutralized.

The bravery and professionalism demonstrated by the Nigerian Navy personnel underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and neutralizing all threats to peace in the Northeast.

Our attention has been drawn to a publication on Sahara Reporters website titled, “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19Billion Fraud Probe”.

We would like to categorically state this story is patently false and has been maliciously written to deceive the public into believing that a N5billion bail bond was payment to the Police to avoid detention.

While we are unable to comment on the substantive matter as it is before a competent court, we wish to state emphatically that there is no truth in the claims of the story.

The police invited the MD during their investigation of a matter reported by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba in respect of the management of the accounts of Woobs Resources Limited. After taking her statement, the police requested the MD to sign a N5 billion bail bond, which she signed on self-recognizance.

It is the N5billion bail bond that was signed by the MD that was referenced in her conversation with Mr. Ogo Whoba which was recorded without her consent. At no time did the MD pay N5bn to the Police to avoid detention but rather signed a bond as part of her bail requirements.

This mischievous allegation was presented to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in a petition written by Victor Ukutt for himself and on behalf of Mr. Whoba. The IGP commissioned a detailed and independent investigation into the allegation and found same to be baseless.

As a leading financial institution with a long-standing commitment to strong corporate governance, we remain dedicated to adhering to the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.

Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has formally assumed office as President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI). His leadership promises a reform-focused era anchored on policy advocacy, ethical standards, and digital innovation to deepen risk governance across sectors in the country.

Speaking during the presidential handover ceremony in Lagos over the weekend, Ugwuoke — who also doubles as acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA) — described his election as “a call to action.” He pledged to reposition CRMI as a thought leader and institutional partner in shaping the future of risk management in Nigeria’s national development.

“Our mission is more than just certification; it’s about strengthening the culture of risk governance across sectors. We will collaborate with regulators, raise awareness, and provide practical tools to help organizations embed risk discipline at all levels.”

Ugwuoke outlined a five-pronged strategy to guide his administration: strengthening professional education and certification; deepening policy and regulatory engagement; accelerating digital transformation; integrating ESG and climate risk into corporate strategies; and mentoring the next generation of risk practitioners.

He explained that CRMI will align its initiatives with key policy institutions — including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the National Assembly, and sub-national governments — to help embed robust risk frameworks into economic development plans.

“We must integrate risk thinking into how we plan, govern, and invest. We will advocate for more inclusive regulations to empower small and medium enterprises, improve macroeconomic stability, and foster institutional resilience.”

Ugwuoke also announced plans to revise the Institute’s curriculum, introduce specialized certifications to reflect emerging risks, and implement a new National Risk Observatory to provide real-time risk data to both the public and private sectors.
“Digital innovation will be central to how CRMI operates going forward. We are automating our backend, delivering more virtual training, and employing technology to scale our impact across the country and beyond.”

In his remarks, the outgoing President of CRMI, Ezekiel Oseni, challenged the new leadership to consolidate on the achievements made under his tenure — from securing chartered status and strengthening partnerships to gaining greater international recognition — and take the Institute to the next level.

Also speaking on the occasion, Chukwuma Nweke, deputy managing director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, described Ugwuoke as a worthy successor. “As Professor Oseni hands over the baton to Kevin Ugwuoke — a well-respected leader in the risk management ecosystem — we are assured CRMI is poised for greater achievements under his watch.”

Nweke stressed that growing economic uncertainties — from inflation and exchange rate volatility to growing debt — underscore the need for a more strategic view of risk. “Risk must be recognized not as a compliance obligation or a cost center but as a key enabler of resiliency and growth. Institutions that embed risk into their strategies will absorb shocks more effectively, unlock value, and inspire investor confidence.”

As part of the day’s ceremonies, 11 distinguished practitioners were conferred with the Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) award, while 21 new members were formally inducted as Chartered Risk Managers (CRM). Furthermore, a new Governing Council was inaugurated to oversee the affairs of the Institute for the 2025–2027 term, marking a decisive step forward in institutional renewal and policy direction.

…Developer declines comment

Residents of Natufe estate and environs in Lagos on Saturday morning defied the heavy rains to protest the alleged construction of a cemetery within their community.

Natufe is located off Babs Animashaun Road in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, mainland Lagos.

They took their protest to the construction site, a large expanse bordered by residential buildings, a school, a church and just a few meters away from the Traffic Light at Bode Thomas junction.

Chanting “no cemetery” and other slogans to register their displeasure, the protesters waved placards emphasising their disapproval of the proposed burial ground in the neighbourhood.

Speaking to journalists, the Chairperson, Natufe/Animashaun Community Development Association (CDA), Alhaja Omolabake Aminat Braimoh, said they were out to protest the construction of a cemetery in the neighbourhood.

“This man tried it over two years ago and we opposed it. Suddenly, we noticed he has started construction again and he is working day and night to achieve his purpose. So, we are out here again saying no because cemetery is not good here.

“We heard he wants to build an adult cemetery here and one for children about three blocks away. We do not want it. Look around you, this is a residential neighbourhood. We have children and elderly people here. We have schools, churches and estates here too. “Locating a cemetery will pollute our land. We are not using pipe-borne water. Our source of water is borehole which cemetery will pollute.”

Asked what steps have been taken by the CDA aside from the protest, she said letters had been written and sent to the Chairman, Coker-Aguda LCDA, adding that more letters would be sent to relevant agencies of government to stop the developer.

“We do not want to take laws into our hands and that is why we are following the due process.
“In the letter, we detailed our displeasure about the illegal construction of cemetery and reminded the chairman that we had objected same in the past.

“They commenced work here during the EID holiday and have completely disregarded the community’s disapproval. We urged the chairman to wade into the issue and order the developer to immediate stop work on the site until the intention and purpose of the construction is established,” she added.

Also speaking, a former CDA chairman, Olarenwaju Olaniyan, confirmed that the developer, Olumide Amure tried the same thing during his tenure and was fought to a standstill.

“Olumide Amure knows me very well. The first time he started this, some years ago, we fought it from the local government to the state level. We have all the documents with us. He was stopped by the government.

“But I heard now that he has permission. I am not speaking about that permission because I trust that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will never give such a permission. The developer should know the consequences of his actions and desist from such a wicked act.

“We will not allow him to pollute our land. We won’t allow him to kill us all because what he is trying to do is bring an epidemic for those of us living here.

“We do not have good water here. We are surviving on boreholes and the moment you start burying people here, you will pollute our ground and water. You will kill us all. We won’t allow that.

“We have stayed here for over 50 years. We have people who are 80 years and above among us. When do you want to kill us? Did we offend you? Mr. Olumide Amure, we do not want to fight you, we are appealing to you to do a business that will develop the community and not one that will destroy us. The community says no to turning this place to burial ground.

“You do not even live in this neighbourhood. You bought this land less than three years ago and all you can think of is to put a cemetery here?” Olaniyan queried.

According to him, 11 petitions were sent to relevant agencies and offices the first time he came up with his cemetery plans, adding that the community would do the same this time around.

The Councilor representing Natufe/Animashaun Ward at the Local Government said they were not aware of any approval to the developer to site a cemetery there. He said he received a complaint from the CDA that the developer was building a burial ground in a residential area.

“A cemetery is not suitable in such a place. They have complained that they don’t want it and as their representative at the local government, I will take their complaint forward to the relevant authorities,” he said.

Contacted for reaction on Saturday, the developer told our reporter that he would revert, pleading for time to provide a detailed response.

He asked when the reporter intended to go to press and was told his reaction was needed and that the story would stand down till Sunday afternoon to await his comments.

However, at the time of filing this report (3pm) on Sunday, Mr. Amure was yet to send his response and a reminder message to his phone number was not replied to.