Author: Dodo Elias Denen

In a bold demonstration of proactive leadership and commitment to inter-agency synergy, the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, Deputy Comptroller BL Adigun, on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, paid strategic courtesy visits to the Lagos Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Zonal Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone A, Lagos.

This was disclosed in an official statement endorsed by CSC VU Ogagbor, Public Relations Officer, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command. “The visits were part of the Acting CAC’s engagement drive to strengthen partnerships, improve efficiency, and promote professionalism within the Nigeria Customs Service and its collaborating agencies.

Addressing the ICPC officials, Deputy Comptroller Adigun warmly acknowledged the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Lagos, Mr Chukwura Alexander, fsi, and other dignitaries. He then highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in the fight against corruption, stressing that close collaboration with the Commission would strengthen internal controls, boost compliance, and inspire public confidence in government institutions, describing it as essential for fostering a lasting culture of transparency and accountability.

In response, Mr Chukwura Alexander, fsi, described the visit as timely, strategic, and transformative. He commended the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for its forward-thinking approach, proactive engagement, and commitment to building stronger institutional partnerships. Mr Alexander noted that corruption thrives where agencies operate in isolation and lauded the Acting CAC for bridging gaps between key government institutions. He pledged that the ICPC would work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen transparency and public trust, enhance compliance, and support integrity-driven initiatives. He further emphasized that sustained collaboration between the two agencies would not only strengthen anti-corruption efforts but also promote public confidence in government institutions and foster a culture of accountability across both agencies.

At the Zonal Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone A, Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Adigun commended the Assistant Controller-General, Zone A, Mr Jude Agboje, and other officers for the warm reception. He stressed the importance of collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies in addressing emerging security and operational challenges. He highlighted the value of coordinated efforts, information sharing, and joint initiatives in enhancing national security and operational effectiveness.

Responding, Mr Jude Agboje described the visit as highly significant, praising the Acting CAC for demonstrating vision and commitment to inter-agency synergy. He noted that partnerships like this strengthen law enforcement, enhance intelligence-driven operations, and ensure agencies operate efficiently. Mr Agboje also commended the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project within the Correctional Service facility, stating that the initiative cannot be taken for granted. He pledged continued collaboration, emphasizing that both agencies would pursue joint initiatives, share expertise, and support each other’s strategic goals for lasting impact.

The engagements showcased the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command’s leadership focus on professionalism, proactive collaboration, and national service, positioning it as a key driver of efficiency, security, and integrity within the Nigeria Customs Service.

Operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Ogun State Police Command, have arrested one Adenekan Segun, also known as “Expensive,” a suspected armed robber, and recovered two pump-action firearms following credible intelligence.

According to a press statement issued by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State. “On Sunday, 14th December 2025, actionable intelligence indicated that the suspect was unlawfully in possession of pump-action firearms. He was alleged to have brandished the weapons during a minor disagreement with a person.

The operatives acted swiftly, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of two pump-action rifles. Investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the recovered firearms, after which the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, commends the swift response of the operatives and reiterates the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms. He assures residents of Ogun State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111. Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 headquarters, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, mni, psc, received the zonal commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) zone 8, Lagos ACGN Stella Ngozi Ngwoke on a courtesy visit at the zonal headquarters, Onikan, Lagos on a familiarization visit.

According to a press statement issued by DSP Afolayan Gbenga, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos. In the course of her visit, the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics stated that the visit was aimed at building synergy, support and collaboration with the police in the fight against drugs and substance abuse especially when there is the need for a large scale operation.

AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade while appreciating the Zonal Commander welcomed her to the Command and reassured her that the Police will actively collaborate and support the NDLEA by providing the necessary and required assistance whenever the need arises as the menace of drug/substance abuse and its supply is becoming a pandemic in our society.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in Charge of Zone 2 headquarters, Onikan, Lagos AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, mni, psc, mnim, fisn convened an all important strategic security meeting with key stakeholders within Lagos and Ogun State as part of an ongoing effort to enhance intelligence sharing and promote peace across both states.

According to a press statement issued by DSP Afolayan Gbenga, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos. “The strategic security meeting aimed at boosting the enthusiasm of citizens, emphasizing the importance of prompt intelligence gathering and sharing in achieving long term security objectives while also enhancing trust brought together representatives from various groups such as Local government/ LCDA leaders, community and ethnic group leaders, religious leaders, security group leaders, transport union leaders, traders’ group/ market leaders, youth leaders and other key stakeholders where security dynamics within both states were reviewed and actionable solutions were proposed.

The AIG, while reassuring his commitment to fighting crime and making Lagos and Ogun state a safer place for all and sundry, enjoins members of the public to always cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force in the fight against insecurity by providing releveant information when necessary while all stakeholders involved expressed their willingness to support the police in promoting peace and safety of citizens across Lagos and ogun state.

Following robust deliberations and reviews, the following resolutions and action points were agreed upon; The Police will always be available and accessible to provide quality service at all times and passionately partner with community members to ensure peace and security; Religious and traditional leaders to shun religious and ethnic bias and remain the moral compasses of our society. Their authority and influence must radiate peace and security in our community; Religious leaders to preach and emphasize on peace during sermons and engage in advocacy, counselling and youth mentorship; Timely information and intelligence to be shared via designated Channels; Aggressive public sensitization by the Police, robust information sharing and public enlightenment and awareness; Markets are centres of informal intelligence. Criminals often hide in plain sights in markets. Traders and transport unions should work closely with the Police to ensure safety; Youths are not just full beneficiaries of peace, they are its custodians. They must reject cultism, drug abuse and violence. They must embrace positive leadership, innovation and accountability.

Fidelity Bank Plc has brought relief to indigent patients at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane, by offsetting medical bills and providing financial support to children battling chronic health conditions alongside donations of ante-natal kits to pregnant women.

The intervention, which was carried out under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative known as Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), was funded and executed by newly inducted employees of the bank, the Optimizers Inductees Class, as their community impact project, with matching financial support from the bank.

Commenting on the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to improving lives through targeted social interventions across its four CSR pillars.

“This project reflects the spirit of who we are as a bank. Beyond providing financial services, we are committed to touching lives within the communities where we operate. Today, we are donating ante-natal kits to pregnant women and also supporting indigent patients who have remained in the hospital due to unpaid bills. Some of the children also require long-term medical care, so we have given additional financial support to aid their continued treatment,” Dr Nwagboh said.

Whilst wishing the beneficiaries quick recovery and good health, Nwagboh described the intervention as both significant and timely, enabling many families to reunite and celebrate the festive season without the burden of outstanding hospital debts.

Receiving the donation, the Chief Matron of the Children’s Ward, Esther Nnaji, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely intervention, describing it as a lifeline for families grappling with rising healthcare costs.

“There are so many families here in desperate need. Some of the children are battling cancer, sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions. Fidelity Bank’s support will go a long way in relieving their pain. Because of what you have done, some of these children will now be able to see their siblings again,” she said.

Several beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to Fidelity Bank for easing their financial burdens. Mrs. Adaeze Ilo, whose baby’s bill was cleared, said the support came at a moment of despair.

“After spending months in the hospital, we had no idea how to raise the money,” she said. “Fidelity Bank came through for us when we needed it the most. We are deeply grateful.”

Another relieved parent, Jane Anthony, whose son’s bill was cleared, said her family had already accepted that they would spend Christmas in the hospital.

“God used Fidelity Bank to send us home to enjoy Christmas. My heart is full.” she said.

The recent outreach to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital further highlights Fidelity Bank’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community well-being across Nigeria through community-driven CSR efforts.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has taken note of the concerns expressed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other members of the public in the media regarding the film titled A Very Dirty Christmas.

Although the NFVCB has not received any formal communication from CAN, it wishes to sincerely acknowledge these concerns and to reassure the Christian community and the general public that the NFVCB holds religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as core considerations in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Board is mindful of the importance of ensuring that films exhibited in the country do not undermine religious harmony or offend deeply held beliefs.

The NFVCB clarifies that the film was approved and classified after undergoing the established censorship and classification process, during which the Film Censorship Committee examined the work within its narrative and thematic context. The approval of the title was not intended to disparage or trivialize the Christian faith or the significance of Christmas, but was considered as part of a fictional and creative expression.

However, the Board recognizes that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation. In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, the NFVCB has formally engaged the producers of the film and requested a modification of the title in order to avoid interpretations that may be considered offensive to Christian sensibilities and to prevent any unnecessary religious tension.

The Board further assures the public that it remains guided by the provisions of the National Film and Video Censors Board Act, including Section 39(1), which empowers the Film Censorship Committee to order the withdrawal of a film from exhibition for further review where such action is considered necessary in the interest of the public.

The NFVCB remains open to continued engagement with CAN, faith-based organizations, industry stakeholders and the general public, and will always take appropriate steps to ensure that films exhibited in Nigeria promote understanding, respect for religious diversity and national unity, while also supporting responsible creativity and artistic expression.

The Board appreciates the patience, understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders as it works to uphold its mandate in the overall interest of the Nigerian public

The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its growing shipbuilding capacity and unwavering commitment to excellence, describing the Naval Dockyard as a powerful symbol of teamwork, innovation and national pride.

AVM Ilo made the remarks while delivering his keynote address as Special Guest of Honour at the Naval Dockyard Limited End-of-Year Dinner and Awards Night, held to celebrate outstanding officers and staff of the Dockyard.

Speaking emotionally, the NAFRC Commandant disclosed that he travelled from Abuja the same day to honour the invitation, underscoring the importance he attached to the occasion. He expressed gratitude to his course mates and colleagues for the privilege of serving as special guest, noting that the event represented more than a social gathering.

“I am delighted to be here to celebrate with this beautiful family. Seeing what has been achieved at the Naval Dockyard reminds me of the power of teamwork, dedication and passion. If Nigerians can build a ship from scratch to completion, then we are truly a special people,” AVM Ilo said.

He praised the officers and personnel of the Dockyard for translating the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff into tangible outcomes, particularly in the drive to develop sustainable naval platforms capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to him, such achievements could only be realised through cooperation, shared purpose and disciplined execution, adding that the efforts of the Dockyard personnel had not gone unnoticed within the Armed Forces hierarchy.

AVM Ilo also paid glowing tribute to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and the Superintendent of the Dockyard, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, for their leadership and commitment to institutional growth. He conveyed warm greetings from the Defense Headquarters and called for continued loyalty and support to advance the Armed Forces in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He concluded by appreciating heads of sister security agencies and establishments present, stressing the importance of unity across the Armed Forces, while reminding personnel to always place family at the centre of their service.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, described the dinner and awards night as a celebration of people rather than just projects or timelines.

“This night is about celebrating the officers, ratings, civilian staff, NYSC members and industrial trainees who make our journey possible. This year tested our resilience, but it also revealed our strength, innovation and shared vision,” he said.

Rear Admiral Shehu highlighted the sacrifices, late nights and quiet dedication that contributed to the Dockyard’s successes, noting that many of these efforts often go unseen but are deeply valued.

He expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and senior naval leadership for their visionary support, particularly in the provision of critical equipment and facilities that have enhanced seamless operations at the Dockyard.

The Admiral Superintendent urged personnel to use the occasion to reflect on achievements, strengthen bonds of unity and look forward with confidence to a brighter future for the Naval Dockyard and the Nigerian Navy at large.

The high-profile event attracted senior military officers, including the Commandant of NAFRC, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, as well as other top-ranking officers across the Armed Forces.

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday celebrated outstanding operational achievements as the Compliance Team led by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) M.O. Lawal dominated the 2025 Idiroko Customs Gala and Awards Night, winning five major awards in one sweep.

Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the annual awards ceremony was designed to recognise excellence, motivate officers and promote healthy competition within the Service.

According to Afeni, the awards were transparently determined based on measurable performance indicators, including the highest number of seizures, highest value of seizures, and record interceptions of contraband items such as vehicles, rice and other prohibited goods. “We use this platform to recognise officers who have distinguished themselves in their assigned duties and to encourage others to put in more effort. The process was very transparent. One officer and his team emerged outstanding because they recorded the highest number of seizures, the most valuable seizures and the highest number of vehicles intercepted,” Afeni said.

He added that several high-profile seizures earlier paraded at a press briefing, including foreign spaghetti and vegetable oil, were credited to the award-winning Compliance Team. The Area Controller noted that the initiative, introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, was also aimed at promoting work-life balance among officers.

“After working hard, officers need time to unwind. This initiative has helped officers relax, and we are already seeing improved productivity and better job performance,” he said.

Looking ahead, Afeni described 2026 as a “deal-breaker year,” revealing that strategies were already being implemented to reposition Ogun I not only as a strong enforcement command but also as a major revenue-generating zone. He also charged junior officers to remain disciplined and dedicated, stressing that excellence comes with tangible rewards.

“One of our officers won ‘Best in Guard Duty’ and has now been exempted from guard duty as a reward. This is to motivate others to perform better and earn similar privileges,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Awards Committee, Deputy Comptroller Yusuf, said the selection process was rigorous, fair and transparent, describing the performance of coordinators, Officers-in-Charge (OICs) and patrol leaders in 2025 as exceptional.

“Tonight is not just about celebrating winners; it is about setting a new benchmark. Despite unprecedented challenges across our vast land borders, officers of Ogun I Command have demonstrated professionalism, innovation and resilience,” Yusuf said.

He urged officers to see the awards as motivation to push performance boundaries in the coming year, noting that the ceremony aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which emphasises professionalism and accountability.

Patrol Team with Highest Number of Seizures: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Patrol Team with Highest Value of Seizures: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Team with Highest Seizures of Foreign Vehicles: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Team with Highest Seizures of Rice: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Single Highest Duty Paid Value Seizure: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Highest Seizures of Narcotics: Roving Team B – AC A.A. Dalhatu; Most Gallant Patrol Team: Rapid Response Squad B – CSC I. Eze; Best Outstation of the Year: Ijounbe Outstation – AC Ogunjobi; Highest Seizures of Tyres: Roving Team C – AC E.K. Onyeasor; Highest Seizures of PMS: Anti-Bunkering Team C – CSC A.O. Titcomb; Highest Seizures of Arms and Ammunition: Operation SEAT – SC G.O. Sanni.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, CSC M.O. Lawal commended the support of sister security agencies and praised his team for their dedication, discipline and professionalism. “Leadership is about knowing your officers, training them and leading by example. What you see today is a product of teamwork and commitment,” he said, expressing confidence that his team would return stronger in 2026.

The colourful gala night brought together Customs officers, traditional leaders, sister agencies and stakeholders, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to excellence, transparency and operational effectiveness.

In a bid to promote wellness, strengthen community ties, and bring its leadership closer to the consumers it serves, Smile Communications has announced a five-day health initiative tagged “Walk for Life.” The programme, scheduled to run from Monday, 15th to Friday, 19th December 2025, will see the company’s senior executives walk through selected routes across Lagos, engaging directly with residents and small businesses along the way.

Leading the initiative is Smile’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abhulime Ehiagwina, joined by the Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Akin Alayoku, and the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Muhammad Shahzad. The walk will commence daily from Smile’s Head Office in Ikoyi and extend toward key mainland communities over the course of the week.

Speaking ahead of the programme, Mr. Ehiagwina noted that Walk for Life reflects Smile’s broader commitment to fostering wellbeing both inside and outside the workplace.

“This initiative goes beyond physical activity — it is about connecting with the communities we serve, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and demonstrating that leadership is at its best when it steps forward with people, not just for them,” he said.

As part of the walk, Smile executives will share friendly, conversational information about the company’s newly improved Smile MINI, MIDI, JUMBO, MAXI and ANNUAL plans — designed to offer Nigerians more data at lower prices. Residents and small business owners will also have the opportunity to engage the team directly, ask questions, take photos, and even make instant purchases where desired.

According to Olagoke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications, the initiative aligns with the brand’s vision of deeper consumer understanding and engagement.
“For over a year, we have committed ourselves to listening to Nigerians — understanding how they work, stream, learn and stay connected.

‘Walk for Life’ is an extension of that commitment. It is an opportunity to meet consumers on their own turf and sensitise them to the new, more valuable Smile plans in the most human and genuine way possible,” he explained.

Beyond leadership visibility and consumer engagement, ‘Walk for Life’ has been structured to also promote employee wellness and organisational culture. Speaking on this internal dimension of the programme, Mrs. Linda Olumide, Head of Talent at Smile Communications, offered a simple but powerful remark: “Healthy teams build healthy companies.”

Throughout the five-day activity, the Smile team is expected to stop at various points to interact with traders, commuters, corporate workers, artisans and young people who depend on internet connectivity for daily productivity.

By using a community-focused approach, Smile aims to create meaningful moments of connection while raising awareness of the newly enhanced data plans launched during the Yuletide season as a year-end gift to its customers.

Walk for Life represents a refreshing blend of leadership visibility, wellness promotion, and consumer education — reinforcing Smile’s belief that strong brands are built not only through technology, but through active human presence.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday formally declared the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 closed, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to far-reaching reforms in training, operations, intelligence capabilities and personnel welfare.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos, on 18 December 2025, the Army Chief welcomed members of the media and described the conference as a critical platform for assessing the Nigerian Army’s operational and administrative performance in 2025, while consolidating strategies for the year ahead.

According to him, the conference featured robust and wide-ranging deliberations on administration, training and operations, which provided a clearer understanding of the Army’s achievements, challenges and strategic priorities going forward.

“The extensive discussions over the past few days have broadened our collective perspective on our progress and setbacks in 2025, as well as what we must aspire to achieve in the coming year,” he said.

Lt Gen Shaibu announced that, arising from the conference deliberations, the Nigerian Army would immediately begin a comprehensive reorganisation of its training, operational, administrative and logistics systems. He explained that the reforms are designed to align fully with his Command Philosophy, which aims to transform the Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

As part of the reforms, the COAS disclosed plans for a total overhaul of training curricula across all Nigerian Army schools, stressing that realistic and mission-focused training remains central to operational success. He noted that Army Headquarters, through the Department of Training, would drive mission-specific training and conduct a holistic review of training standards nationwide.

Special emphasis, he said, would be placed on the training and deployment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, alongside other critical combat enablers, to improve operational outcomes.

“In the coming year, we will implement bold but well-informed changes to our training and operational activities, including targeted interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School,” he stated.

The Army Chief noted that intelligence briefings and operational updates presented during the conference highlighted the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment. He said this evolving threat landscape demands enhanced capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as in cyber operations.

He further observed that regional instability and global shifts in the character of warfare require the Nigerian Army to continuously learn, adapt and innovate at all levels. In this regard, Lt Gen Nam assured that the Army would continue to leverage the support of the nation’s political leadership in the procurement of critical military hardware and software, while deepening the culture of innovation and technological integration across the force.

On personnel welfare, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the persistent challenge of accommodation shortages within the Nigerian Army. He acknowledged the progress made so far, as highlighted in presentations by the Chief of Logistics (Army), but admitted that more work remains.

To tackle the issue, he directed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects be completed promptly and allocated to personnel, while new housing projects would be initiated across barracks in all Army Divisions. As an interim measure, he said the Army would also embark on extensive renovation works in barracks nationwide.

Beyond in-service accommodation, Lt Gen Shaibu emphasised the importance of post-service housing for soldiers. He announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, the following day to commission the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Akobo Project, alongside the Post-Service Housing Development Limited Shopping Complex in Eleyele.

“Under my watch, post-service housing for our soldiers will remain a top priority, with sustained attention to the completion of all ongoing projects,” he assured.

The Army Chief commended the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and his team for the successful organisation of the conference, as well as all participants for their dedication and robust contributions. He noted that the volume and quality of inputs recorded were unprecedented in the history of the conference, adding that he looked forward to receiving the draft summary of decisions for approval and implementation.

In his closing remarks, Lt Gen Shaibu expressed the gratitude of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the service. He reaffirmed the Army’s loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and its commitment to defending the nation and upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He also invited stakeholders to the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS) project in Ibadan and the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, scheduled for 20 December 2025.

With these remarks, the Chief of Army Staff formally declared the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 closed, wishing all participants a safe journey to their respective destinations.