Connect with us

News

Lagbaja not dead, Army debunks rumours, retires 15 Generals

Published

on

Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja
Spread the love

The Nigerian Army on Sunday debunked reports circulating in the media that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has died.

Several reports originating from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist announcing the death of the Army chief went viral on Sunday.

The journalist claimed that Lagbaja had died of cancer 48 hours ago.

The post read, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.

“The death of the Chief of Army Staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position.

“Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.”

Maduka College Advert

Reacting to the post on X, the Nigerian Army marked it as fake news.

However, sources at the Army Headquarters confirmed to our correspondent that the army chief was critically ill.

One of the sources said, “COAS is not dead. He is only critically ill at the moment. We should be praying for him at this critical time and not spreading rumours that he died.”

Another source said he was out of the country to treat himself.

“He is out of the country for treatment. And I have not heard of his death from anyone around him. There is no way such information could be hidden,” the source said.

The phone number of the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, indicated it was switched off.

He was yet to respond to a message sent to him on the matter.

The development came as no fewer than 15 Generals of the Nigerian Army bowed out of service.

The retired Generals are from the Artillery Corps of the Service.

The Artillery Corps delivers heavy firepower support to allied forces positioned at the front lines of the battlefield.

In a post on X, the Nigerian Army said the retired officers consist of 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals.

The post added that the retired generals were pulled out of the service at a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kaduna State.

It read, “The Nigerian Army formally pulled out 15 retired Generals from the Artillery Corps on Saturday, October 19, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State. The group of retirees included 11 Major Generals and 4 Brigadier Generals.”

Speaking on behalf of the retired officers during the pulling-out parade, Maj Gen James Myam (retd) reflected on their long military careers, expressing fulfilment and gratitude.

“He attributed their success to divine grace, acknowledging God’s protection throughout their years of service. He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, wishing him continued strength and wisdom in his leadership of the NA.

“Looking back, Maj Gen Myam recalled the beginning of their military journeys when they reported to the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as Officer Cadets.

“He offered advice to the officers still in service, urging them to remain loyal to the constitution and the democratically elected government while maintaining vigilance and security consciousness.

“The retired general also expressed gratitude to the families, spouses, friends, instructors, and mentors who supported them throughout their careers.

“The event was attended by several senior retired and serving military officers, including former Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Alwali Kazir (retd),” the statement added.

News

Akani Landlords in Enugu raise alarm over alleged encroachment, urge buyers to exercise caution

Published

on

Spread the love

The Akani Ancestral Layout Landlords Association has issued a public warning to prospective land buyers and investors over alleged encroachment issues involving parts of the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme located in Emene-Nike, Enugu.

In a public notice released on Monday, the association said its attention had been drawn to videos circulating online concerning individuals allegedly involved in controversial land transactions within sections of the Akani Ancestral Layout.

According to the association, one of the videos featured a female investor who allegedly paid for plots of land in New Enugu Estate and Dolphine Estate but was yet to receive allocation of the purchased plots.

While sympathising with the investor over the development, the association stated that its members had reviewed the location and size of the land reportedly belonging to Dolphine Estate and now suspect that parts of the estate may have encroached on the area officially known as the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme.

The association explained that the layout was approved through a Public Notice issued under the Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2012, and signed on August 16, 2012, by the then Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam.

Raising what it described as a “red flag” to the public, the association urged intending land buyers to conduct proper due diligence before purchasing land in the area, stressing the importance of ensuring that any property being acquired does not violate the boundaries of the Akani Layout Planning Scheme.

Maduka College Advert

The group also disclosed that many members of the Akani Layout Landlords Association had already completed verification processes and payments for their title documents with relevant authorities in the Enugu State Government.

The association noted that the notice was aimed at preventing future disputes and helping prospective investors avoid costly mistakes.

“Forewarned is forearmed,” the statement concluded.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu congratulates Rangers International after ninth NPFL title win

Published

on

Victorious Rangers International FC
Spread the love

…Lauds Gov Mbah’s investment in youth, sports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also praised the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for supporting youth and sports development in the state, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

Maduka College Advert

“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Continue Reading

News

INEC appeals ruling against Election Guidelines

Published

on

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
Spread the love

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified part of the the election guidelines put in place by the commission for the conduct of the 2027 general election.

Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had last week nullified guidelines issued by the INEC directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as a condition for participation in the 2027 general election.

A political party, the Youth Party, had filed a suit challenging the legality of the electoral body’s directive or guidelines.

The court said in its judgement that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline already provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

But, in the appeal notice dated May 25, 2026, filed by INEC, through its Counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, the electoral umpire prayed the court to set aside the judgement of the lower court.

Maduka College Advert
Continue Reading

Trending

Maduka College Advert