Appointment

Retired Airforce officer advises Tinubu to appoint only Security experts for Defence ministry

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

Retired Airforce Officer and Security Consultant, Squadron Leader, Ben Williams, has counselled President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that only security experts are appointed to manage the ministry of Defence for seamless outcomes.
Ben Williams who is a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said the party wants the best for the country and the President who has been elected on the strength of the party needed to be guided when stakeholders perceive such need.
According to him, the need for experts in security is clearly required in the defence space stretching over 923,000km land space.
“It is the duty of the pool of retired officers across the service who have been invested in by the Nigerian state to draw the president’s attention to these facts.
Sharing his concern with the media he said he aligns with the thoughts of the political analyst, Mahdi Shehu who appeared on Arise TV to describe as an “insult” the appointments of Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle as Ministers and Minister of state for defence respectively.
He charged the President to save Nigeria the ‘insult’ and source square pegs of retired military assets to fill the square hole in the defence ministerial slots because the task of ‘superintending’ or supervising over critical formations and commands across the nations in the police Commands and in the military required the guide of experience all the way.
He stated that the appointment of the former governors of Jigawa Mohammed Badaru and Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle was completely off-mark for the President and should be reconsidered as ministers for defence.
He said Defence matters are not to be experimented upon or should not be politicized as they involve lives of millions of Nigerians. Therefore, the president should be deliberate and explore professionals whose lives have been moulded over the years based on security matters.
According to him “The task of superintending over critical formations across the country in the police Commands in the military cannot be done on experimental basis or requiring people tgat will learn on the job.

“Security matters are very specialized, the training are detailed and demanding, it is why military resources and assets are not taken for granted anywhere in the world whether they are serving or retired, Nigeria cannot be an exception,” he stated.

He wondered what message President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was trying to pass across to Nigerians when he appointed the duo, whose track record do not speak of security excellence, especially the minister of state who governed a state apparently under siege of bandits who could not control the situation.
“What exactly is the president up to with this “insulting” appointments to use the words of the analyst Mahdi Shehu who conveyed the minds of many serving and retired military officers and the whole of Nigeria who have records of incapacitation, especially of the former Zamfara state governor who did not impressively handled the security challenge that tested his will in his home state while he governed.
“I want to believe the President deliberately made these names public to sample public opinion and that would help him fine tune his decision on the final list. For a listening president, I would advise that he does not create an ego problem in the ministry of defence from the outset of ministerial appointments.

“The President has access to retired military generals, who rendered their invaluable service to the security committee during the presidential campaigns. He cannot deny that the services offered by these officers led by a distinguished gentleman was top notch, he should tap into that asset.
“This call is very important because The security challenge in Nigeria today required experience to tackle, we are dealing with criminals of all kinds, pirates and economic saboteurs of all kinds, kidnappers, bandits, Terrorist, armed groups in different part of the country stretching the capacity of the military.
“Only a tactician with specialized military training can appropriately deploy men and resources to tackle this challenge.
“President Tinubu must know that it is the right of Nigeria as a nation to use her assets which she has invested in their training over the years.
“These assets are replete in the pool of retired military officers available for him to access, assess and explore for national defence benefits, we all know the president means well for Nigeria, therefore he should remove the “insulting appointments ” on the nation’s security and make us all feel safe.
“Let me directly request the President to tap into the national asset of retired officers and ensure “Inclusion” of the defence team” the Squadron leader stated.

Appointment

PSC Appoints Elite Crime Fighter Moshood Jimoh as Lagos Police Commissioner

Published

5 days ago

February 17, 2025

National Update

Olohundare Moshood Jimoh

In a strategic move to bolster security in Nigeria’s commercial capital, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
Head, Press and Public Relations
Ikechukwu Ani in a statement indicated that the appointment was confirmed on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The statement explained that
CP Jimoh, a highly decorated officer from Kwara State, is coming with decades of experience in crime prevention, intelligence, and security operations.
Before this appointment, he served as the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority, Eastern Ports, and previously held key positions such as, Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner, Airport Police, Deputy Commissioner, Finance & Administration and Deputy Commissioner, General Investigation
Accirding to the statement, CP Jimoh has received elite training worldwide, preparing him to tackle Lagos’ complex security challenges such as Combat Operations Training – Mobile Training College, Maiduguri, Weapons of Mass Destruction Countermeasures – USA, Maritime Rescue & Anti-Hijacking Tactics – China and Police Strategy & Leadership Training – South Korea

Beyond his operational expertise, CP Jimoh is a master communicator the statement explained further.
He is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Public Relations Personality of the Year, recognized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for revolutionizing police-public engagement.

CP Jimoh’s appointment was approved by top-ranking officials at the Police Service Commission, including, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd.) mni – PSC Chairman, Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje (Rtd.) – Hon. Commissioner for Judiciary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc – Hon. Commissioner for Police Affairs

With his deep expertise, global training, and reputation for results, CP Jimoh is set to redefine law enforcement in Lagos, ensuring safety and security for all.

Appointment

Abuja Varsity Celebrates First-Ever White Coat Ceremony, Inducts 62 New Veterinarians

Published

2 weeks ago

February 11, 2025

National Update

In a landmark event blending tradition with progress, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Abuja hosted its inaugural White Coat and Oath-Taking Ceremony on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history.
The ceremony served a dual purpose: officially inducting 62 new veterinary doctors into the profession and initiating 500- and 600-level students into their clinical years—a pivotal transition from theoretical learning to practical, hands-on veterinary medicine.

Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Enem Simon Ikechukwu, opened the event with a passionate address, calling it an “epoch-making occasion that blends pride, joy, and gratitude.”

He lauded the graduates’ resilience in navigating the rigors of veterinary education and urged them to carry forward the values of integrity, innovation, and service.

“Being a veterinarian is more than a profession; it is a calling,” Prof. Ikechukwu noted. “Through this oath-taking ceremony, we are not sending you off, but sending you forth—to conquer challenges and bring victories home.”

The event also honored the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Faculty’s success. The late Prof. Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, who spearheaded the establishment of the Faculty despite formidable obstacles, and Prof. Ikwe Ajogi, the Faculty’s first Dean, were both fondly remembered.

Their legacy of excellence continues, with the Dean proudly noting that this marks the 11th graduating class since the Faculty’s inception.

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) played a central role in the ceremony, administering the official Veterinary Oath and formally recognizing the graduates as licensed professionals. The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association also welcomed the inductees, highlighting the growing impact of veterinary professionals on public health, agriculture, and animal welfare across the nation.

For clinical students donning their white coats for the first time, the day was both celebratory and symbolic. Prof. Ikechukwu emphasized the responsibility that comes with wearing the white coat, a universal symbol of medical ethics and professionalism.

“There must be a change in attitude,” he advised. “Separate yourselves from distractions and embrace the seriousness that clinical practice demands.”

The ceremony attracted a host of distinguished guests, including industry leaders, university officials, and proud family members. A special highlight was the presence of the newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patricia Lar, who received a warm welcome from the Faculty as she embarks on her new role.

As the ceremony concluded, one message resonated clearly: the future of veterinary medicine in Nigeria is in capable hands. With their oaths sworn and white coats freshly donned, these young professionals are ready to make their mark—not just in clinics and laboratories, but in communities and industries across the nation.

Appointment

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Clinches ThisDay Senator of the Year Award

Published

4 weeks ago

January 28, 2025

National Update

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has been awarded the highly coveted ThisDay Senator of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to governance, leadership, and the upliftment of her constituents.

The annual award, organized by ThisDay Newspapers, honors senators who demonstrate unparalleled commitment to public service and impactful representation. Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as the winner from a distinguished shortlist that included Senators Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Ali Ndume (Borno South).

In a statement issued by her Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, the senator’s dedication to legislative excellence and grassroots development was lauded as key factors in her selection for the prestigious honor.

Known for her bold initiatives, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has focused on economic empowerment, healthcare reforms, and educational development in her constituency. Her programs, particularly those aimed at empowering women and youth through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, have earned her widespread admiration.

Speaking on the award, the senator expressed gratitude to her constituents and reaffirmed her dedication to driving meaningful change.

“This award reflects the trust and partnership I share with the people of Kogi Central. It’s a call to do more, to deliver on our promises, and to remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better Nigeria,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

Her growing list of achievements includes being named Leadership Newspaper’s Politician of the Year in 2023, further solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader in Nigerian politics.

The ThisDay Senator of the Year Award highlights the importance of impactful leadership in fostering development and governance. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recognition serves as an inspiration for her peers and a reminder of the power of purposeful representation in national politics.