NEWS
Defence, NA Condole Late COAS’ Family In Osun State
A delegation from the Defence and Army Headquarters (DHQ/AHQ), led by Major General KI Yusuf, Chief of Accounts and Budgets, has visited Osun State to express condolences to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024.
The visit was on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, according to a statement issued via the Nigerian Army’s verified handle on micro-blogging site, X under the signature of Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel, Polycarp Okoye.
The statement has it that upon arrival in Osun State, the delegation proceeded to the Government House, where they were warmly received by the Executive Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, and other members of the state cabinet. Accompanied by the Governor, the team paid further condolence visits to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ashiru Olatoye, the Olobu of Ilobu Kingdom, at his palace, and to the family of the late COAS.
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Delivering the official condolence message, Major General KI Yusuf emphasized that the delegation’s visit was a mark of respect and honor for the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. He noted that the news of his passing sent shockwaves through the ranks of the Nigerian Army (NA) and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). He stated, “We are here to convey the heartfelt condolences of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and all members of the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, which he led with distinction.”
Major General Yusuf highlighted Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s legacy as a brave and committed officer who led from the front in combating terrorism and other security challenges facing Nigeria. He was deeply committed to the welfare of his troops, as demonstrated by numerous projects he initiated and completed across the country. “Under his command, the Nigerian Army witnessed significant transformation,” he added. He also assured the bereaved family of the continued support of the Armed Forces and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a state burial at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Lieutenant General Lagbaja, describing him as an illustrious son of Osun State. He praised the late COAS for his exemplary life of simplicity, generosity, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the nation. The Governor recalled his personal interactions with the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja and acknowledged his substantial support for various state projects in Osun State. He thanked the Armed Forces for their condolence visit and encouraged sustained communication with the family and the state at large.
Similarly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ashiru Olatoye, expressed deep appreciation for the Armed Forces’ support to the Ilobu community and the family of the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja. The Royal Father’s emotional tribute underscored the strong ties between the community and the Nigerian Army.
Key activities during the condolence visit included the signing of the condolence register and the presentation of condolence letters to the Governor, the Royal Father, and the family of the late General. The delegation also , former included other distinguished members of the Armed Forces, such as Major General OG Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General BA Ilori, Director of Planning at AHQ, Major General JO Adeyemo, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, and Major General AP Oguntola, Commandant of the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies. Additionally, retired officers Major General JB Olawumi, former Director-General of NYSC, and Major General AS Ibikunle former Corps Commander Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps were part of the delegation.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has confirmed that the long-awaited 250-bed specialist hospital in Abeokuta, abandoned by the previous administration, will commence partial operations in March 2025, with full services set to begin in June 2025.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the official handover of the hospital to Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited and Pan African Capital Holdings at the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
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Currently 65% complete, the hospital, located in Oke-Mosan, will provide advanced healthcare services to residents of Ogun State and neighboring regions.
Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that the facility, once fully operational, will meet the critical healthcare needs of the state.
“We are committed to ensuring this hospital meets the specific needs of our population. It will open partially in March 2025 and be fully operational by June 2025,” Abiodun said.
“After months of negotiation, we are excited to formalize this partnership, which will deliver world-class healthcare to Ogun State.”
The facility will be managed by Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited, in partnership with HealthShare South Africa, a global leader in healthcare management.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that Viewpoint would oversee the completion of the hospital’s infrastructure, reconfigure the existing space, provide additional equipment, and ensure the facility operates according to international healthcare standards.
In her remarks, Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Health Commissioner, stressed that the hospital would set a new benchmark for the country’s healthcare system, enhancing service delivery and strengthening the state’s medical infrastructure.
Chris Oshiafi, Chairman of Pan African Capital Holdings, noted that the acquisition talks for the hospital began three years ago, and his company is committed to making the facility a leading medical hub, aiming to reduce medical tourism.
Dr. Tony Decoito, Chairman of Viewpoint HealthShare, reiterated the commitment to completing the project on time, promising that the hospital would be equipped with cutting-edge technology and serve as a center for medical innovation, research, and training.
Once completed, the hospital is expected to not only improve healthcare services in Ogun State but also serve as a model for modern medical facilities across Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has made a series of significant appointments, including the appointment of Daniel Bwala as the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications at the State House.
The announcement, made on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, also includes the appointment of three Nigerians to lead various key agencies.
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Bwala, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, takes on his new role as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.
Known for his expertise in media and communications, he is expected to play a critical role in advancing the administration’s public messaging and media strategy.
In addition, three new directors-general have been appointed to head important national institutions.
Olawale Olopade, a seasoned sports administrator, has been named the Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
Olopade, who has vast experience in the sports sector, previously served as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State and chaired the Local Organising Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival.
Dr. Abisoye Fagade, a marketing communication expert and founder of Sodium Brand Solutions, will head the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism.
Fagade’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Meanwhile, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, who previously served as the Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning at the Bureau of Public Procurement, has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Bureau.
In a statement following the appointments, President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officers to carry out their duties with dedication, patriotism, and excellence, emphasizing the importance of their roles in driving national development.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a significant increase in power distribution across states in northern Nigeria, following the successful restoration of the Ugwuaji–Makurdi–Jos 330kV Transmission Line 2.
According to a statement released by TCN’s General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the energization of this line has enabled an additional bulk power supply, improving service to the Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Distribution Companies for further distribution to their customers.
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This recent improvement follows extensive repairs after the Ugwuaji–Apir transmission lines were vandalized in October, impacting power supply to 17 states, with regions such as Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina severely affected. Engineers have now completed repairs and re-stringing of the damaged transmission sections, restoring power flow through the line and stabilizing supply across the affected areas.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria has successfully energised the Ugwuaji–Makurdi–Jos 330kV Transmission Line 2 today, 14 November 2024, at approximately 11:50 am,” the statement confirmed. Mbah noted that the Apir and Jos Transmission Substations are now receiving adequate loads, enabling Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Distribution Companies to distribute more power to their service areas.
The TCN expressed gratitude to customers for their patience throughout the repair period, emphasizing the company’s commitment to bolstering power supply in the northern regions.
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