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.
Shell has won awards at the 25th edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week Conference and Exhibition in Abuja in recognition of pioneering contributions to the energy industry in the country.
It won the Equality in Energy award while a Shell company, Daystar Power was honoured with the Sustainability in Energy award.
The honours which were part of the recognitions announced at the NOG Energy Awards Wednesday night recognize Shell for leading the way in equality, diversity and inclusion while Daystar Power was commended for initiatives towards decarbonisation.
The awards highlight the contributions of Shell businesses to the development of Nigeria, pioneering oil and gas production in the country with a presence dating back more than 60 years ago.
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A determined effort to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in its businesses has resulted in the appointment of women to key posts, including last month’s naming of former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria. She is the first Nigerian to hold the combined roles and assumes duty on the first of next month.
For its part, Daystar Power has continued to provide “solar and hybrid energy solutions for businesses in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.”
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari congratulated the awardees and commended the collaboration and teamwork that contributed to a successful conference.
Shell is a key sponsor of the Nigeria Oil and Gas conference and mounted an exhibition in addition to hosting a well-attended dinner on Tuesday night. In remarks read on his behalf by General Manager Wells and Geoscience Operations Nigeria, Joseph Mordi, Executive Vice President Nigeria and Country Chair Marno de Jong said: “We will continue to play our role in developing the industry and help to promote economic growth in Nigeria through the efficient delivery of our businesses in deepwater oil and gas production, integrated gas, renewables and power solutions.”
Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, escaped unhurt on Thursday after the helicopter carrying her and seven other people crashed shortly after takeoff while on a campaign tour ahead of the country’s August 13 general election.
Nalumango, 71, said the helicopter went down moments after departing from a campaign rally in the northeastern town of Nakonde.
Speaking to Diamond TV online, she recalled the incident, saying, “After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down.”
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Despite the crash, the vice president said everyone on board survived without injuries.
“We were eight, and all of us are fine,” she said, adding that it was not immediately clear what caused the crash, although the helicopter was badly damaged.
Zambia is set to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on August 13, with President Hakainde Hichilema expected to seek a second term as head of one of Africa’s top copper-producing nations.
Following the incident, the Zambian government said Nalumango underwent a routine medical check-up and was discharged in good health.
Pictures shared on social media showed the white Air Force helicopter lying on its side after it apparently crashed into a tree.
Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the crash.
Florida has officially renamed Palm Beach International Airport after United States President Donald Trump, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism as the president’s name continues to appear on major public landmarks and government institutions.
The airport, now known as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, was officially renamed on Thursday after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the measure into law.
To mark the occasion, Trump’s son, Eric Trump, arrived at the airport aboard the family’s private Boeing 757, popularly known as “Trump Force One.”
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Speaking on Fox News, Eric Trump described the event as “a beautiful day” and said no one was more closely associated with Palm Beach than his father.
“I don’t think there’s anybody more synonymous with Palm Beach than Donald Trump and maybe all of Florida,” he said.
Eric Trump also noted that the main road leading out of the airport is already named President Donald J. Trump Boulevard, adding that visitors arriving in Palm Beach would now see “DJT” on their travel tickets.
“And now anyone flying into Palm Beach will have a ticket where you’re going to see ‘DJT’ in perpetuity,” he said.
The renaming has generated mixed reactions among travellers and local residents.
Corporate pilot Chris Bailey welcomed the decision, saying Trump had “certainly done enough to warrant a name of an airport.”
However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm.
“Palm Beach is a better brand. People don’t really like Donald Trump,” said John Manov, a doctor. “It seems in poor taste.”
The airport renaming is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at attaching Trump’s name and image to public infrastructure and official government programmes, marking a significant departure from the long-standing U.S. tradition of not honouring living presidents in such ways.
Also on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to unveil the Donald J. Trump Bridge in Tennessee.
Washington has already seen the renaming of the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace, while large portraits of Trump have appeared on major government buildings.
Although Trump’s name was briefly attached to the Kennedy Arts Center, a judge later ruled the move unlawful.
The administration has also introduced Trump-branded visa and medical programmes.
His image is expected to appear on some U.S. passports and already features on National Parks passes. In addition, a new class of U.S. naval ships has been announced bearing Trump’s name.
In another unprecedented move, the U.S. Treasury says Trump’s signature will appear on U.S. dollar banknotes later this year.
Critics have likened the growing presence of Trump’s name and image on public institutions to personality cults commonly associated with authoritarian governments.
Eric Trump dismissed the criticism, saying, “Anything that bears our name is slightly controversial.”
Asked how the president reacted to the airport being named after him, Eric Trump said Donald Trump was “honored” and “humbled.”
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