Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a hearty shout-out to his Aide-de-Camp, Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, for his promotion.

He expressed solidarity with his ADC, while decorating him with his new rank on Thursday in Abuja, in the presence of dignitaries, including the ADC’s wife and other family members.

Tinubu described his ADC as a reliable officer, deserving of elevation in rank.

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Biztellers reports that Lt. Col. Yusuf was promoted to Colonel by Nigerian Army Promulgation AHQ MS/G1/300/252/2 on 19 December 2024. The rank’s seniority took effect on 22 September 2023.

Tinubu said, “You all know Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf. He carries a lot of responsibilities. I am joyous that the military authorities have promoted my ADC.

“He is worthy of the promotion, and I am very happy for him. Nurudeen is a diligent and reliable officer with the right temperament. I believe he will go farther and farther in his profession.

“We are with you. We love and really care about you. We will continue to do so. Character defines man, and it has defined you. With your promotion, you are highly respected. From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you. We thank God for you.

“May God bless our armed forces and keep them safe.”

The President commended the ADC’s wife for “keeping the home front steady, calm, and reliable” while he served the nation.

On his part, Col. Yusuf thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him to serve as Aide-de-Camp since May 2023, pledging his loyalty to him and the country.

“I stand here today filled with immense gratitude and humility as I reflect on this remarkable occasion of my decoration with the rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army. This moment is a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring values of the unwavering support of those around me.

“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for His grace, guidance, and blessings upon my career and life. Without Him, this day would not have been possible.

“To His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply honoured by the privilege to be granted promotion to this enviable rank. I wish to use this unique opportunity to restate that your leadership and trust have been a source of inspiration, and serving as your Aide-de-Camp has been a profound privilege and the highest honour of my career.

“Thank you for your confidence in me and for being here to share in this special moment,” he said.

Governor Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, National Security Adviser ⁠Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ministers for State Defence Dr Bello Mohammad Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff ⁠General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Army Staff ⁠Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun attended the State House event.

The ADC’s mother, ⁠Hajia Kudirat Yusuf, his wife, Mrs Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf, and daughter, Miss Iman Abiodun Yusuf, were in attendance.

The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has adjourned the trial of Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, to January 22, 2025. The adjournment came after the defence raised objections to the prosecution’s handling of witness statements.

Lamidi, the former chairman of the Park Management System in Oyo State, is facing an 18-count charge, including allegations of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on November 27, 2024.

At Thursday’s proceedings, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo challenged the prosecution’s failure to serve him with a summary of statements and evidence from their witness, Inspector Innocent Agede, of the Command Monitoring Unit, Eleyele, Ibadan.

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Ojo argued that under Section 380 (iii) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Oyo State 2016, he was entitled to receive the summary, as well as copies of photographs, Compact Discs, and other materials the prosecution intends to use. He stated, “I ought to have been served with the summary of statements as required.”

Justice Bayo Taiwo adjourned the case to ensure that the defence team receives the necessary documentation to prepare adequately.

The charges against Lamidi stem from an incident on May 29, 2023, at the residence of Governor Seyi Makinde in Ikolaba, Ibadan. According to the prosecution, Lamidi was allegedly in possession of one AK-47 rifle and two SMG rifles during the incident.

The court’s decision to adjourn reflects its commitment to upholding procedural fairness, allowing the defence sufficient time to review the evidence before the next hearing.

The case continues to draw public attention due to its high-profile nature, with many closely monitoring developments as the trial unfolds.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged the Government of the People’s Republic of China to increase the $2 billion currency swap between Nigeria and China to enhance trade between the two countries.

He made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi.

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He also called for an upward review of the $50 billion aid package for Africa, which China’s President Xi Jinping announced last year.

Recall that China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment.

Receiving the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, at the State House, the President said increasing the level of currency swaps will speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.

In his words, “We still demand more in the area of currency swap. The level you have approved as a government for Nigeria is inadequate considering our programme. If you can increase that, it will be well appreciated.

“Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable.

Regarding the 50 billion dollars pledged by the Chinese Government to support Africa, President Tinubu noted that the continent’s infrastructural needs would require more commitment, urging a review of the amount to reflect the continent’s reality.

“I am happy you are part of China’s highest decision-making body. We will want you to use your position to influence improved project funding. First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth. The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts. All share your vision of rapid development. Africa values the relationship with China, and we seek deeper collaboration for infrastructural development,” he stated.

President Tinubu called on China to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.

“You are a member of the UN Security Council. We want you to use your influence to ensure Nigeria secures the seat,” the President said.

President Tinubu thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm reception during his visit to China last year.

He said Africa, particularly Nigeria, was prepared to meet developmental goals and contribute counterpart project funding.

“We are ready to move and reach the various developmental goals. Due to our deliberation, we signed many MOUs and planned many action programmes.

“My visit during FOCAC was a good experience. We signed several comprehensive MOUs during the visit. We planned several programmes of action. As a result of that deliberation, I made sure that immediately after I returned, I appointed one of the best brains available to coordinate Nigeria-China relations, Mr Joseph Tegbe. He will work to actualise various MOUs and promote a greater understanding of developmental programmes.

“It is good that you came at such a critical time. My visit to China was a good experience. Once again, accept my sympathy for the earthquake in Tibet. It was a natural disaster that nobody expected. We commend your Government for the rapid reaction to protect lives.

Yi thanked President Tinubu for appointing a Director General and Global Liaison, Nigeria — China Strategic Partnership, to oversee the implementation of the MOUs for the rapid development of the Nigerian economy.

“I would like to thank Nigeria for abiding by the one-China principle, and we will continue to support Nigeria in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, countering terrorism and ensuring regional security,” he said.

Yi said Chinese investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development. He said the Chinese National Development Bank had started funding some development projects.

He said the Chinese Government would support including an African country in the UN Security Council, adding that “it was a historical injustice by the world that should be corrected”.

“We stand with Africa, and we will not support a country that invades another country,” he stated.

The foreign minister said China would welcome Nigeria’s membership in the BRICS and participation in the global development mechanism.

He said China fully supported Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), for a second term in office.

The minister lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and consistency in projecting Africa’s needs, which require China’s support.

“You brought Renewed Hope to the people of Nigeria. Your economy has sustained sound momentum, and Nigeria’s global influence has steadily increased. Nigeria has played an important role in upholding regional peace and has become an important force for African stability.

“We congratulate Nigeria on its achievements and believe that, under your leadership, Nigeria will realise greater achievements,” the Chinese foreign minister stated.