Featured

We Are Reviewing Our Operations-Gen Irabor

Published

4 years ago

August 27, 2021

… As DHQ Ends Geo-Political Zones Security Parley With Retired Senior Military Officers

Joel Ajayi

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor on Friday 27 August 2021, disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), is currently reviewing its operational engagements in the various theatres in order to bring peace in troubled parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Friday,Director Defence Information Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr revealed that Gen Irabor stated this at the 6th edition of the CDS security parley with military veterans tagged, “CDS Interactive Session with Retired Senior Military Officers in the South South Geo-political zone” held at 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Asaba, Delta state.

The CDS averred that the security parley which was flagged-off in the South West, have been worthwhile, successful and beneficial to the AFN, as several topical issues emanated from all the geo-political zone. This, he said is guiding the military high command in reviewing its operational doctrines and plans.

According to Gen Irabor, “interaction is a continuous process, so much value has emerged from the interactive session with our retired senior officers, and we are going to leverage the success and benefit to improve on security and safety of lives and properties.”

The Defence Chief noted that the operational engagements of DELTA SAFE which is in synergy with other internal security arrangement are impacting on the peculiar security challenges, which are illegal oil bunkering, piracy, among others, adding that the security disposition in the South-South (SS) region will continue to get better. He further explained that the security parley would focus on engaging critical stakeholders such as royal fathers, some of who are equally retired senior officers and among the participants to take some tip bits arising from the interaction in sensitizing their subjects.

The CDS assured that the AFN will continue to foster the right ambience for other stakeholders in order to holistically combat the myriad of security in the region.

According to him, “there are other engagements that are holding behind the scene, as we have assessed that kinetic efforts is only a part of the solution, there are non-kinetic approach which forms partof the engagement that is focused on the holistic solutions to the challenges in the Niger Delta region.

The Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation (CDCIMIC), Rear Admiral Fredrick Ogu, in his remarks, said as stakeholders in the defence and security sector, the retired senior officers are in a vintage disposition to understand the array of security issues in their domain. He added that they could offer professional counsel on likely strategies to adopt in tackling the security threats.

The CDCIMIC further disclosed that myriad of security issues in the nation and those specific to each geo-political zone were x-rayed, while adding that the outcome of the engagements with the veterans was rewarding. He listed the heightened insecurity in the SS zone to be attacks on local communities, piracy, militia attacks, cultism, illegal oil theft, vandalizing of critical national assets, sabotage, high sea robbery, kidnapping and other sundry crimes.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Sani Mohammed lauded the initiative by the CDS in mooting the idea where senior serving and retired military officers were able to gather to brainstorm on a collective approach towards enhancing operational performance of the military in the SS region.

Prominent among the participants were the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd) and the former CDS, Gen Alexander Ogomudia (rtd). The Royal fathers that were in attendance include: His Royal Highness (HRH), Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), HRH Air Vice Marshal (AVM), Lucky Ararile (rtd) and HRH Brig Gen Bright Fiboinumama (rtd).

The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj Gen Samuel Adebayo, Director General-Defence Research and Development Bureau, AVM Peter Uzezi, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Egbuchulam, FOC Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Sileranda Lassa and the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, AVM Ali Bello were among the top military brass that graced the security parley.

The major activities that took place during the close door sessions at the one-day parley in all the six geo-political zones was the CDI’s brief on the general security threats being experienced in each of the zone. A group/syndicates’ presentations on the assigned thematic areas were delivered by the retired senior officers, while the “A” Team Unique Professional Limited, a Consultant to Defence Headquarters and facilitators of the CDS security parley, anchored the interactive sessions.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook