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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”

Published

3 days ago

November 27, 2025

Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.

Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.

Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.

“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.

The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.

Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.

Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.

Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.

The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.

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Rowing Ergometer Makes Historic Debut at 27th NUGA Games in Jos

Published

2 weeks ago

November 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), hosted by the University of Jos, delivered a landmark moment in Nigerian collegiate sports with the debut of the Rowing Ergometer event.

For the first time in the history of the Games, student-athletes competed in this intensity-packed discipline, showcasing extraordinary power, fitness and mental resilience.

Athletes from 14 universities contested across lightweight and heavyweight divisions in the 2000m, 1000m and 500m races for both men and women. The competition quickly became one of the most exciting spectacles of the Games.

Medal Highlights 2000m Results: Men’s Heavyweight: Ikechukwu Victor (ESUT) – 7:20. Men’s Lightweight: Tyonkaa Ebenezer (JOSTUM) – 7:56.

Women’s Heavyweight: Deborah Omowuyi Kareem (ABU Zaria) – 8:40. Women’s Lightweight: Lucy Yago (ABU Zaria) – 9:05

1000m Results: Men’s Heavyweight: Ikechukwu Victor (ESUT) – 3:20Men’s Lightweight: Sani Umar (FUDMA) – 3:43Women’s Heavyweight: Edeh Elora (ESUT) – 4:03Women’s Lightweight: Aderonke Adelakun (Ekiti State University) – 4:20.

500m Results: Men’s Heavyweight: Ikechukwu Victor (ESUT) – 1:32Men’s Lightweight: Tyonkaa Ebenezer (JOSTUM) – 1:40Women’s Heavyweight: Edeh Elora (ESUT) – 1:51Women’s Lightweight: Kasham Katherine (NAUB) – 1:53.

The rowing arena became one of the busiest venues of the Games as students and sports enthusiasts flocked to watch the thrilling showdowns. Spectators cheered loudly as competitors battled the clock and their own endurance, producing an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.

Fubara Owonaro, Chairman of the Rowing, Yachting and Canoeing Committee for the Games, celebrated the successful debut of the sport:
“Rowing is a medal-winning sport, and we are excited that this is the first time it is being featured at NUGA. Talents discovered here will be groomed to represent Nigeria nationally and internationally.”

Coach Jimoh Amidu Babatunde of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation also commended the smooth organization and the commitment of the University of Jos:
“These Games are not just about medals. They build disciplined, skilled and resilient young athletes who will one day represent Nigeria internationally and foster national pride among our youths.”

Special recognition was extended to Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, and Bunmi Oluode, the Secretary-General, whose leadership and dedication paved the way for the sport’s historic introduction to NUGA.

With the next NUGA Games scheduled to take place in Calabar, officials are optimistic that even more universities will field athletes in the Rowing Ergometer events, building on the momentum and success recorded in Jos.

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