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Stakeholders Harp On Collaboration At DHQ National Security Summit

Published

5 years ago

March 22, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has urged stakeholders and the general public to support and collaborate with the Armed Forces and security agencies in the task of ensuring national security.

The Defence Minister made the appeal in Abuja on Monday, at a National Defence and Security Summit themed, “Promoting Kinetic Operations as a major Plank for Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency in Nigeria” organized by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

In a press statement issue by the Acting Director Defence Information Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in Abuja minister noted that the current security situation required the understanding, buy-in, support and collaboration of relevant stakeholders and key players in this strategic option and national task.

This, he said is important to minimize distractions and maximize civil support in order to enhance operational success and mission outcomes.

According to him, the Federal Government (FG) has over the years leveraged on a multi-lateral approach with contiguous neighbouring countries as well as multi-dimensional efforts domestically to address, what he described as the multi-dimensional nature of the contemporary security situation.

He lauded the DHQ for organizing the summit at a time the country is confronted with numerous security challenges. He reaffirmed the FG’s commitment to defending the sovereignty and unity of the country.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor in his remarks, disclosed that in line with Presidential directives, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is already working arsidously to urgently stabilize the security situation.

The Defence Chief, pointed out that the security summit was aimed at sensitizing and galvanising support among critical stakeholders and the general public for AFN kinetic campaigns. Speaking on Non kinetic perspective of AFN operations, the CDS averred that it is crucial to promote viable Civil-Military Relations structures in support of the kinetic operations. He enjoined all stakeholders and the public to support the drive. He also called for more synergy between the AFN and other security agencies.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations (CDTOPS), Maj Gen Lasisi Adegboye, said the theme was coined to reflect the need for the input of diverse stakeholders in addressing current security realities.

The CDTOPS explained further that the theme was equally in tandem with the leadership focus of the CDS, “To Foster a Professional Armed Forces capable of effectively meeting Constitutional Imperatives.”

The only lecture at the summit titled “Kinetic Operations as a Major Plank for Counter Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency in Nigeria: Issues, challenges and Prospects was delivered by Ambassador Abdullahi Omaki who was the guest speaker at the event.

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeayin Okowa, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godswill Akpabio, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), and Chairman House Committee on Defence. Honourable Benson Babajimi.

Also in attendance were the incumbent and former service chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, representative of Chief of Staff to the President, former Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, traditional rulers, the academia, diplomats and media executives.

A virtual audience including the Chairman of Governors’ forum Mr Kayode Fayemi and other major stakeholders joined the Security Summit via zoom.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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