…No more excuses President insists
…Reforms now yielding fruits after 2yrs of patience — Sanwo-Olu
NJEMANZE EMMANUEL and IBRAHIM QUADRI
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to intensify efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country, emphasising that Nigerians expect results, not excuses.
President Tinubu delivered this charge on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, following the decoration of the service chiefs with their new ranks.
“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal.
“Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary,” the President said.
The ceremony at the Council Chambers was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola.
Also present were the Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service, Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Chairmen of Defence Committees in the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu..
President Tinubu tasked the new military chiefs to dismantle the activities of emerging armed groups that have regrouped in some parts of the country:
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head.”
He assured the armed forces of the Federal Government’s readiness to support their efforts, reiterating that the safety and security of Nigerians remain paramount for national development.
The President commended the courage and commitment of the military and their families for their sacrifices to the nation.
“Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the supreme price for their service. Their sacrifices will not be in vain.
“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of terror groups.
“There were times when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land; this is no longer the case,” President Tinubu said.
He urged the service chiefs to ensure synergy and provide exemplary leadership in all their operations.
“I advise you to work together as a team. Compare notes, exchange information effectively, and follow up proactively to ensure a seamless process. Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for finding them worthy of the appointments.
General Oluyede urged Nigerians to support the military in the campaign to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and rid the country of terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.
He also assured the President of their determination to keep the country safe.
“Security should be our business, but without the support of Nigerians, we can hardly achieve anything. I want to encourage Nigerians of all ethnicities to support us, and ultimately, we will make Nigeria a safer place. That’s our promise to you,” he said
The Service Chiefs who were promoted and decorated with their new ranks include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke..
The Service Chiefs were accompanied to the event by their spouses. The military chiefs drew applause from the audience when, after saluting the President, their Commander-in-Chief, they turned and saluted their wives.
…Reforms now yielding fruits after 2yrs of patience — Sanwo-Olu
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday said the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu is becoming a reality after two years of citizens’ patience.
Sanwo-Olu gave the remark during his speech at the 25th anniversary of the National Women’s Conference, organized by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, affirmed that the bold reforms by the Federal Government under the leadership of the President are beginning to yield fruits.
Sanwo-Olu noted, “We have seen this in prices that are dropping in the markets; the stability of the foreign exchange market; students having unhindered access to funds for school fees. And more.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu therefore charged the women, “This is the message you should take home – that the Renewed Hope promised by President Tinubu is becoming a reality.”
The Governor maintained that the National Women’s Conference has been remarkable, saying “as we bring this extraordinary 25th anniversary edition of the National Women’s Conference to a close, my heart is filled with immense pride and gratitude.
“Over the past few days, we have not only celebrated a legacy — we have renewed a movement. We have reflected on twenty-five years of purpose, passion, and progress.
Together, we have envisioned the next generation of women who will carry this leigacy forward.
“This silver jubilee has reminded us of how far COWLSO has come — from its rebirth under the visionary leadership of our dearest mother, the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON, to the dynamic impact it continues to make today under the guidance of my dear wife, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
What began as a gathering of women with shared values has become a force that uplifts families, transforms communities, and shapes policy conversations across Nigeria.
“Every session, every dialogue, every moment of reflection during this conference has deepened our understanding that women are not only partners in development — they are drivers of progress.
From the inspiring discussions on leadership and innovation to the moving stories of courage and transformation, COWLSO has once again shown that when women rise, societies thrive.
“The stories of women and families whose fortunes have changed — from owning a car to receiving a home — as well as initiatives like the collaborations announced during this conference which provide POS machines and seed support.
These are the small but catalytic investments that convert ideas into income, and income into opportunity which remind us that empowerment can take many forms, and that generosity, when guided by compassion, creates lasting impact.”
He urged every woman to carry the spirit of COWLSO back into their communities. “Let the conversations become actions, and let the inspiration we have shared become a tangible impact.
The next 25 years will depend on how boldly we continue to mentor, to serve, and to lead,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The First Lady of Lagos, chairman of COWLSO, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu stated that under the THEMES Plus agenda, the women have found new ways to soar.
While giving kudos to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, she noted “We remain inspired by your visionary leadership.
Your Renewed Hope initiative continues to illuminate paths for countless women and families around the world.”
.Nigeria to re-invigorate, expoit Dairy Industry
Also, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalize the nation’s livestock sector through renewed investments in dairy production, farmer empowerment, and innovation for sustainable growth.
Speaking at the 2025 Arla-Dano Open Day held in Kaduna, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) reflects a deliberate effort to give focused attention to the livestock industry, particularly the dairy sub-sector, where Nigeria spends significant amounts on imports.
The President stated that his administration is determined to transform the livestock sector into a modern, resilient, and globally competitive industry.
“Today, 18 states have already keyed into this vision by focusing on livestock development to unlock the sector’s potential for food security, nutritional sovereignty, job creation, rural empowerment, and poverty reduction,” he said.
He added that the Ministry’s mandate is to create an enabling environment for both international investors like Arla-Dano and local stakeholders to contribute meaningfully toward meeting Nigeria’s growing demand for dairy products.
“The ease of doing business in Nigeria is improving. Investors are encouraged to come in; we will guide, advise, and connect them with willing state governments ready to allocate land for livestock development,” he noted.
President Tinubu further disclosed that government interventions will also extend to other livestock value chains, including small ruminants, goats, sheep, and red meat production.
While commissioning Arla-Dano’s new yoghurt factory, he commended the company’s investment drive and its role in creating jobs, building local capacity, and strengthening rural economies, all in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Behind every glass of milk is a network of hardworking farmers, dedicated professionals, and robust systems that deserve our respect and support,” President Tinubu said, assuring Arla Foods of continued government collaboration to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on dairy imports.
In his goodwill message, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdulkadir Mua’zu Meyere, reaffirmed that agriculture employs over 51 percent of Kaduna’s population.
He noted that the state government has demonstrated its commitment to food security by allocating over 10 percent of its 2025 budget to agriculture.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Arla Foods Nigeria, Mr. Peder Petersen, said the Open Day was designed to foster knowledge sharing among farmers, partners, and stakeholders to boost dairy productivity and sustainability.
The event drew participation from representatives of the United Nations, the Danish Embassy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), government officials, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
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