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Gen. Wahab: Culture of the Environment is Pivotal in Developing Military Strategy

Gen. Wahab: Culture of the Environment is Pivotal in Developing Military Strategy

Linus Aleke in Abuja 

The former Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd), said yesterday that the culture of the environment is pivotal in developing military strategy.

General Wahab explained that this is essential because what is frowned upon in one culture may be celebrated in another. Hence, there is a need to factor in the culture of the people before designing any military strategy, whether kinetic or non-kinetic.

The former Director General made this statement while delivering a valedictory speech at the colourful send-forth party organised in his honour by the new leadership of the Centre.

He said, “It is not easy to sit down and hear people talk about you, and most of the things they say make me wonder—is it really true? Do they really mean what they say, or are they just speaking simply because they want to say thank you and bid me farewell?

“Nobody can be as perfect as I have been described—it is not possible. I have my shortcomings, many of them, and I know some people would not want to talk about them.

“Professor Sarah mentioned one: I talk, I gesticulate, and I show passion. While I was studying at King’s College in 2003, we were doing media operations. One of the things they told us was that we should not gesticulate or show too much passion.

“I was asked to describe an event, and the person interviewing me was the Commandant of the school. I was looking down, and he said he couldn’t believe or trust me because I wasn’t looking him straight in the face. I told him that, in my culture, you don’t look your supervisor in the eye—it is considered a sign of defiance. In your culture, it’s acceptable; in mine, it’s not.

“Sometimes, what is wrong in one place might be right in another. In military training, we are taught that whatever strategy we are developing, we must take into account the culture of the environment—or of the people involved. That is the culture of the environment. You don’t speak ill of someone you are hosting.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of the Army Resource Centre, Major General James Myam, said the outgoing DG is “a very great shining star”, adding that he had a distinguished and impeccable career serving in the Nigerian Army.

General Myam said, “After his retirement, when the Centre faced a leadership challenge, Army Headquarters sought a distinguished personality who could turn the tide. They called on General Wahab from retirement, and he came to assume leadership of this Centre. 

“That was precisely six years ago. And I must say, his leadership of this Centre has been stellar—nothing short of excellent and outstanding. Through his leadership, he has uplifted this Centre and positioned it in line with its vision and mission, clearly focused on achieving its mandate.”

Other officers, both serving and retired, also took turns to pay tribute to the former Director General.

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Linus Aleke in Abuja  The former Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd), said yesterday that the culture of the environment is pivotal in developing
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Osun 2026: Why I’m On Ward Tour, By Babayemi

Osun 2026: Why I’m On Ward Tour, By Babayemi

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo 

A popular contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has explained that he embarked on tour to the 332 wards across the state in order to know and assess the challenges and needs of the people at the grassroots.

Besides, Babayemi stressed that his recently concluded month-long local governments consultative meetings with leaders and stakeholders of the party, propelled the visit to the wards having seen the degradation at the council level.

The leading governorship aspirant who is set to cover the 332 wards in the state, expressed the happiness that the tour has enabled him to reach the 100th ward at Okerewe Ward 2, Ile-Ife at the ward of the state APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal.

He said this while continuing his statewide ward-to-ward visits to Boluwaduro, Boripe and Ife East local government areas of the state, assuring that he would bring about transformation to the grassroots if the APC wins the election.

“The visit to wards has been worthwhile as it has enabled one to see what our people are really going through. We are strong in some wards and need to grow stronger in others. Most importantly, it has helped us to measure our strength, discover our weaknesses, and build the unity needed to win the coming governorship election slated for next year and to ensure that President Bola Tinubu is voted for massively during the 2027 election,” the aspirant stressed.

The Gbongan-born Prince maintained that the ward tour would enable an APC administration in the state as from 2026 when the party takes over power, to focus on grassroots development.

Babayemi added that the party was determined to remain focused and united so as not to be distracted from winning the 2026 state gubernatorial election and ensure the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

He pointed out that all those currently angling for the ticket of the party in the state were relating well, noting that what was paramount to all of them was ultimate victory of the party in the long run.

“In Osun, there’s no acrimony in our quest at ousting the ruling party in the state. We are one big family in our party, the APC. The party is a party of progress and structure. There are 12 of us who are currently in the race. But I can assure that there’s no problem amongst us. Rather, our number shows how popular our party is. This message, I pass in all wards that I’ve been to.”

Continuing, he said, “To make sure that our standpoint resonates with our people, all I do is to attend ward meetings that are of our party members and what we do is; we’re informing them that we stand as one. We are united to seamlessly spread the news of the benefits of the economic and socio-economic policies of the federal government down to the level of our people.”

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Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo  A popular contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has explained that he embarked on tour to the 332
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NOSDRA Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency, Collaboration in Safeguarding Nigerian Environment

NOSDRA Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency, Collaboration in Safeguarding Nigerian Environment

. SERAP urges N’Delta communities to use strategic litigation for justice

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with civil society, communities, and industry players to safeguard the environment and protect livelihoods.

Director General, NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, reaffirmed the commitment at the public presentation of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) report on ‘Mobilising Natural Resource Communities on Using Strategic Litigation to Achieve Social Justice in the Niger Delta’, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In his remarks, Woke commended SERAP for convening the dialogue, stressing that justice in resource management is both a legal and moral obligation.

“I thank SERAP, with the support of the Ford Foundation, for convening this important forum and for their tireless work in advancing the cause of justice, accountability, and good governance.

“Ensuring justice and transparency in natural resource management is more than a legal requirement; it is a moral obligation we owe to our children and generations yet unborn.”

The NOSDRA boss, noting the emphasis President Bola Tinubu placed on transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, said “These are not just policy ideals; they are the bedrock of national renewal.” 

He explained, “For us at NOSDRA, since our establishment in 2006, our mission has been clear: to prevent and respond swiftly to oil spills, safeguard the environment, and protect the livelihoods of our people. 

“We also understand that we cannot do this work alone. Real progress requires collaboration between government, civil society, industry, and the communities themselves. Only then can we reduce risks, enforce accountability, and align with the best global practices in environmental governance.”

In his remarks also, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the organisation is constitutionally empowered to hold government accountable through the courts.

“Public Interest Litigation is a tool that SERAP uses a lot, not because we like going to court but because we are constitutionally empowered to hold government to account,” Oluwadare stated.

“The rule of law is better than anything that will promote violence, so if people have opportunities to ventilate their grievances within lawful means, we should encourage it.”

He explained that SERAP was engaging stakeholders across the Niger Delta to secure their buy-in and to encourage communities to pursue collective justice instead of fragmented, individual efforts.

Also speaking, legal resource person, Laeticia Uju, emphasised the importance of unity among host communities.

“Public Interest Litigation means the communities will start working as one so that their voices can be heard and they can get justice. I expect communities to work as a team instead of individual, and pursue public interest instead of personal interest,” she said.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Mr. John Martin Aikpokpo, past 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), lamented that corruption and compromised processes often frustrate communities seeking redress locally.

“Within our laws in this country, there are remedies to almost every issue. That it has been done for so long does not mean that it’s right,” Aikpokpo declared. 

“Unfortunately, even when the court gives judgements, our government agencies do not respect them. That means we are gradually moving towards anarchy, because once people get justice in the court there will be no need for them to protest or carry arms.”

He alleged that oil-related cases are often delayed indefinitely in Nigerian courts due to corruption, forcing communities to seek justice abroad where processes are faster and fairer.

“Communities get justice abroad because the system there is not compromised, justice moves as smooth as possible, just like we saw the swift sentencing of Simon Ekpa in Finland. But here in Nigeria, we are a compromised people,” Aikpokpo said.

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. SERAP urges N’Delta communities to use strategic litigation for justice Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt  The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency,
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North-east: Taraba Green House Will Protect Food Security, Settle Hunger Crisis, Says Zulum

North-east: Taraba Green House Will Protect Food Security, Settle Hunger Crisis, Says Zulum

 Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has applauded the Taraba State Green House popularly known as Cucumber Farm, and has expressed optimism that it would protect food security and settle the hunger crisis in the North-east and Nigeria at large. 

While inaugurating the project during the summit of the North-east governors, the forum expressed worries about the shortage of food next year.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communications, to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Emmanuel Bello, described the inauguration as something revolutionary that happened in Jalingo.

He said the world-class technology will ensure that vegetables are cultivated all year round irrespective of climatic conditions.

Describing the famous green pepper and tomatoes as world class and best in the Nigerian market, Bello revealed that experts who have attested to the healthy and nutritious stance of the vegetables, have concluded that the state has invariably become the headquarters of vegetables in the country. 

Bello said, “Governor Agbu Kefas led other five governors to commission the remodelled Green House Farm. The locals are fond of calling the vast vegetable plantation the Cucumber Farm, but it is actually one of the best green houses in the country. 

“The world-class technology ensures that vegetables are cultivated all year long irrespective of climatic conditions. Apart from the famous green pepper, the world-class tomatoes here are clearly the best in the market. Healthy, fleshy, and nutritious, experts say Taraba State has invariably become the headquarters of vegetables in the country. 

“Moreover, at the forefront of the push are the duo of Ohad Shtilman and Eyal Tal, who are working with a brilliant team of the TSI to ensure the survival of the project. The group has obviously learnt from experience when the farm once collapsed. They are thus determined to deal with all the loopholes and run a successful enterprise.

“Already, the market is surging with prospects as many buyers and sellers are lining up to take advantage of the business. Investors are also showing renewed interest in the deeply profitable venture.”

Apart from Kefas, the host governor and Zulum, other governors in attendance were the four governors of the North-east namely Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Muhammed of Bauchi, Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.

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 Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has applauded the Taraba State Green House popularly known as Cucumber Farm, and has expressed optimism that it would protect food
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