Personality in Focus
Military’s Face of the Nation, You Must Not Devalue It – GOC 81 Division, Gen Ajunwa
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, comprising Lagos and Ogun States, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, has warned against devaluing the military, saying that such action has a chain reaction, as it reverberates on the collective existence of the people, and affects what the country holds dear in terms of internal unity, national cohesion and international recognition.
Ajunwa made this remark while playing host to a cross section of the Executive members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) in his office on Monday. The General noted that the army, and by extension the military, is the face of the nation, and by no means or circumstance should be rubbished, because an attack on the military through false reports is an attack on the very essence of the people and the nation itself.
“The Military is the face of the nation. If we rubbish it we are rublishing our face. The Army belongs to us as Nigerians. In the Nigeria society, and even elsewhere, the strength of the people is the military. And when the top is dropped, it will definitely affect the other component parts.
He maintained that the military will continue to strive to to keep the peace and security of the nation, while calling on the citizenry, especially the press to assist in the patriotic act through verified publications, and most importantly publications that has national security and interest as consideration
“False reports devalues the military, Nigeria and the people. Once you devalue the military, every other persons in the nation is devalued. Always endeavour to report correctly and avoid false information as it could destroy the nation and paint it in bad light, thereby giving a signal of negativity.
“We must understand that when a country’s military is tainted with negativity, it spiraled on other aspects of that country’s endeavours. That is why the military is the face of the nation, and must not be devalued,” Ajunwa said.
Earlier, the leader of the NAOSNP delegation and President of the Association, Mr. Samson Oki, has briefed the GOC and his team of officers on the need for the division to synergise with the Association to curb the initiation and spread of fake news, which is detrimental to the psyche and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.
“It is our intention to cooperate with the military, and the army in particular to further engender military/media relationship to continue to fight the war against fake news, which is capable of causing mayhem, for the good of the people.
“Our Association is known for discipline, professionalism and dedication to the Nigerian project, and in the best position to understand that national interest supersedes parochial or personal interest, and that is what we have sworn to uphold,” Oki said.
In his vote of thanks, the Public Relations Officer of NAOSNP, Mr. Eric Elezuo, appreciated the Nigeria Army for the job well done, which have remained their hallmark in recent times, and the GOC 81 Division, Ajunwa, who has been exemplary since he assumed office in August 2022.
“While partnering with you in this task of nation building and defence, we must acknowledge your success stories in the field and with the civil populace. The army has distinguished itself, and remained above board. We also acknowledge the giant strides Major General Ajunwa has taken since he assumed duties about three months ago. We are not oblivious of these milestones, and ask that they be sustained,” Elezuo said.
In attendance at the meeting were ranking military officers including the Commander 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Nwoko; Commander 81 Div Provost Group, Brigadier General ML Abubakar; Commander 55 Signal Brigade, Brigadier General EO Oshunsan; Chief of Staff HQ 81 Division, Brigadier General MB Wabili and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Colonel JK Maigari.
Other members of the NAOSNP team in attendance were Miss Ebere Obinagwam, Mr. Kazeem Bakene, Mr. Friday Etim and Mr. Femi Arikawe.
Personality in Focus
Aare Emmanuelking Felicitates with Ooni of Ife on 10th Coronation Anniversary, Hails Reign of Unity
The Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, on the occasion of his 10th coronation anniversary.
In a goodwill message, Aare Emmanuelking described the monarch’s decade-long reign on the revered throne of Oduduwa as divinely inspired, visionary, and transformational, noting that it has ushered in a new era of cultural renaissance and national unity.
He stated that since his ascension, the Ooni has redefined traditional leadership by modernising kingship, reviving Yoruba cultural identity, and strengthening Ile-Ife’s position as the spiritual and cultural epicentre of the Yoruba people.
According to him, the monarch’s leadership has significantly advanced youth empowerment, cultural diplomacy, innovation, and community development, while also strengthening ties between Africa and the global African diaspora.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the Ooni for successfully combining the preservation of ancient traditions with progressive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives, describing him as a beacon of cultural pride and purposeful leadership.
Speaking on behalf of his family, the Board, and Management of Adron Group, he expressed gratitude to God for the monarch’s impactful reign. He prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and long life as he continues to serve the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
Personality in Focus
Transparency Now a Standard at LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan Vows, Mulls Establishment of Monitoring Team
By Eric Elezuo
The new helmsman at the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has vowed that under his watch as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, transparency at all levels will remain the standard, and no longer treated as an exception.
“Public confidence in the Fund is essential. Under my leadership, transparency will be the standard not the exception,” the CEO harped.
Ogunsan made the remarks while addressing a cross section of Security journalists at his Alausa office on Friday, marking the official kickoff of his stewardship in the new portfolio, saying “We will maintain strict oversight on contractor performance, monitor all funded projects closely, publish updates on the utilization of donations, strengthen internal governance and reporting, and deepen stakeholder communication and feedback mechanisms”.
Speaking matter of factly, the CEO noted that his “appointment is a call to service, a responsibility I embrace with humility and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of over 20 million Lagosians, who depend on a secure environment to live, work, and thrive,” harping that he will do everything within the legal and humanitarian provisions to ensure that relationship with the security operatives, media and the general public towards security lives and property in Lagos State is not compromised.
Acknowledging Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, he said noted that there’s the need to shift from traditional security practices, and embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that “our response to emerging security challenges is swift, modern, and people-centered.”
While also highlighting the vision of the Fund as a partner to the government on safety and security, Ogunsan called on donations from all and sundry, saying that “The Fund’s success has always depended on the generosity and partnership of corporate organisations, influential institutions, and public-spirited individuals”, and urged on well meaning and spirited individuals to heed the call to ensure a Lagos where residents can sleep with both eyes closed.
He further stressed that partnership with the public has seen to the investment in ‘critical assets such as patrol vehicles, communication equipment, bulletproof vests, marine assets, training for personnel, and other vital tools that have helped law enforcement safeguard our communities’, adding that time has come to do more with appropriate monitoring.
He noted further:
“In the coming months, we will launch a renewed drive for retail donations — because security is personal. We want every citizen to have the opportunity to contribute directly to making Lagos safer.
“Our plans include:
• A wide-reaching public awareness campaign
• User-friendly digital donation platforms
• Youth-focused engagement and volunteer initiatives
• A strong presence on social and community channels”
Ogunsan while acknowledging responses and contributions from members of the media, he announced that beyond depending on the security agencies for feedbacks, the Fund will launch its own outfit to be known as ‘LSSTF Monitoring Team’ towards ensuring that all materials supplied to security agencies and others are well used, maintained and accounted for.
He also appreciated the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity to serve, pledging to improve on the efforts of his predecessors.
Prior to becoming the CEO of the Fund, Ogunsan, a known philanthropist, was a board member.
Other members of staff, who joined him at the parley, were LSSTF Director of Administration, Mr. Degbola Lewis, and Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo.
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, who is also Otun Akile of Remoland, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has joined well-wishers across Remoland and beyond to celebrate the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, as he marks his 63rd birthday.
In his heartfelt tribute, Aare Emmanuelking described the Akarigbo as a ruler whose life radiates uncommon wisdom, authenticity, and grace. He noted that under Oba Ajayi’s steady and visionary leadership, the Remo Kingdom has continued to flourish, earning him the admiration of his people and respect across Yoruba land.
He praised the monarch’s intellectual brilliance, humility, and deep compassion, qualities he described as central to the Akarigbo’s enduring impact. “Your Majesty’s wisdom illuminates minds, your presence uplifts hearts, and your life exemplifies the harmony of intellect, humility, and grace,” Aare Emmanuelking stated.
He further highlighted that Akarigbo’s reign has been one of dignity, intention, and positive transformation. According to him, it is the character of the man behind the crown that truly endears Oba Ajayi to the people, noting that his counsel often “creates ripples of influence far beyond the palace walls.”
As Kabiyesi marks his 63rd year, Aare Emmanuelking offered prayers for continued good health, peace, joy, and divine wisdom, expressing confidence that the monarch’s legacy of service and enlightenment will continue to guide future generations.
Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, who ascended the throne in 2017, is widely regarded as a progressive and community-focused leader, one whose modern, people-centric approach has strengthened unity and development across Remoland.
