The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has applauded the Sokoto State government for its sustained support and solidarity with the FRSC in the state, saying the goodwill will spur the staff towards greater service delivery.

He stated this, according to a statement signed by the Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), at the Sokoto State Sector Command of the FRSC on Wednesday, while addressing the combined parade of staff of the Sokoto Zonal Command, Sector Command, Special Marshals and members of the Road Safety Club as part of his familiarization tour to the state.

The Corps Marshal specially noted the cordial relationship between FRSC and the state government, describing it as examplery. He further noted that the massive road construction and rehabilitation being undertaken by the state government has reduced incidences of route violation by drivers and consequent reduction in the rates of road traffic crashes in the state. “The donation of a patrol vehicle to the Sector Command by the state government and other promises of support made by the Governor point to the commitment of a state Governor that’s committed to supporting the FRSC in its efforts to reduce the menace of road traffic crashes in the country,” he stated.

The Corps Marshal expressed appreciation to the staff for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice which manifested in the successes recorded during the 2024 end of year special patrol. He restated the commitment of his Management to addressing issues of staff welfare, capacity development and regular promotion exercise, saying Management will continue to reward excellence and punish indiscipline.

Corps Marshal Shehu who tasked the staff on hardwork and quality service delivery, recalled his early days as a young officer in the state, stressing the need for everyone to build good legacy and embrace due process through diligence. He warned against indiscipline either on the road or in the office, saying everyone must take accountability very seriously. “Every staff must realize that there’s accountability in all that they do and work hard to excel in order to justify the trust invested by government and people of Nigeria,” the Corps Marshal added.

On the Federal Government’s support for safer road environment in the country, the Corps Marshal appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing logistics support for the FRSC which he said has enhanced the success rate of the Corps and promised not to leave any stone unturned in his determination to reinvigorate the Corps for improved service delivery.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also thanked the critical stakeholders in the state and the media for standing firm with the Corps in creating public awareness on issues of road safety. He however expressed dismay at the rate of overloading and mix loading among some drivers in the state, saying the practice has been responsible for the avoidable loss of lives in road traffic crashes in the state.

While stressing the need for members of the public to join hands with the Corps in the ongoing campaign against tanker crashes and scooping of fuel whenever a tanker crash occurred, the Corps Marshal expressed sadness over the actions of people who run to scoop fuel at crash scenes knowing that petroleum products are inflammable. He called on all the stakeholders to rise to the occasion in the efforts to create public awareness on the matter.

As part of the Corps Marshal’s activities in the state, he addressed stakeholders and members of the media where he harped on the shared nature of road traffic management and called on everyone to get involved.

The two days visit to Sokoto state continued on Thursday with the visit to the State Governor and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III

Nestlé Nigeria has launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing the local dairy industry through the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP, inaugurated in 2021. The NLDP is structured around three pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities. It is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.

Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm is designed to build on the success of the NLDP by serving as a practical model for implementing best dairy practices. It will showcase how to enhance the productivity of local cattle breeds from an average yield of 1 liter per cow per day to potentially over 10 liters through effective breeding programs. The farm also aims to showcase the practical application of best dairy practices to maintain herd health, nutrition, and hydration to transform local dairy production.

At the launch event, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria said, “Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve. We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which rose from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024. This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities.”

Daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 liters in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 liters per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over 1 million liters of raw milk to date. This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.

Also commenting on the demonstration farm, Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations said, “We are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project, it catalyzes the positive change we are dedicated to through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of our communities. We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”

In his address, the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha said, “The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development. By introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products, this project will not only boost our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening our economy. In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive.”

The community members expressed their excitement with the location of the farm. Sulaiman Ahmed said on behalf of the Apex Union Leaders, “We are delighted that in addition to raising awareness about dairy farming, the demo farm will bring many benefits to our community. It presents us with the opportunity to access crossbreeds and serves as a training site for adopting modern dairy farming practices, particularly in feeding methodologies. The farm will also create more visibility for our community by attracting visitors and potential business partners.”

Nestlé Dairy Development Farm situated on 4 hectares within the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve is equipped with cattle sheds, a calf pen, maternity and sick bay. It also has a holding area and dip-tank, an automated milking system, and a hay barn. The farm has adopted sustainable practices including the use of solar power, and the establishment of a biogas system for waste management. It will serve as a training facility not just for the farmers within the NLDP project, but also for a wider range of stakeholders, including practitioners, academia and pastoralists.

This initiative is part of Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy, which works with stakeholders and partners to create value for society while growing its business.

As the drumbeat sounded, it echoed memories of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarch, whose legacies transcended generations.

It was Uda Nkwa, a Command Performance depicting the legendary reign of His Majesty Mazi Kanu Oji, Eze Aro VII of Arochukwu Kingdom, before an elite audience in Lagos, on February 2, 2025.

Scripted by Dr Ikechukwu Erojikwe of UNN, the play was produced by Joseph Edgar, and hosted in honour of Eze Aro IX, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, at the prestigious Terra Kulture on Victoria Island.
Like the maiden public performance in homeland Arochukwu Kingdom on December 27 – as component part of the events marking the 2024 Aro Day celebration – the Lagos episode was a big show, which attracted top socialites, industry titans, art and culture aficionados, the clergy and foreign nationals.

Performed by a cast of young and talented artistes, the stage show depicted the exceptional leadership sagacity of the legendary Eze Kanu Oji, which earned him honours from the British Empire.

The play demonstrated how the legendary Eze Aro, during his 73-year reign, deployed his God-given wisdom to resolve otherwise knotty issues, and maintain peace in his kingdom.

Following the captivating theatre performance at Terra Kulture, guests were invited to indulge in a delightful refreshment spread, graciously hosted by Princewill Utchay, the group’s chairman.

Under the impressive glow of decorative string led lights at the Prime Chinese Restaurant on Victoria Island, a symbolic evening unfolded, honouring the life of the legendary Eze Kanu Oji.

As the night progressed, vibrant Aro cultural dances intertwined with the rhythmic steps of Urhobo performers, led by Olorogun Oskar Ibru, who energized the atmosphere, compelling guests to their feet.
The celebrations echoed the rich cultural heritage of the Aro Kingdom, known for its spirit and unity.

The event held a sentimental significance, marking not just a celebration of the current Eze Aro, but also serving as a poignant reminder of a gathering from 24 years ago. Specifically on March 12, 2001, the then Eze Aro, Eze Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR, was warmly welcomed at the same venue, initiating the Aro 2002 Centenary Commemoration of the Aro-British war.

Now, celebrating the iconic Eze Kanu Oji, who ruled for an astonishing 73 years (1914-1987) and was amongst the first traditional rulers conferred with Nigerian’s National honours at inception in 1964, the night felt like a beautiful continuum of tradition and respect for leadership.

Eze Kanu Oji, CFR, CON, OBE, a figure enshrined in respect, represents more than mere lineage; he embodies a legacy deeply intertwined with the nation’s history.
He was hosted by three Nigerian heads of State across decades: Tafawa Balewa in 1965; Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976; and Ibrahim Babaginda in 1986, adding to the weight of his reign and the significance of this night.

As His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the grandson of this revered monarch, he carries forth not only his ancestral legacy but also the hopes of his people.

“It is a unique moment for us,” Princewill Utchay remarked during his opening address, “not merely to celebrate a king but to honour the greatness that has united the Aro Kingdom and the larger Nigerian community.”

Prime Chinese Restaurant plays a pivotal role in this tradition, ensuring that heritage is celebrated amid the culinary delight they provide.

Beyond the cultural festivities, the evening highlighted Eze Aro’s remarkable contributions to the oil industry and his recent engagement at the World Bank/IMF session in Washington, USA, where he advocated sustainable solutions in Africa’s energy sector on October 22, 2024. His journey from the oil fields to esteemed leadership presents an inspiring narrative, resonating with both local and global ambitions.

Indeed the gathering was not for lengthy speeches, as emphasized by the host, but rather to “express gratitude and respect for Eze Eberehukwu Oji’s commitment to unity and development, and to pledge our total support and loyalty to His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro.

“As the first grandson of Mazi T.K. Utchay the designer of Omu Aro – the Coat of Arms of the Aro Kingdom in 1925 – it is traditional that I align myself with this great king of our time.”

Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a venerable elder of Arochukwu Kingdom, led the opening prayer, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity in Nigeria, a heartfelt moment that resonated with everyone present.
In her vote of thanks, Prof. Ngozi Osarenren passionately reaffirmed the night’s purpose: to celebrate unity and the bridge-building efforts of Eze Eberechukwu Oji.

Within just a year of his ascendancy, he has been pivotal in forming the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, forging alliances among various traditional leaders including the Oni of Ife; Dein of Agbor; Jaja of Opobo; Obong of Calabar; Obi of Isingwu; Elegushi of Ikate; Olofin of Isheri; Alara of Ilara; Amanyanabo of Abonnema, amongst others.

As the evening drew to a close, Eze Eberechukwu Oji, flanked by his adorable queen, Ugoeze Nneoma, expressed deep appreciation to Prime Chinese Restaurant, which has consistently served its customers with excellence for over three decades, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, inviting all Aro people to come together for communal growth and development.
His Eminence promised that the third leg of the play would be staged in Abuja, and subsequently taken to the United Kingdom.

In the spirit of the night, the Echoes of the Drum, laughter and music intertwined with promises of a united future, celebrating not just a lineage but a shared vision of greatness that transcends boundaries.
The legacy of Eze Aro continues to thrive, reminding all present of the rich culture and relentless spirit of the Aro Kingdom, and its importance in the tapestry of Nigeria’s history.

Some of the dignitaries present included a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Professor Ngozi Osarenren of University of Lagos; Treasurer-General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide, Mazi Adindu Elekwa and his wife Maria; former presidents of Nzuko Aro, Lagos branch, Mazi Jideofor Kanu; and Mazi Ejike Onwuchekwa; Chairman of AROSON, Lagos branch, Mazi Chinedu Nwankwo and his wife Nnenna; Dr JK Onwuchekwa and his wife Gift.
Others were the Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike; Mr. Rufai Oseni of Arise TV; Nollywood actress Rita Dominic-Anosike; Showbiz presenter, Yemi Shodimu; Engr. Obioha Chijioke, Mazi Chimezie Orji; oil and gas magnet, Mazi Obioha Okorafor; Full Moon Hotel proprietor, Mazi Chike Okorafor; real estate developer, Mazi Emeka Okoronkwo; Ezienyi Club President, Mazi Udeaha Nwosu and his wife Ebere; Palace Secretary, Mazi Ugo Okoro and his wife Nancy, amongst several others.