By Sunday Apah

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. His death occurred on Tuesday night.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared the news on Wednesday via a statement on the X Platform, formerly known as Twitter.

In the statement, Onanuga conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep sadness over the loss: “It is with great regret that I announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”

Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and was appointed to his position on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, culminating in his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, he exhibited remarkable leadership and dedication, holding key roles as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He was instrumental in various internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the esteemed U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to professional development and military excellence.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this challenging time, wishing Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoring his significant contributions to the country.

By Sunday Apah

The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has expressed serious concern over what it perceives as a coordinated effort by select foreign media outlets, in collaboration with INTERPOL, to portray Nigeria as a global leader in criminal activity, particularly in cybercrime and other social issues.

In light of this situation, the group is urging the Nigerian government, particularly the ministries of foreign affairs and diplomatic relations, to address and rectify this misleading narrative that aims to undermine the country’s standing on the international stage.

The alarm was raised following a recent publication by U.S. researcher Matthew La Lime, which inaccurately labeled a non-existent group, ‘The Black Axe Confraternity,’ as one of the most criminally active and violent organizations worldwide. The SSPTI has condemned these claims as defamatory, baseless, and biased.

In a statement released on October 29, 2024, by Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie (Chairman) and Engr. Kayode Ayomide (Secretary), the organization criticized the report as lacking credibility.

They noted that La Lime, who published his findings through the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., failed to provide any verifiable evidence or names of individuals linked to these alleged crimes.

The SSPTI is calling on international partners and potential investors to disregard this report, which they believe is a misguided attempt by the researcher to tarnish Nigeria’s reputation. They emphasize that the publication is devoid of factual support.

“Our attention has been drawn to a publication dated October 29, 2024, authored by Matthew La Lime, which has circulated widely. We want to firmly state that this publication appears to be a product of the author’s imagination,” the statement reads.

They further assert that the publication lacks the essential elements of an objective and balanced report, indicating that La Lime acted unprofessionally in pursuit of profit and fame.

The SSPTI added, “It is important to clarify that the group he attributes these crimes to, The Black Axe Confraternity, is fictional and has not existed for some time. Therefore, it cannot be held responsible for the activities he claims.”

They also defended the capabilities of Nigerian law enforcement, stating, “Our country is proud of having one of the most effective security forces on the continent. The Nigeria Police Force is recognized for its efforts in combating crime, particularly cybercrime.”

The organization expressed disappointment that a respected institution like the Africa Center for Strategic Studies would allow an unqualified researcher to publish such unsubstantiated and damaging claims.

“We reaffirm our commitment to protect our nation’s integrity and will resist any foreign media attempts to undermine our security agencies by misrepresenting the level of violence and crime in Nigeria to the international community,” they stated.

In conclusion, the SSPTI called on the Nigerian government to investigate those responsible for this negative narrative and hold them accountable under international law for their efforts to defame the country.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Comrade Reuben Izeze has expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Utuama, SAN.

In a statement released to the media on Sunday, Izeze, hailed Utuama as a distinguished figure and an icon of the Ughievwen people.

He emphasized that Professor Utuama, a respected scholar in Law, led a life characterized by honor and integrity. Izeze recognized Utuama’s significant contributions to the development of his community and the broader Urhobo nation.

The statement read: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Amos Utuama, SAN, an exemplary lawyer who made an indelible mark in the Urhobo nation.”

Izeze continued, “He was not only one of our most esteemed academics but also a humble gentleman who always expressed his convictions, especially when he sensed injustice.”

“He was a dedicated individual who pursued his beliefs with unwavering determination, embodying the role of a father figure to many.”

“Professor Utuama came from a respectable background and dedicated his life to serving his community with dignity and respect.”

“He was more than just a former Deputy Governor or a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; he stood as a true icon for the Ughievwen people.”

Izeze noted Utuama’s particular dedication to uplifting the Otu-Ughievwen community, striving to elevate it from its current state to what he envisioned during his lifetime.

“Although he faced numerous challenges and may not have fully realized his aspirations for a modern Otu-Ughievwen, his unwavering commitment to the progress of the Ughievwen people, the Urhobo nation, and Delta State was evident.”

In conclusion, Izeze offered his condolences to Utuama’s family, hoping they find comfort in knowing that their father led a life of great significance and fulfillment. “May they find strength during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in peace. Amen.”

By Sunday Apah

The President General of Ughievwen Union worldwide, Olorogun Akporuru Patrick Wheleke, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN).

Wheleke described the loss as monumental for the family, Otughievwen community and the people of Ughievwen Kingdom.

Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama who hail from Aruorho Qtrs of Otughievwen (Otu-Jeremi) community, the ancestral headquarters of the Ughievwen people in Ughelli South LGA passed away on Saturday in Warri at the age of 77, after a prolonged battle with illness.

The President of Ughievwen Union stressed that Late Utuama contributions to the legal profession and public service have left an indelible mark on the people and the state at large.

In a press statement issued by the President General of the Ughievwen Union worldwide, Wheleke, the union mourned the demise of one of their most esteemed politicians.

His words, Utuama was not only a renowned legal luminary but also served as the Attorney General and Deputy Governor of Delta State.

His dedication to public service and commitment to justice earned him respect and admiration throughout the state.

The President called on the Ughievwen people to honor Utuama’s legacy by upholding the values he championed during his lifetime.

His death marks a significant loss for the Ughievwen people where he is remembered fondly for his leadership, wisdom, and contributions to the advancement of the Ughievwen people.

As the Ughievwen people grieves, members of the Ughievwen Union are joining together to pay tribute to Prof. Utuama’s life and work, recognizing his significant impact on the state and the enduring influence he will have on future generations.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), a former Deputy Governor of the state.

Professor Utuama passed away in Warri on Saturday morning after battling a long illness, at the age of 77.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori expressed his sympathy for the family, the Urhobo community, and the residents of Ughelli South Local Government Area, particularly the Otu-Jeremi community, during this difficult time.

The governor praised Professor Utuama as a distinguished law educator and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, highlighting his notable contributions as the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General from 1999 to 2007, and subsequently as Deputy Governor from 2007 to 2015.

“On behalf of the Delta State government and its people, I mourn the loss of an esteemed gentleman, scholar, and dedicated public servant, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, who departed in Warri on Saturday,” Governor Oborevwori stated.

He continued, “The news of his passing came as a profound shock. Professor Utuama was not only a scholar but also a gentleman-politician who made significant contributions to the service of his community, first as Commissioner for Justice and later as Deputy Governor.”

The governor acknowledged Utuama’s unwavering dedication to promoting the unity and development of Delta State throughout his career.

In closing, Governor Oborevwori offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Professor Utuama’s soul and asked for strength and comfort for his grieving family and friends.