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Olonishakin: A strategist and a reinvigorated Nigerian Armed Forces

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By James Albert

When I learnt few days ago that In recognition of his successes towards ending terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin, the Coalition for Governance and Leadership in Nigeria will present the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, with the 2018 African Man of the Year award, ‘at last” I thought to myself. The great strategist and a fine military chief deserves even more, perhaps a medal for his salient role in bringing the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group to their knees.

Before the advent of Gabriel Olonishakin as the Chief of Defence Staff CDS in 2015, Nigerians were all witneses to the abysmal humanitarian crisis occasioned by the activities of Boko haram and other rebel groups in the country due largely to lack of pproper cordinatrion of the counterinsurgency war. General Olonishakin came in and changed the tide. He demonstrated that the Nigerian armed forces has all it takes to tackle terrorism and other security challenges bedeviling the country by designing a well-coordinated strategy that has since reinvigorated and sustained the winning spirit and determination of the Nigerian military.

“After carefully observing the commitment of General Olonisakin towards fighting insurgency and suppressing emerging terrorists like Militia herdsmen, the Indigenous Persons of Biafra, IPOB, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, cattle rustlers and other bandits across the country, it is necessary to applaud his efforts so that he can be motivated to do more for the country” says Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, the Coordinator of the Coalition bequeathing the honor on the CDS in a bid to spur him to do more in the fight against Insurgency in the country.

In December of 2015, the CDS did something that would later serve as a major success factor in the prosecution of the war against terror. As part of his resolve to restructure the Defence Headquarters, he established the office of Campaign Planning, Coordinating Centre for Naval Component, Theatre Commander and Deputy in Operation LAFIYA DOLE as well as Theatre Media Office to coordinate the operational activities of the Armed Forces. CDS carried out the restructuring in order to inject new tactics, operations and robust initiatives to attain efficiency and professionalism in the major operations nationwide where rule of law and human rights are strictly adhered to

After his appointment by president Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, he took over the coordination of about 14 security operations across Nigeria with more focus on the Northeastern region. As the chief strategist, Olonishakin focused on enhancing efficiency and tactics to enable troops perform better during operations and meet fluctuating threats across the country.

The CDS has always affirmed his commitment to indivisible Nigeria, and has evolved countless strategies that has been helping the military to continue to fight for the unity of our dear country. This is evident in his hardline stance in the fight against terrorism, illegal oil bunkering, cattle rustling and other forms of illegalities and crimes that are plaguing our nation.

Olanishakin has ensured that national approach to combating terrorism is strategic, comprehending both preventive and response driven measures. His approach as the head of the Nigerian armed forces sees to it that strategies envisage a crisis management structure that facilitates interagency cooperation and minimizes competition and disputation. He has encouraged interagency coordination, and created a number of avenues for putting the principles into practice.

The CDS came with a clear vision which is “to ensure a well motivated, trained and equipped Armed Forces that is responsive to national security commitments” and he has since then, made certain that the pursuance and drive of all operational responsibilities of the Defence Headquarters is guided by the vision.

Since his emergence as overall boss of the military, Boko Haram and allied rebel groups have had it rough. General Olonishakin has been leading efforts to strategise and restrategise operations of the Nigerian armed forces in a bid to meet up with president Buhari’s directive to end the Boko Haram menace. Inspite of the recent resurgence of Boko Haram attack, the Nigerian Armed Forces has continued to work towards eliminating insurgents and acts of insurgency being perpetrated by members of Boko Haram with a concerted efforts to ensure that the terrorists are not able to regroup and returning to making life difficult for civilians.

Despite this high level of successes that the Army has achieved so far under the CDS, troops have not relented on being on the trail of the terrorists who now operate majorly from outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As an institution, under the CDS, the Nigerian Armed Forces can pride itself as having professional men and women comparable to the best anywhere in the world. To ensure fineness and excellent operational capabilities, the CDS guarantees that military officers are trained and retrain in line with changing trends in military operations including intelligence gathering to keep them fit for operations at all times.

Olonishakin is at the centre of the planning and coordination of strategies with other security chiefs that helped in bringing down Boko Haram and other rebel groups across the country. Refered to as the “strategist” in some quarters, the man has successfully overseen the realization of president Buhari’s target to end insurgency. Agreed, there are still pockets of attacks by insurgents, however, no Nigerian territory is been held or controlled by insurgents.

The Nigerian armed forces are fighting on multiple front to keep the country safe. The approach is no longer of just bullet and bomb showers, there is proper coordination and synergy between all security agencies and this is thanks to the leadership of the current CDS. If you ask me I’d say this CDS General Olonishakin is the best we have seen in years.

Albert wrote this article from NASME, Makurdi.

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Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections

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Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara has emerged as a leading political figure and consensus candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. His emergence reflects a growing call for purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, and a renewed political vision for Kano and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Sankara is widely known for his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, and public engagement. A politician, philanthropist, and public affairs advocate, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.

His political journey is not new. In the 2019 general elections, Dr. Sankara contested as an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the PDP to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in Kano State. His participation in the democratic process demonstrated his long-standing commitment to public service and political representation.

With a vision centered on Youth Empowerment, Innovation, Good Governance, and National Unity, Dr. Sankara is seen by supporters as part of a new generation of leaders focused on inclusive development and responsive representation. His message emphasizes the importance of accountability, opportunity creation, and citizen-centered leadership.

Supporters and party stakeholders believe his experience in community engagement and grassroots mobilization will contribute positively to legislative representation, ensuring that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive adequate attention. His growing acceptance across different groups is seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and political aspirations.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, many observers view Dr. Nafiu Sankara’s political journey as part of a broader conversation about leadership renewal, youth participation, and the future direction of governance in Kano State and Nigeria.

“The Youth. The Vision. The Change. The Future is Ours.”

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba

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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Group, has been declared the winner of the APC primary elections for the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State. His victory reflects the overwhelming support of voters across the constituency, who have entrusted him once again with the responsibility of representing their interests at the National Assembly.

Since his election into the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu has distinguished himself as a legislator of vision and purpose. His leadership of the Nigeria-China Friendship Group has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade, infrastructure, and technology. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance international diplomacy with grassroots development, ensuring that his constituency benefits from both global partnerships and local initiatives.

Hon. Yakubu is widely respected for his integrity, accessibility, and people-centered approach to governance. Voters describe him as approachable and transparent, qualities that have earned him trust and loyalty. His interventions in education, road construction, and youth empowerment have provided vital opportunities for rural communities in Taraba, connecting them to broader national development. His consistency in legislative duties and his reliability as a representative have further cemented his standing as a dependable voice in the House of Representatives.

His victory at the primaries is not just a political achievement but a reaffirmation of his commitment to service. Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu’s re-election bid promises continuity in championing international cooperation, local development, and legislative accountability. As Taraba looks forward to stronger representation in the National Assembly, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu stands out as a leader who combines vision, diplomacy, and grassroots connection to deliver meaningful progress for Bali/Gassol and Nigeria at large.

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Tinubu Mega Group Mobilises 1,500, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

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The nation’s capital, Abuja, witnessed a massive political gathering on Tuesday as thousands of supporters under the umbrella of the Tinubu Mega Group (TMG) staged what organisers described as a “National Unity Rally” in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The rally, which attracted participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, brought together over 1,500 groups comprising professionals, civil society organisations, youth associations, religious leaders, artisans, traders, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.At the rally, the coalition formally presented what it described as the endorsement of “20 million Nigerians” for another four years of President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and structural reforms must be sustained beyond 2027.Addressing the gathering, the National Spokesperson of the Tinubu Mega Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma, said the rally represented the collective voice of Nigerians who believe in continuity, stability, and national progress.According to him, despite prevailing economic difficulties and global challenges, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated courage and direction in tackling inherited national problems.He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, renewed investments in local refining, economic stabilisation efforts, improved support for state governments, social intervention programmes, and reforms targeted at strengthening local governance and attracting investments.“The student loan programme has opened new opportunities for young Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the naira, improve food production, and reposition the economy for long term growth,” he stated.Danjuma added that the massive turnout at the rally was proof that support for the President cuts across regions, sectors, and religious affiliations.“To those spreading false narratives and attempting to create division, our answer is simple, the people have spoken. Nigerians are choosing continuity over confusion and progress over propaganda,” he declared.Also speaking at the rally on behalf of Nigerian professionals, Dr. Tabuko Kennedy said professionals across critical sectors of the economy were backing the administration because reforms require consistency and continuity to succeed.Representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, and technocrats, Kennedy argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could negatively affect national development.He maintained that President Tinubu had shown commitment toward rebuilding the economy, strengthening infrastructure, improving revenue generation, supporting local industries, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.“As professionals, we understand that difficult reforms are never easy at the beginning, but we also know that abandoning reforms halfway can damage national progress,” he said.Kennedy further declared that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” a statement that drew loud cheers from supporters at the venue.The Christian community was represented by Bishop Kola Oyedepo, who described the current phase of Nigeria’s development as a period requiring patience, sacrifice, wisdom, and collective responsibility.The cleric noted that leadership often demands difficult decisions and urged Nigerians not to allow bitterness, division, or destructive politics to derail ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the country.According to him, reforms initiated under President Tinubu, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, educational support through student loans, and efforts to improve local refining capacity, were necessary foundations for a stronger Nigeria.“Every wise builder must first lay a solid foundation. Nigeria today is in the process of rebuilding and restructuring its foundation for a stronger future,” the bishop stated.He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while reiterating support for continuity in governance.“There is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” he added.Similarly, Islamic cleric Sheik Abubakar Mustapha called for patience, peace, unity, and support for national development efforts.The Imam acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country, but stressed that meaningful reforms require time, perseverance, and courageous leadership.He commended the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education support initiatives, governance reforms, and local refining projects aimed at strengthening national productivity.“We must not allow division, hatred, or politics of bitterness to weaken our country. Instead, we must support unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership,” he said.Mustapha also aligned with the position of the organisers, insisting that Nigerians who desire stability and sustained development understand that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027.”Observers described the rally as one of the largest political mobilisation efforts witnessed in Abuja in recent months, with participants carrying banners, placards, and campaign materials bearing inscriptions such as “20 Million Nigerians Support Tinubu,” “Continuity for National Development,” and “One Voice, One Vision, One Nigeria.”The rally ended peacefully with prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and sustained democratic governance in Nigeria.

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