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GCK: Why I’m in Benin Republic, by Kumuyi

General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William Kumuyi, has said he is in the Republic of Benin to deliver what he described as a divine message of power capable of bringing solutions to the problems confronting the people.

Kumuyi spoke ahead of the commencement of the five-day Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), which begins today at Sékou, in the Allada commune of the Republic of Benin.

The crusade, which runs from September 25 to 29, is themed ‘Divine Visitation from the God of All Possibilities.’

Speaking at a press conference in Cotonou on Wednesday, Kumuyi said: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, I am with you and for you. This crusade is for the entire Beninese nation.’he told the people, assuring them that the programme was for the entire nation.

Kumuyi said he believed God had prepared him for the assignment and that the crusade would witness a fresh manifestation of divine power.

‘The fire of God will be rekindled. God has prepared wonderful things. The power of God will move. Heaven is more than ready for you. God has prepared me and I am ready,’ he said.

He particularly invited people facing difficult circumstances, including the sick and those seeking solutions to seemingly intractable problems.

According to him, he was bringing a message from God that would address the needs of participants physically, spiritually and otherwise.

‘God has given me a message of power from heaven to solve the problems of all the participants who will come to this revival,’ Kumuyi said.

He added: ‘There will be a bulldozer power that will break all the mountains.’

The cleric said the expected impact would not be restricted to those physically present at Sékou, stressing that those participating through the live broadcast would also be part of the programme.

Kumuyi’s return to Benin Republic comes about 12 years after his previous crusade in the country.

He acknowledged the passage of time, saying he had become more mature in the intervening years.

‘In twelve years, I have matured more,’ he said, expressing confidence that the current crusade would produce greater impact.

The GCK will hold every evening at the National Deeper Life Bible Church Camp in Sékou, Allada, with the programme scheduled to begin at 5pm.

The crusade is expected to draw participants from Benin Republic and neighbouring countries, while the proceedings will also be transmitted globally through the GCK and DCLM digital platforms.

Kumuyi also disclosed that the Benin programme would extend beyond the evening crusade.

An Impact Academy for youths is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. It will focus on helping young people discover the key to success.

The All Believers’ Conference will hold on September 28 and 29, also in Cotonou, with ministers and Christian leaders expected to participate.

For Kumuyi, the Benin assignment is therefore both an evangelistic and transformational mission.

‘Let us all be there and see God in action,’ he urged the people of Benin.

The GCK convener has in recent years taken the crusade to several countries and Nigerian states, with the outreach combining evangelism with programmes targeted at youths, ministers and professionals.

As the Benin edition opens today, Kumuyi’s central message remains that of divine intervention, salvation, healing, deliverance and transformation – with the preacher urging participants to come expecting what he described as ‘the God of all possibilities’ to act in their lives.

First Lady visits Edo October 15

Edo State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sylvester Aigboboh, has said First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is expected in the state on October 15 in connection with the 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Aigboboh said the buses were part of the administration’s efforts to provide affordable public transportation and reduce the burden of transportation costs on residents.

He spoke while thanking traders for welcoming Okpebholo and his entourage at Uwelu Sparepart market, in Benin City.

The APC deputy chairman described the administration as one committed to improving the lives of Edo residents through infrastructure and other interventions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on September 19, cited Edo’s 50 CNG buses while giving an update on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, saying the buses were already in active service.

Aigboboh said the Okpebholo administration was also making progress on road reconstruction and rehabilitation across the state.

According to him, the Sapele Road reconstruction project has reached about 80 per cent completion, while Amufi Road is ready for inauguration.

He said work had also been completed on Uteh Palace Road and Temboga Road.

Aigboboh said the road projects and public transportation interventions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving mobility and easing the cost of living for residents.

He thanked the traders for their support and assured them that the administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

YUSUF: I don’t have anger issues

Looking back at your time in the house, what’s one thing you wish you had done differently?

I wish I had explored more friendships. Friendships with Keivo, Araga and Gerald. Once they left the house, I had almost nobody apart from Bells. I wish I had tried more relationships.

What inspired the eviction look?

Naturally, I just like to try new things. I was bored of the look I was carrying in the house. I wanted to disrupt the normal day of my life. I wanted to look and feel different.

What is your biggest mental hurdle?

I wasn’t the best at arena games because they were new to me, unlike other housemates who had prior knowledge. I wasn’t the worst either, but I could have done better. Losing the games made me feel moody.

Can you share some of the misconceptions about yourself that you’d be correcting?

That I have a temper. I just had a few confrontations with Tram and Sultex, and that was me standing up for myself, but watching the highlights, I realised how that must have looked like I was an angry person. It was just an outburst. An outburst here or there shouldn’t define my image. The second narrative was always with Bells. Bells was part of the journey, but I was also friends with Araga, Keivo and Gerald. Keivo even brought out the weird side of me. I had my moments with Wager too.

What does fashion mean to you in general?

For me, fashion is a form of expression, how I think about myself and how I carry myself. It’s a compliment to who I am. So, most of my outfits are usually very intentional. My entrance outfit was unconventional because I intentionally wanted the world to see me in that way, like royalty or something of some sort. It also depicts my feelings; most times when I feel low, even in the house, I wear black but I don’t think people got to understand that part of my fashion reasoning. For me, fashion means self-expression in some type of way. I use fashion to express myself.

What is it about the house that you’d really miss?

I love how unpredictable it was. I cherished the unpredictability because it also gave hope to the people who had not won enough that maybe your day will come, so that feeling of hopefulness was one thing that carried a lot of people. It kept us going; it kept them going. I love how spontaneous it is. I love activities so much; that’s why I was very active during the wager. The house will stimulate you with so many activities going on at the same time. I loved how it was a mixture of several characters and personalities that were multi-layered. I observed so many people in the house, and it was beautiful watching people unravel themselves. I think that sums it all.

What sort of roles are you naturally drawn to, and which would you like to explore as you’re out of the house as an actor?

Naturally, I’m drawn to every type of role because I’m a curious person, and I’m also curious about myself. So, I want to experience everything and explore everything that comes with acting. I want to be versatile. I want to do drama, action, comedy, romance, thriller, and series. I want to go mainstream. I want to be actively involved in acting and master my craft. I want to perfect it, be the actor that people look forward to watching because of how good and expressive he is. I want to do so much in my acting career.

Now that you’re out, what’s next for Yusuf, and what should we expect from you after BBNaija?

I want to go back into acting and do more challenging roles. Accept more diverse roles. Do more interesting things in acting. I was an author, so I want to go back to writing books, scripts, etc. I also want to delve into public speaking and hosting, and expansion of my farm.

Super Falcons’ Osinachi retires from international football after 16 Years

Osinachi Ohale has brought an end to her international football career after 16 years of representing the Super Falcons according to Nigerian sports journalist Victor Ademola.

Ademola announced Ohale’s retirement in a post on X, paying tribute to the veteran defender and highlighting her lengthy service to the Nigerian women’s national team.

‘After 16 years, four FIFA Women’s World Cups, seven WAFCON appearances and five African titles, Osinachi Ohale has called time on her international career. Thank you for your service to Nigeria, Osinachi. Forever a Super Falcon,’ Ademola wrote.

Ohale made her senior international debut for Nigeria in 2010 and went on to establish herself as one of the most experienced defenders in the history of the Super Falcons.

Her international career spanned four FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, with her featuring at the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions. She was also part of Nigeria’s WAFCON-winning squads in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024, giving her five continental titles.

AFCONQ RESULTS

Niger 2 – 1 Lesotho

Malawi 2 – 1 South Sudan

Gambia 2 – 1 Somalia

Togo 1 – 0 Burundi

Mozambique 1 – 1 Senegal

Sudan 1 – 0 Ethiopia

Rwanda 3 – 1 Liberia

Tanzania 0 – 2 Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria 2 – 1 Madagascar

Mary Jane Veloso is finally free

Sixteen years after her imprisonment and suspended execution in Indonesia, and two years after her transfer to a Philippine jail, drug trafficking convict Mary Jane Veloso received absolute pardon from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and regained her freedom Friday night.

Veloso’s family and supporters had been pushing for her release since her repatriation in 2024 to serve a reduced sentence of life imprisonment at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.

Presented to the press by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) following her release, Veloso was in tears as she showed the pardon document signed by Marcos.

‘I just want to tell our beloved President: Thank you so much for clearing my name and allowing me to return to my family. It was really hard being separated from them … I didn’t see my children grow, but I believe it’s not yet too late for me to be their guide,’ she said in Filipino.

Earlier in the day, it became clear that her wait was finally over – straight from Marcos himself.

‘I’ll give you a scoop: I signed her pardon yesterday,’ Marcos told reporters during a visit to the northern town of Batac, Ilocos Norte, without elaborating.

‘Hope prevailed’

The previous day, Palace press officer Claire Castro dropped a hint, saying the President was ‘seriously considering’ granting absolute pardon to Veloso, 41. Marcos, she said, no longer had to inform Indonesia about it since Veloso was already in Philippine custody.

In Cabanatuan City, Veloso’s family members were simply overwhelmed by the news, which was delivered by her lawyer Edre Olalia. Jane’s mother Celia said she ‘couldn’t believe Attorney Edre’s call.’

‘Thank you very much to all who joined us and supported us so Mary Jane can have the opportunity she had been waiting for-to start anew and be with her family,’ Celia said in a Facebook post.

‘They were so happy,’ she also said of Mary Jane’s two sons, Mark Daniel and Mark Darren. ‘We will finally be with mama; that’s what they told me.’

‘Hope prevailed after a long struggle. A bright hope and a new beginning,’ Celia said.

Hours after the president’s brief announcement, BuCor said Veloso would be freed within a day upon its receipt of her release papers. BuCor later said she could be out by 8 p.m. on Friday.

Veloso, who traveled to Indonesia in April 2010 to work as a domestic helper, was arrested at the airport in Yogyakarta after being found carrying more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin.

She denied knowledge of the contraband, saying the luggage containing the drug was just handed to her by her Filipino recruiters, Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao.

A Yogyakarta court on Oct. 11 that year found her guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced her to death. The Philippine embassy appealed her case in February 2011, but Indonesia’s Supreme Court upheld her conviction in May.

‘Reexamine’ case

Then President Benigno Aquino III requested clemency for Veloso in August that year, and persisted even after then Indonesian President Joko Widodo turned it down in December 2014.

On April 28, 2015, Veloso’s recruiters surrendered to Nueva Ecija police, which led to the National Bureau of Investigation filing cases against them for illegal recruitment, human trafficking and estafa.

Veloso was scheduled for execution the next day but was granted a last-minute stay around 1 a.m.

Aquino’s successor, then President Rodrigo Duterte made no public effort to intercede in Veloso’s case. During his state visit to Indonesia in 2016, Duterte told Widodo to ‘Follow your own laws. I will not interfere.’

In January 2020, a Nueva Ecija court sentenced Sergio and Lacanilao to life imprisonment, finding them guilty of illegal recruitment. It was for a case involving three other victims.

In September 2022, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) sought executive clemency for Veloso. In May the following year, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Indonesia, Marcos appealed to Widodo to ‘reexamine’ her case.

On Nov. 19, 2024, the DFA confirmed that officials from both countries had discussed Veloso’s transfer to a Philippine prison.

Marcos announced the next day that Veloso will be repatriated.

Veloso was flown back to the Philippines on Dec. 18, 2024 now a CIW inmate.

Appeals to Palace, SC

Her family’s last reported appeal addressed to Marcos was on Jan. 10, 2025, Veloso’s 40th birthday, when they sent to the Palace a petition with 8,283 signatures. Another petition was sent on July 4, this time with 13,537 signatures.

On Nov. 14, Olalia’s group, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, questioned the legality of Veloso’s continued imprisonment by filing a petition for the writ of habeas corpus with the Supreme Court.

Imo urges financial institutions to build for future

The Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr. Chuck Chuckuemeka, has urged financial institutions and other stakeholders to embrace digital transformation and develop adaptive infrastructure capable of responding to the changing demands of the global economy.

Chuckuemeka made the call while delivering a keynote address at Interswitch TechConnect 6.0, held under the theme, ‘Built for What’s Next – Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market.’

He said the theme should challenge financial institutions to examine whether their systems, structures and economies were adequately prepared for the future.

According to him, ‘modern financial infrastructure must be interoperable, data-driven, scalable, secure, inclusive and resilient.’

The Commissioner explained that adaptive infrastructure meant the ability to respond to changes ‘quickly, intelligently and responsibly,’ adding that infrastructure goes beyond banks, payment platforms and physical systems.

He said it also encompasses technology, data, processes, institutions, regulatory frameworks and human capabilities that enable money and financial information to move freely, securely and efficiently.

Chuckuemeka said digital transformation was not merely about computers, software or automation, but about creating value through speed, accuracy, transparency, accountability, reduced costs and improved decision-making.

He urged financial institutions to make data a strategic asset, build interoperable systems, design for resilience and put people at the centre of technology, stressing that ‘the future belongs to institutions prepared to continuously adapt.’

The Commissioner said the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma had embraced digital transformation as a critical pillar of modern governance, citing the digitisation of the state workforce, establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, development of Imo Digital City and digitalisation of the Imo Geographic Information System.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Justice Okoye, said financial infrastructure must be built with the future in mind.

Okoye said, ‘financial infrastructure comprises more than banks and payment infrastructure,’ explaining that it includes the systems, institutions, technologies and processes that enable transactions to take place efficiently, securely and seamlessly.

In her remarks, the Chief Sales Officer of Interswitch, Robinta Aluyi, said Interswitch TechConnect was designed to connect businesses, communities and everyday lives while preparing stakeholders for emerging realities in the digital economy.

She said the platform was aimed at fostering conversations and solutions that would enable businesses and institutions to remain responsive to the changing demands of the digital age.

The programme featured panel discussions on ‘Building a Digital Economy: The Role of Government, Industry and Technology in Shaping the Future,’ and ‘Driving Digital Transformation Through Public Private Partnerships.’

The event, which also featured the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Nomso Ebonwu, brought together financial experts, technology innovators, government representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and strategies for building a secure, inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem.

2027: APGA will spring surprises in Lagos – Party chairman

The Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the party’s candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon ThankGod Christopher Ibeh, has expressed confidence in the party’s strategies to win National Assembly seats in Lagos in the 2027 elections.

Ibeh spoke at the unveiling of his developmental agenda at a town hall meeting organised by Amuwo Residents for Better Representation (ARBR) in Lagos on Friday.

The agenda, tagged the R.O.L.E Agenda – Representation, Oversight, Legislation and Engagement – is focused on youth employment, skills acquisition, healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

Ibeh said the manifesto was designed to provide purposeful leadership and effective representation for residents of Amuwo-Odofin.

He described the opportunity to represent the constituency as both a sacrifice and a responsibility that should not be taken for granted, promising to make the welfare of constituents and effective representation the priorities of his tenure if elected.

According to him, leadership should be anchored on trust, accountability, service and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of the people.

‘I came to Lagos in 2000. We need to work collectively to make Festac a better place to live in,’ he said, while recounting his political journey and experience in APGA.

Ibeh said he had been a member of APGA since 2006 and had contested the party’s governorship primary in Anambra State against the incumbent governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.

‘I have passion for leadership and that brought me to where I am today, contesting for the House of Representatives seat. I am prepared for the challenges ahead of me,’ he said.

He said his ambition was not merely to occupy political office but to use the position to attract development and opportunities to Amuwo-Odofin.

‘It is not how far but how well you can give good representation to the people. I want to serve the people. I want you to assess me as a worthy representative of the good people of Amuwo-Odofin,’ Ibeh said.

On youth unemployment, he promised to introduce a skills-development programme aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to become economically independent.

‘Don’t let them deceive you that there is no money in government. I will introduce one youth, two skills. I will teach you how to fish and not give you fish,’ he said.

Ibeh said that, if elected, he would pursue partnerships with Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies, private-sector organisations and development partners to create employment opportunities for youths in the constituency.

He also pledged to work with residents and community organisations to improve living conditions across Amuwo-Odofin.

His agenda, he said, would include improving healthcare delivery and access to medical facilities, supporting education through scholarships and bursary awards, promoting agriculture, and improving roads and other infrastructure.

He also promised to support small businesses and vulnerable groups, stressing that sustainable development required collaboration among elected representatives, residents and relevant institutions.

‘The future of Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency depends on visionary leadership, collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to development,’ he said.

‘Together, through collaboration, we shall facilitate employment, strengthen education, improve healthcare, build better roads, empower businesses, support our youths, protect the vulnerable and deliver quality representation.’

Ibeh said the manifesto represented a commitment to purposeful leadership and sustainable development rather than merely a campaign document.

He urged residents to assess candidates based on their credibility and capacity rather than prevailing political trends.

‘The people are now wiser; they go for credible candidates and do not follow the crowd,’ he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Amuwo Residents for Better Representation, Chief Chima Nweke, said the town hall meeting was organised to give the APGA candidate an opportunity to present his agenda and interact with residents ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nweke said the platform was established to promote dialogue on better representation for Amuwo-Odofin.

‘We are gathered here to interact with the candidate on ways to improve the condition of living of residents in the constituency,’ he said.

ICTSI buys out Brazilian partner in Rio joint venture

Port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has bought out the minority shareholder in its Brazilian logistics subsidiary, giving it full control of a business spanning warehousing, distribution and transportation.

In a disclosure on Friday, the Enrique Razon Jr.-led company said it had signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 30-percent stake in iTracker Logistica Inteligente or IRB Logistica SA, raising its ownership from 70 percent to 100 percent.

ICTSI established iTracker in 2020 with Brazil-based Tracker Logistica Inteligente.

iTracker serves users of the Port of Rio de Janeiro as a full intermodal logistics provider, offering services such as empty container depots, export container freight stations, general warehousing, distribution centers and road and railway transportation.

ICTSI did not disclose the value of the deal, but said the purchase price was paid in cash. It amounted to less than 10 percent of the company’s total consolidated shareholders’ equity as of end of 2025 and June 2026.

‘iTracker contributes less than one percent to the company’s consolidated financial performance, with no material impact on the company’s future financial results,’ ICTSI told the local bourse.

According to its website, iTracker has a 40,000-square-meter (sqm) facility for shipping companies operating at the Port of Rio de Janeiro. It also has an 80,000-sqm yard designed to receive import cargo, domestic market goods, e-commerce and distribution.

Multimodal terminals

Further, iTracker has two multimodal terminals along the Rio-São Paulo corridor, cross-docking and breakbulk cargo yards and a fleet of more than 100 vehicles. Its rail and road terminals are located in Barra Mansa.

Taking full control of iTracker further strengthens ICTSI’s foothold in Brazil, where it has been expanding its logistics business. The company recently acquired São Paulo-based warehousing and logistics firm Cragea.

ICTSI’s Brazil footprint includes CLIA Pouso Alegre, Rio Brasil Terminal and Tecon Suape.

The company grew its first-half profit by 22 percent to $641.39 million, driven by higher cargo volumes and contributions from newly acquired terminals in South Africa and Indonesia.

In the first half of 2026 alone, ICTSI spent $320.05 million in capital expenditures, primarily to finance expansion projects in the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Honduras, Australia and Ecuador.

Prince Ajayi returns with ‘Waka Waka’

Nigerian-Born, Montreal-based artist, Prince Oluwasegun Ajayi, has returned to the music scene with his latest single, ‘Waka Waka’.

The energetic track, which comes with a distinctive dance style, is currently gaining attention on social media and streaming platforms.

On the inspiration behind the song, Ajayi said ‘Waka Waka’ was recorded with the idea of movement and exposure.

‘Movement has followed me throughout my life, moving through Lagos, moving through dance, moving between countries, moving between creative disciplines and constantly refusing to remain in one box,’ he said.

According to him, he wanted ‘Waka Waka’ to be a record that could connect with audiences in different settings.

‘I want people to enjoy it. Not every record needs a lecture attached to it. Sometimes music should make you move before it makes you think.’

Looking ahead, Ajayi said his ambition extends beyond building a conventional music career. He wants to develop a wider creative ecosystem around his brand.

‘I don’t want to build only an artiste brand. I want to build an ecosystem,’ he said.

Adding that, ‘The most interesting part of the story won’t just be how far I went. It will be how many people, ideas and opportunities were able to move with me.’

Prince Ajayi is a recording artiste, filmmaker, director, dancer and entrepreneur. As a founder of 361Studios, he blends African rhythm, movement, multilingual expression and cinematic storytelling to create music with global appeal.

My govt building secure, stable, prosperous Nigeria – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday restated his administration’s commitment to building a secure, stable, and prosperous Nigeria.

President Tinubu made this known in Kaduna on Saturday at the passing out ceremony for cadets of the 73rd Regular Course (Army, Navy, and Air Force), Short Service Course 49 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 34 (Air Force), and Branch Commission Course 3 (Air Force) of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The President said part of the non-kinetic strategy against insecurity is job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development, and social protection to aid security efforts.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the President said: ‘Despite the diverse challenges our dear country has been confronted with, my administration has remained steadfast, focused, and committed to building a secure, stable, and prosperous Nigeria.

‘Through the continuous and surgical application of all elements of national power, including, and most importantly, the military, we have continued to stabilise the situation, improving our responses and expanding as well as modifying our interventions, which thankfully are yielding desired outcomes.

‘We aptly recognise that kinetic military operations alone cannot defeat insecurity since poverty, unemployment, poor education, and social disintegration are notable drivers of conflicts. That is why under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are pursuing job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development, and social protection in tandem with our security efforts.’

President Tinubu said his administration is also enhancing Nigeria’s regional and global collaborations and cooperations, due to the transnational nature of the threats. He also said Nigeria will continue to provide leadership and assistance to fellow countries in West Africa.

‘Nigeria will continue to enhance our commitments to democracy and stability in our region and indeed globally. Despite the setbacks in the cooperation within the subregion, especially in the Sahel, Nigeria under my leadership, through the auspices of ECOWAS and other regional bodies, will continue to pursue inclusive diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic integration. ‘Consequently, with the military’s unalloyed support for democratic governance, Nigeria’s continental and regional leadership role will continue to be upheld and intensified.

‘We remain opposed to unconstitutional changes of government, however we will not abandon our brothers and sisters in Mali, Niger, or Burkina Faso. Preserving five decades of ECOWAS achievements, covering free movement, trade, and regional coordination, is essential to our collective security and prosperity.’

The President noted that the NDA, since its establishment in 1964, lived up to the expectations of the founding fathers and, indeed, the nation.

He said the Academy has evolved in line with nascent security challenges by developing a training curriculum which blends military training and academics with a focus on character development.

He stated that a critical aspect of this is a realistic and enhanced Counter-Terrorism and Counterinsurgency training designed to suit contemporary security challenges. This, he noted, is in addition to the rapid integration of technology into training and research.

President Tinubu also noted that NDA cadets are undergoing military training in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Brazil, and France.

He said: ‘I am particularly encouraged that the Nigerian Defence Academy is increasingly receiving international recognition through invitations extended to its cadets to participate in highly competitive military cadet competitions in the United States, Brazil, and most recently, the People’s Republic of China.

‘Such invitations are earned through demonstrated excellence. They attest to the remarkable improvements in the Academy’s training standards, professionalism, and global standing, while affirming that Nigeria is producing officers capable of competing and excelling alongside the very best military institutions in the world.’

The President added that the Academy equally continues to serve as a regional hub for military education by training cadets from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

‘These engagements strengthen military diplomacy, deepen professional cooperation, and reaffirm Nigeria’s leadership in defence education and capacity development across the African continent,’ he said.