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Major general Auwalu Mahmuda has assumed duty as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State, taking over from Chinedu Nnebeife, whose tenure was marked by one of the military’s most significant internal security operations this year, the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state.

The handover ceremony held on Monday at the 2 Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, followed Mr Nnebeife’s redeployment to command the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Gen.Mahmuda’s appointment comes at a period when the 2 Division continues to play a frontline role in counter-insurgency anti-kidnapping operations and internal security efforts across the South-west.

Speaking after taking over command, Gen Mahmuda thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him. He described the appointment as a privilege and pledged to consolidate on the operational gains recorded by his predecessor.

“I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment,” he said, assuring officers and soldiers under the division of his commitment to strengthening operational effectiveness and improving security across the division’s area of responsibility.

The new GOC also commended Mr Nnebeife for what he described as remarkable achievements during his tenure, promising to sustain the momentum.

Gen. Nnebeife leaves the Ibadan-based division after supervising one of the most remarkable rescue operations in recent years; the rescue of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped on 15 May when armed men invaded the schools, triggering weeks of intensive military operations involving multiple security agencies.

Although two teachers were killed while in captivity, the remaining victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ den.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Nnebeife personally coordinated the intelligence-driven operation, working with other security agencies to track the kidnappers without paying ransom.

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Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, has congratulated former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday. The felicitation was contained in a statement issued in Ughelli on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Dr. Akpodiete described Chief Ibori as an exceptional statesman and visionary leader whose tenure laid the foundation for Delta State’s political and socio-economic advancement.

He noted that Chief Ibori’s landmark contributions in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development continue to shape the lives of Deltans today.

According to Dr. Akpodiete, Chief Ibori’s brand of purposeful leadership, courage, and dedication to the growth of Delta State has earned him national respect and admiration. He praised the former governor for his consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and sustainable development.

The Executive Director also acknowledged Chief Ibori’s role in grooming a generation of political leaders and public servants, describing him as a mentor whose experience, wisdom, and guidance remain a source of inspiration for Delta State and Nigeria.

Dr. Akpodiete prayed that God Almighty grants Chief James Ibori sound health, long life, divine wisdom, and renewed strength to continue his service to humanity, and wished him a joyous and memorable 68th birthday celebration.

Signed
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP
Executive Director
_Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation_

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has revealed the question he would ask God if given the opportunity, saying he would want to know why he was led to leave his comfortable private life for the challenges of politics.

Obi made the remark while addressing a gathering of his supporters, where he reflected on his political journey and the responsibilities that come with public service.

According to the former Anambra State governor, he never envisioned a life in active politics and believes his current position is part of God’s plan.

“I’m a politician today, but if I ever have the opportunity to question God, I would ask Him why He allowed me to leave my comfort place and get involved in politics,” Obi said.

He, however, added that he believes every individual is placed where God intends them to be and should use their position to serve humanity.

“But wherever we find ourselves is where God wants us to be, and we must do everything we can for the benefit of the masses.Africans & Diaspora

“I’m here by the grace of God, and I must not abuse His grace, whether it’s in a private, corporate, or government setting,” he added.

Obi’s remarks come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political parties and candidates intensifying consultations and engagements across the country.

Umahi Campaigns Against Obi

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has openly urged Nigerians, particularly those from the South-East, not to support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects, including sections of the Trans-Saharan Highway and other legacy infrastructure initiatives, Umahi reaffirmed his support for the re-election of Bola Tinubu, citing the administration’s investment in infrastructure across the country.

The minister said he was not bothered by criticism from Obi’s supporters, insisting that he remained convinced that Tinubu deserves another term in office.

“They have been insulting me. But I enjoy it honestly because it shows that what I’m doing is touching them. Some of them are also reasonable. They say the only thing is that you’re attacking Peter Obi.

“I say, no, I’m not attacking Peter Obi. I’m asking people in the South-East and Nigeria not to vote for him but to vote for President Bola Tinubu… And I have my facts,” Umahi said.

He argued that continuity in leadership would ensure the completion of major infrastructure projects currently being executed across the country.

According to him, changing governments could delay or complicate the execution of ongoing projects due to policy changes and the need to renegotiate contracts.Africans & Diaspora

Umahi expressed confidence that all legacy projects initiated under the Tinubu administration would be completed if the President secures a second term.

Highlighting one of the projects, he described the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as a major success, revealing that the road is expected to be completed by December with reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights, and landscaping.

He also announced plans to introduce tolling on the expressway after completion, explaining that the revenue generated would be used for road maintenance.

“The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is a success story. By December, that project will be totally completed with solar lights and tree planting, majorly on reinforced concrete pavements. We are going to do tolling there. The essence of the tolling is just for the maintenance of the road and to provide security that will be patrolling the road,” he said.

The minister further commended contractors handling the various projects and praised officials working with the administration for their commitment, urging them to continue informing Nigerians about the government’s infrastructure achievements.Africans & Diaspora

The comments from both Obi and Umahi reflect the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 elections, with leading figures already making public appeals aimed at shaping voter opinion and strengthening support for their respective political camps.