The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, has stated that the army is gradually winning the war against banditry and terrorism in the country.

Speaking at the weekend during the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA), organised by the army at the Giginya Barracks, Sokoto, Ajose, who is also the Commander of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, revealed that several bandits’ leaders and their foot soldiers had been eliminated.

“The war against banditry and terrorists across the area of responsibility has been progressively and steadily won by our troops, as several bandit leaders and their supporters have been eliminated.

‘’This is no doubt boosting the socioeconomic activities across the area of responsibility, as farmers and loyal citizens are now going about their activities.”

He, however, attributed the successes to the new air assets and other combat enablers launched into the operation.

The GOC assured that the Nigerian Army remained committed to the defence and security of the country.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu applauded the efforts of the Nigerian Army in tackling security challenges in the state and the country in general.

The governor, who was represented by Retired Col. Ahmad Usman, the Special Adviser on Security Matters, noted that officers and soldiers have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment leading to the crushing of all forms of criminalities in the state.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday emphasised the importance of preserving African cultural heritage, affirming his respect for the traditional Ifa religion and its role in African identity, despite being a Christian.

Chief Obasanjo disclosed this at a luncheon he organised to celebrate the 50th birthday of the renowned woman drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa held at the Green Legacy of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

Obasanjo lamented that it is unfortunate that lots of rich African cultures are being relegated to the background in the name of embracing western culture.

He said “Culture is the totality of who we are, unfortunately, we have relegated some of our culture to the background, our food, our language, our dress and so on

“They even say Yoruba is vernacular, that is not right, Yoruba is Yoruba, it is the authentic and we must learn to celebrate what belong to us because that’s the authentic

“I am a Christian, I have been to two churches today but whoever say Ifa Orumila is nothing must be a bloody fool because Orunmila has been with us before the advent of Christianity or Islam”.

The former President said that he decided to celebrate the female talking drum expert for being a cultural icon and ambassador in her own right.

Obasanjo “While I growing up there are two things you will never see a woman doing. A woman will never be seen climbing palm tree, you can’t see a woman on top of palm tree and you will also not see a woman drummer.

“But Ara with her tenacity and focus has however broken this taboo. She is now known all over the world as a drummer.

“We now have a woman who can beat the drum better than the men. She is helping a lot to sustain our cultural heritage and that is why I have decided to celebrate her so as to further encourage her to keep up the good job.

The former President urged youths to take a cue from the celebrated drummer saying that “whatever good your hands find to do, do it well and I will celebrate you, the lesson here is that nothing is unimportant in every area of human’s endeavours”.

Speaking earlier, Ara thanked the former President for the honour done her, saying that it was a gesture she would ever cherish for the rest of her life and career.

The renowned Ondo State born drummer said that she had thought that she would not be alive to celebrate 50 years having suffered a life threatening ailment last year.

Ara explained that the celebration was to return the praises to God who had preserved her and has supported her to be on the global stage despite all odds.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties in Nigeria have raised concerns over the potential impact of former United States President Donald Trump’s series of executive orders on African countries, including Nigeria.

Following his inauguration, Trump announced a range of policies that could reshape global trade and diplomatic relations. One of his key proposals was the potential imposition of tariffs on major trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China, set to begin as early as February 1. Additionally, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization (WHO), decisions that stirred international debate.

In line with his conservative policies, Trump also declared a controversial stance on gender identity, announcing that his administration would officially recognize only two genders: male and female. His sweeping executive orders and immigration reforms sparked diverse reactions globally, including in Nigeria, where political stakeholders have analyzed their potential consequences.

In an interview with Punch, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, expressed concerns about the broader economic implications of Trump’s policies, particularly on oil prices.

“For instance, Trump believes in drilling. He plans to increase oil production, which will likely lead to a drop in global oil prices,” Johnson explained. “This will undoubtedly affect countries like Nigeria that depend heavily on crude oil exports.”

He further criticized Trump’s perceived isolationist approach, stating, “The man views the world through a lens of American superiority. His rhetoric and actions reflect a belief that others are not equal to Americans. This should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders.”

Johnson emphasized the importance of self-reliance, urging Nigerian leaders to leverage the country’s abundant natural resources. “We need to focus on electing visionary leaders who will drive development and growth in Nigeria. We cannot continue to rely on foreign powers like the West, China, or Russia. Nigeria has everything it needs to become prosperous,” he said.

Bala Ibrahim, the National Publicity Director of the APC, highlighted lessons Nigeria could learn from Trump’s policies. He urged Nigerians traveling to the United States to ensure they meet all legal requirements to avoid falling victim to stricter immigration laws.

“The key takeaway is for Nigerians to travel legally and abide by the rules. As long as immigrants are law-abiding and fulfill all necessary conditions, America will not harass them,” Ibrahim noted. He advised Nigerians to avoid illegal migration, which often results in dire consequences under tightened U.S. immigration policies.

Kehinde Edun, the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, lauded Trump’s “America First” policy as an example of prioritizing citizens’ welfare. “Trump’s focus on protecting America’s interests is something every nation should emulate. Leaders must prioritize the safety and prosperity of their citizens above all else,” Edun said.

He criticized Nigerians who neglect their homeland in pursuit of opportunities abroad, stating, “You cannot abandon efforts to develop your country while seeking refuge elsewhere. Some Nigerians are in foreign countries, roaming the streets and becoming nuisances.”

Edun also commented on the growing trend of Western nations, inspired by Trump’s policies, tightening immigration rules. “By denying illegal immigrants citizenship and birthright privileges, Trump has set a precedent. Other countries are following suit, making it increasingly difficult for people, including Nigerian elites, to use foreign nations as escape routes after mismanaging resources at home,” he concluded.

The reactions from Nigeria’s political parties underscore the broader implications of Trump’s policies on international relations, immigration, and economic stability. While Trump’s actions are driven by a commitment to America’s interests, they highlight the need for Nigerian leaders to adopt proactive strategies that promote self-sufficiency, good governance, and sustainable development.

The debate serves as a reminder that global policies often ripple across borders, compelling nations like Nigeria to reassess their priorities and chart a path toward long-term progress.