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Methodist Church Paid N100m Ransom for My Release – Prelate Reveals, Indicts Army

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The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu-Uche, who was abducted by hoodlums in Abia State, has said N100m was paid by the church to secure his freedom.

The cleric, who spoke during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, said the kidnappers showed him decomposing bodies of some past victims.

Kanu-Uche was abducted on Sunday along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

He was taken together with his chaplain, Very Rev. Abidemi Shittu, and the Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark.

The prelate said his team was going to the airport when they were attacked.

He said, “In order to catch up with my flight at 4pm, we took off by 2pm to go to the airport, oblivious of the fact that kidnappers were waiting on the road.

“As we were descending to Ileru in Abia State, they came out from the bush and divided themselves into three groups.

“Some were at the back, some at the centre. Then there was another group in front to make sure we did not run away. They fired shots at our vehicle and eventually abducted three of us. The communication man of the church and the driver escaped.

“They took us into the bush and tortured us. In the process of the torture, I hit my right eye on a tree and even when blood was flowing and was soaking my handkerchief, they did not feel like anything happened. All they said was that we should follow them.”

He noted that the eight-man gang was made up of “Fulani boys,” who claimed to be against the government.

The cleric said only one of the hoodlums understood English, while others spoke Fulfulde.

“They even said that if they get Buhari, they will chew him to pieces because he had disappointed them.

“We were taken into the bush and we trekked up to 15 kilometres. Eventually at 11pm, they said we should negotiate and each of us should pay N50m, making N150m,” he added.

He said when he tried to reduce the ransom, the gang threatened to shoot him, adding that their leader was about 35 years old.

Kanu-Uche said the men later pegged the ransom at N100m.

The cleric said he reached out to leaders of the church and his wife to raise the money by all means.

The prelate said he observed that military men were around the place where the hoodlums operated, while their cows were also around the vicinity.

“They pointed their guns at us. They threatened that if we involved the DSS, police or Army, they would kill us.

“They said down there, there is a gully of seven decomposing bodies and we cut off their heads. We also perceived the odour of killed human beings.

“Their leader asked for five Ghana-Must-Go bags for the N100m. He also said Lagos is on their radar.

“I am asking that the government should act now before another thing starts to happen.

“The Methodist church sent N100m for the three of us who were kidnapped. The money came from members of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army is complicit in the kidnapping,” he added.

His wife, Florence, while thanking God for the safe return of the cleric, implored the Federal Government to ensure the security of lives and property.

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said it was the duty of the government to protect lives and property.

He said, “The Buhari government has a lot to do. This is a problem of leadership. The ransom paid was from the church and government does not have a hand in it. We don’t have oil wells and anyone who attacks the church, taking money is taking blood money.”

A security expert, Dickson Osagie, said there was a gradual shift of kidnappers from the poor to influential members of society.

He said, “We need to hold the government accountable. For instance, they meet bandits and pay them off. Each time you do this, they are satisfying criminality. The criminals want to excel in their business. They don’t need 10 poor people anymore. They can go for one big protected or unprotected target and strike.

“The administration of criminal justice should be more refined to show the kidnappers that kidnapping is a death penalty. There must be strict punishment. Otherwise there will continue to be a high rise of high profile victims. We could strike out the idea of negotiation but it won’t be the case if anyone of us is kidnapped. Negotiation can only be eradicated when we have a responsive and reactive security mechanism in place. Our security system is defeated. So if the government cannot protect you, you need to protect yourself to get out of these criminals’ dens.”

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Henrietta Ugboh Becomes Independent Non- Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from UBA Board

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Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”

Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).

Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”

The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.

During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.

On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.

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Dusk at Dawn: The Life and Times of Nigeria’s COAS, Taoreed Lagbaja

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By Eric Elezuo

Nigerians were thrown into mourning in the early hours of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the news of the death of the country’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was formally announced.

It has earlier been rumored that the COAS had died many days before the official announcement from many quarters including a popular online news platform, but both the Army and the presidency had been consistent in their denials of the late Army chief’s death prior to Tuesday.

Lagbaja goes down in history as the third Chief of Army Staff to die in office.

In the presidential statement, it was revealed that Lagbaja battled and died of undisclosed illness.

In a message announcing his death, and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, it was noted as follows:

“Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

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

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

Described as a warrior soldier, Lagbaja followed through his military career with equanimity, excelling on all fronts he was posted to. His supervision of the Nigerian Army since June 19, 2023, when he assumed leadership has received commendations.

Earlier, when Lagbaja disappeared from public view, an online news media, reported exclusively that the army chief was dead, but the army, on October 20, 2024, dismissed the story as unfounded rumours that Lagbaja had passed on, adding that the army chief was undergoing medical treatment abroad.

But on October 30, President Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS, and on November 5, decorated Oluyede with a new rank of lieutenant-general. Less than 24 hours, news filtered in that the army chief was dead. Unconfirmed report says he had been clinically dead, and was on life support, having suffered untreatable ailment, until an agreement was reached to remove the life support. Neither the army nor the president has however, corroborated the report.

With condolence registers opened in all army formations and the Defence Headquarters, many Nigerians have been registering their condolences to the President, the army, his immediate family and the country at large.

Some of the condolences messages include:

NEWS RELEASE

OSUN GOVERNMENT DECLARES THREE DAYS MOURNING FOR LATE COAS LAGBAJA

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared three days mourning for the late Chief of Army Staff of the federation, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The State government also directed that half mast flags should be flown in the state during the same period.

This was stated in the release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who disclosed that Condolence Registers has also been opened at the government house and Governor’s office for the condolence messages of the people of Osun.

According to the information Commissioner, the death of the late COAS is devastating, a collosal loss to humanity and the nation, and we can’t forget him.

The government is sad at this irreparable loss of one of the Glory of Osun state, and we particularly condole with the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu and everyone.

The mourning period is to start today Thursday November 7, 2024 and end on Saturday 9th, while the Condolence Register is for people to pen down their memories of him, for the immortality of the late COAS, who died at age 56.

Once again, we pray God repose the soul of late Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and grant him Aljanna Fidaus

GOVERNOR ADELEKE LAMENTS, MOURNS EXIT OF GENERAL LAGBAJA 

Governor Ademola Adelele has described as a sad loss the untimely exit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja, calling his transition “a huge misfortune”

“A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.

“Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He launched out and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.

“Our late brother was a very hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, a replica of the traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernization and integration of the Nigerian Army.

“In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabilizer and unifier of the federation. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army.

“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator. I commiserate with the Commander – in- Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.

“We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun state, we extend commiseration to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the two children .”, Governor Adeleke noted in a statement he personally signed.

Signed:
HE, SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OSUN OSUN STATE

NORTHERN GOVERNORA MOURN LATE COAS LAGBAJA 

The Northern States Governors’ Forum has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the demise of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who died on November 5, 2024, from a protracted illness.

The Chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, of Gombe State, described the late COAS as a distinguished officer, who served the nation with remarkable courage and dedication.

“General Lagbaja’s life and career were defined by a commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces and an exceptional dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty amid the ongoing challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities”, Governor Yahaya remarked.

The NSGF Chairman also noted that the late Lagbaja embodied the values of discipline, bravery, and integrity that characterize the finest traditions of military service, adding that his leadership played a significant role in strengthening the nation’s defence framework and upholding peace and stability.

Governor Yahaya, on behalf of the Northern States Governors Forum, sent his deepest sympathies to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who have lost a remarkable leader, colleague, and patriot.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the wife of the late army chief  Mariya Lagbaja, an illustrious daughter of Gombe State from Tula in Kaltungo LGA, and the entire family members as well as the government and people of Osun State where the deceased hailed from,  urging them to find solace in his legacy of valour and service.

The Governor prayed to Almighty God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and provide comfort to all who mourn this immense loss.

GOV OTU MOURNS LAGBAJA’S PASSING, DESCRIBES HIM AS COURAGEOUS SOLDIER 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has expressed profound sadness over the sudden death of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who, until his passing, was Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army.

Describing the death of Lagbaja as a great loss to the Nigerian Army, the military, and the entire nation, Governor Otu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nsa Gill, said: “The late Chief of Army Staff’s untimely departure is a devastating blow and a monumental loss not only to the military but to our nation as a whole.”

Lamenting the painful death of Lt. General Lagbaja while acknowledging his bravery, Governor Otu noted that “he was known for his unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership, and dedicated service to Nigeria. Throughout his distinguished career, he played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and enhancing the security of our citizens.”

The governor praised the fallen Chief of Army Staff and his strategic vision, saying: “His relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of challenges was inspiring to all who served under him.”

As the nation mourns the loss of Lagbaja, Governor Otu urged Nigerians to celebrate the late Chief of Army Staff’s legacy of courage, bravery, and dedication, adding that “Lt. General Lagbaja’s service to Nigeria will forever be remembered, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of military personnel.”

On behalf of the government and the good people of Cross River State, Governor Otu extended his deepest sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Army, adding: “May his soul rest in peace, and may we find solace in the memories of his service to our nation.”

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF COAS LAGBAJA 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja who hailed from Osun State, died after a period of illness. He was aged 56 years old.

The Governor in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the death of Gen. Lagbaja as a monumental loss to the nation.

He described the deceased as a dedicated soldier, a committed officer and a tested general who fought many battles to defend the territorial integrity of the country.

Governor Oyebanji pointed out that the deceased committed his youthful and adult life to the service of the nation as a commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army and served meritoriously in many formations across the country.

According to him, history would always be kind to Gen. Lagbaja in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in which he deployed his skills and experience to ensure the routing of terrorists.

He said Gen. Lagbaja’s exploits was recognized in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) as a leading commander of the troops from the countries in the Lake Chad Basin in their quest to defeat insurgency.

Governor Oyebanji stressed that the deceased’s industry and resourcefulness were instrumental to his appointment as the Chief of the Army Staff, noting that although his tenure was brief, it was remarkable especially in the deployment of technology in soldiering.

Recalling his encounters with the late COAS, the Governor said the late Chief of Army Staff’s swift response to the security challenge in Ekiti State after the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and the kidnapping of school children is responsible for the current peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Governor Oyebanji commiserated with the family of the deceased urging them to take solace in the worthy legacies left behind by the three-star general.

The Governor also extended his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Service Chiefs, the Army High Command, the government and people of Osun State and the entire nation on the loss of a great patriot.

MINISTERS OF DEFENCE, BADARU AND MATAWELLE, MOURN LAGBAJA 

Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawelle, commiserated with the President, military and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the army and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence as our working relationship with him is commendable. He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

CDS MUSA MOURNS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, LAGBAJA 

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described Lt Gen Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to the country, military and his family.

Musa said Lagbaja was courageous, hardworking, reliable, loyal and a dedicated service chief.

The CDS in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, added that Lagbaja was committed to the security and well-being of the nation.

He said, “The CDS on behalf of the AFN, expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, yesterday, Tuesday, after a brief illness.

“General Musa conveys his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, family of the late General Lagbaja and all Nigerians over this sad loss.

“He is described as a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

“Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.”

ACTING COAS OLUYEDE MOURNS EXIT OF GENERAL LAGBAJA

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, expressed deep sadness over his predecessor’s demise.

who was scheduled to see the President, spoke to journalists at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa, urging Nigerians to celebrate Lagbaja’s life of service.

He said, “I want to urge citizens, for someone that has given his all for Nigeria, we need to celebrate him. So, I want Nigerians to celebrate him for his good work.

“The country as a whole, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us today. But we all belong to God, and He takes when He feels it necessary for him to do so.

“So it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt Gen Lagbaja. He was someone who gave his all to Nigeria.”

Oluyede described Lagbaja as a dedicated and selfless leader who was deeply committed to Nigeria and served as an exemplary figure within the Nigerian Army.

He said he was known for his courage, professionalism and attention to detail, which set a standard for others to follow.

He added that Lagbaja’s passing was a significant loss, and those who knew him prayed for his peaceful rest in the afterlife.

At 56, many believe that Lagbaja died even as his career dawn started budding, having served only 16 months into his appointment. His last public appearance, according to reports, was at the 60th birthday party of billionaire businessman, Chief Kola Adesina.

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Endure a Little Bit More, FG Tells Nigerians Amid Hardship

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The Federal government, on Thursday, said it appreciates the endurance of Nigerians on side effects of economic reforms, which it says have started yielding results.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated this during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance.

According to him, teething problems from the reforms are over for Nigerians as positive indicators for better days are already emerging.

“The two critical reforms on market-based price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and foreign exchange, are now at the stage of results delivery and by extension, viability of the Nation’s economy through restoration of fiscal viability,” he stated.

“These two pillars of the economic reforms that have taken positive shape now portends additional revenue for government, recovery of the finances of NNPCL and strong  basis for growing the economy, in terms of attracting investment and creating of jobs.

“I think we need to commend Nigerians for staying the cause to  this stage of getting  benefits.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Musa, said the session was a fact finding one on workability or otherwise of the various reforms.

“Today we gather to deliberate on the pressing matters related to the sales of crude oil to domestic refineries in Nigeria, in Naira and its implication on the approved medium-term expenditure framework and fiscal strategy paper for 2024-2026 and what we should expect for 2025-2027.

“Additionally, we will examine shortfalls in NMPCL revenue remittances, focusing on key areas such as foreign and domestic excess crude accounts, the signature bonus accounts, NMPCL cash call account and any outstanding or remitted revenue linked to under-recoveries.

“This meeting underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability and the responsible management of our national resources.

“I am confident that with the collaboration of the Ministry of Finance under the able leadership of the coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria and Revenue Mobilization and Physical Commission and other critical stakeholders present here, we will identify solutions and ensure that due process are upheld for the benefit of our economy and the Nigerian people.”

Aside the Finance Minister, the Group Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, the Director General of Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, representatives of Governor of the Central Bank also attended the session which was later joined by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio while in closed door.

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