The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it had rescued occupants from a fire that gutted the 11th floor of the Ultimate Apartment in Ikoyi.

The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who made this known in a statement, said LASEMA received a distress call at 22.16 on Friday.

“Following distress calls received through the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines at 22.16hrs, LASEMA activated its response teams from Lekki, Onipan and the Command and Control Centre, Alausa.

“On arrival at the incident scene, LASEMA discovered that an eleven-storey building, “The Ultimate Apartments,” was engulfed in fire.

“Further investigations revealed that the fire originated from a room on the 11th floor, but the immediate cause could not be ascertained,” he said.

He said while the response teams were preventing the fire from spreading to other apartments within the building, the occupants were also enlightened on the dangers of smoke during fire incidents.

“No casualties or injuries were recorded at the incident scene. “The fire has been completely extinguished and damping down completed.

Kidnappers of an Anglican priest, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife and two children, have demanded a ransom payment of N75m.

The Anglican priest and his family were abducted along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government area of Ondo State.

He hails from Ikaram-Akoko.

Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rev. Babajide Bada, who confirmed the incident ,said it happened on Sunday between 4pm and 5:30pm.

“The man involved is Reverend Olowolagba. He was travelling from Ipesi, with his wife, Mrs Olowolagba, and their 16-year old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), who came for holiday at home, and a nine-year old girl staying with them, identified as Idowu.

“They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko. And when they got to between Isua and Ise- Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we didn’t know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going. And they were not also at home.

“Since then, those who kidnapped them have been calling. They called to ask for N75million ransom. And we said that’s very unreasonable. Later, they said N10million. But when we’d gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed to N15million. That’s why the Reverend and the wife, including the two children are still there.”

“Amotekun is working, because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure. And they ‘re working over the matter. We have also notified the hunters, and reported the matter to the police, both in Ikare and Isua.

“Presently, Amotekun and the hunters are combing the bush, to ensure the victims are rescued from their abductors.”

Ondo police spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, said no report such incident was made.

“We do not have such story, nothing of such was reported.”

It was gathered that the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè in Ondo State has asked its members to contribute money to raise N10m to pay as ransom to the kidnappers.

Ondo Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said, “We are working with other security agencies to ensure we rescue the victims”.

The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, car hijackers, and others in Oyo state.

Aside from arresting the suspected criminals, the Police also recovered weapons and stolen goods worth millions of naira.

Speaking while parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodele Sonubi said the arrests were made possible through series of intelligence-led operations carried out across various locations in the state.

Among those paraded were members of a kidnapping syndicate that had terrorized the Ashipa community in Atiba Local Government and its environs.

He said: “On 9th November 2024 at about 0120hrs, members of a suspected kidnapping cum armed robbery syndicate who were reportedly armed with sophisticated firearms, cutlasses and some other dangerous weapons invaded ASHIPA village within ATIBA Local Government area of Oyo state with intent to kidnap certain individuals in their homes.

“The suspects who were identified by some relatives of the slain victims who also witnessed the incident reported that they allegedly opened fire on the victims when they resisted the attempt to whisk them away from their houses. Meanwhile, two of the suspects were arrested by local vigilante men while fleeing from the community and were immediately handed over to the Policemen at ATIBA Division.”

Also paraded was a suspected armed robber linked to a string of violent robberies across different parts of the state including Eruwa, Oyo, and Ibadan metropolis.

The Police also showcased a cache of stolen items, vehicles, electronics, guns, and cutlasses, saying the items were recovered from various suspects during raids.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the passing of former Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, extending heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India.

Dr. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.

His tenure is remembered for landmark achievements, including the establishment of a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted the historic significance of Prime Minister Singh’s official visit to Nigeria in 2007, during which he addressed a joint session of the National Assembly—an honour bestowed on only a select few global leaders.

The visit, he noted, underscored Singh’s commitment to fostering closer ties between the two nations.

President Tinubu paid tribute to Singh’s pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on partnerships in defense, trade, culture, education, health, science, technology, and ICT.

He described Singh’s leadership as a reference point in Nigeria-India relations and lauded his economic reforms, which steered India through challenging global times.

As Nigerians join the global community in mourning the loss of the distinguished economist and statesman, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the people of India for celebrating Singh’s life and accomplishments.

The President prayed for strength for Singh’s family and the people of India, hoping that the late leader’s legacy of dedication to service would continue to inspire future generations.

The statement described Singh’s legacy a testament to the power of visionary leadership in bridging nations and uplifting people.

The former registrar of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Mathew Ocholi, has died.

He passed away on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, 2024, after a brief illness.

A statement issued on Friday by the Rector of the polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo, read, “On behalf of the Academic Board, Management, staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I deeply commiserate with the family of a former Registrar of the institution, Mr. Mathew Enejoh Ocholi, who died on Thursday, 26th December 2024, after a brief illness.”

The professor extended condolences to Ocholi’s immediate family, kinsmen, associates, and the people of Agbokete, Akpanya in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, describing the loss as irreplaceable.

He added, “The entire Polytechnic community is in deep shock and sorrow over the sudden demise of such a diligent, selfless and intelligent public servant who gave his all not just to the Polytechnic but the service of humanity as a whole.

“While his demise is hard to take, we remain consoled by the impressive records of resourcefulness and professionalism which were the hallmarks of his service to the institution.”

He noted that Ocholi’s contributions to the institution were marked by resourcefulness and professionalism, leaving an impressive legacy behind.

Ogbo prayed for divine comfort for the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, as well as the entire Polytechnic community, to bear the loss.

The family of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has unveiled his mausoleum in his hometown, Owo.

Sharing photos of the structure on Facebook on Friday, Babajide Akeredolu wrote, “The Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu Mausoleum & Memorial Park. Happy to share this with the public now. Grateful for the opportunity the family gave me to go to town on putting this place together.

“Four-year post requirements completed. See you in 2028.”

Akeredolu passed away at the age of 67 in Germany on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, after a battle with prostate cancer.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the appointment of Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland.

The governor also approved the appointment of Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye as the Asaoni of Ora Igbomina.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, obtained in Osogbo, on Friday, stated that “the approval of the two monarchs was ratified and approved during the seating of the Osun State Executive Council Meeting,” presided over by Adeleke on Friday.

Earlier, the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House announced the emergence of Haastrup as the Owa-elect, having polled majority votes when the kingmakers voted.

It was gathered that the meeting where Haastrup emerged was at the premises of Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat.

Alimi, in his statement, further said that the “appointment of Prince Haastrup as the new Owa-elect was sequel to the demise of the immediate past Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land, Oba ( Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II on September 11, 2024, while that of Prince Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina followed the demise of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe on the 19th of November, 2023.”

The commissioner also noted that Adeleke, while congratulating the two newly approved monarchs, enjoined indigenes of the two towns to cooperate with their new traditional rulers, particularly in allowing peace and unity to take centre stage.

A man was flogged inside a mosque in Malaysia on Friday after being convicted of an Islamic offence for spending time alone with a woman who was neither his wife nor relative, state news reported.

The 42-year-old construction worker received six lashes in Terengganu, Malaysia’s conservative state, after being convicted by a Sharia court, according to the official Bernama news agency.

This was the first instance of a Sharia court-ordered whipping taking place outside of a court setting in Malaysia, the agency added.

An AFP journalist saw the man being brought to the mosque in a prison van after Friday prayers, wearing an orange inmate’s jumpsuit. He entered the mosque before a hushed crowd.

The caning, as punishment for the Islamic crime known as “khalwat”, took place inside the mosque after an audience of around 90 people was admitted.

Earlier this week, the Malaysian Bar Association expressed “profound concern” over the decision to flog the man.

“Such punishments strip individuals of their dignity,” the statement said.

However, spectator Mohd Sabri Muhammad expressed hope that the punishment would deter those “tempted to commit immoral acts.”

“Valentine’s Day, New Year’s – there are many opportunities for young people to engage in inappropriate behaviour,” the 37-year-old told AFP.
Multi-ethnic Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Islamic courts handling certain matters for Muslim citizens.

Caning typically takes place on a fully-clothed person, and critics argue that it aims to humiliate as well as physically punish the recipient.

Sharia court-ordered caning is rare but not uncommon in Malaysia.

In 2018, two women convicted of violating religious laws by having sexual relations were caned in front of more than 100 spectators in an Islamic court.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia stated last week that “punishments that inflict physical violence and public humiliation have no place in a modern justice system.”

Thirty-five-year-old Theophilus Osazuwa, a resident of Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, Benin, has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for the murder of his four-year-old son, Testimony Osazuwa.

The spokesperson of the command, Moses Joel Yamu, in a statement on Wednesday night, disclosed that the suspect arrived at his home on Christmas Eve at about 12:30hrs, screaming, “Holy Ghost fire”, then reached for his son and slammed him on the wall.

The child was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The statement reads, “The Edo State Police Command has arrested 35-year-old Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, Benin for the murder of his four-year-old son, Testimony.

“The suspect arrived at his home on 24/12/2024 at about 12:30hrs, went berserk, screaming “Holy Ghost fire”, then reached for his son and slammed him on the wall.

“The child was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Preliminary investigation revealed that the young man, who is known for the consumption of illicit substances, might have acted under the influence of the same.

Yamu stated that the Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, warned the public, especially the youths, against consuming illicit substances that might be detrimental to their health, and endanger their lives and those of the people around them.

Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on Thursday (Boxing Day) put smiles on the faces of about 2000 kids in the city of Ajegunle in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, as part of activities marking the Christmas celebration in the area.

The Boxing Day children’s party was held at the Maracana Sports Centre, in collaboration with renowned businessman Yemi Idowu, the chairman of the local government, Fatai Ayoola, as well as the traditional ruler of Iwa and Apapa, Mohammed Amodu-Tijani.

Ndidi, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, did the honour of serving guests at the event before handing out food items to the children.

The 28-year-old said his Christmas experience while growing up was one of the motivating factors for organising the event.

“I feel like it’s a festive period and these kids deserve something like this. It’s something they will have to remember and the memory sticks with them,” the midfielder said at the event.

“The happiness on the faces of the children too can’t be explained. When you do something for adults, the emotions stay with them only but when you do something for kids, the adults see it as well, so they also try to do the same. All we are trying to do is to create memories and I’m happy to be doing this because some of us didn’t have this experience while growing up, I grew up in the barracks like most people know. This is not about football now. Schools are on break and this is a time to create memories, especially among kids.”

The host and CEO of Cana Sports Idowu also hailed the Leicester midfielder for the gesture.

“This is part of something we do every year to try and celebrate with the kids, especially because we are here in Ajegunle and they are friends. I am very happy to have the king, the chairman and Wilfred to support us in doing this. It has a bigger impact when we all work together.”

Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Fatai Ayoola, noted that the role of the authority was mainly crowd control.

“What we have done is to first accredit them from the LGA secretariat and we drove the kids into this venue. We also made arrangements for those who would come unannounced at the Maracana Park and they would equally be taken care of as much as those inside so we can have a perfect party.

“It’s a back-to-back celebration for the kids of Ajegunle and we are elated to host Ndidi. This month alone we have had three visitors who have given the kids befitting Christmas gifts. So, what we are doing is to make them happy in grand style.”

The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, lost his son, Abdulwahab, on Thursday in a road crash.

The tragic incident happened barely 24 hours after the governor’s biological mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi, died, following an illness.

His Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Yusuf, sympathised with him, describing the the incident as “a monumental tragedy, not only for the Namadi family but for the Jigawa State government and the entire region

“This is a deeply sorrowful moment for Jigawa State. I pray that the Almighty Allah grant Abdulwahab eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and comforts the Namadi family and the people of Jigawa State during this moment of grief,” Yusuf said in a statement by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature.

The Jigawa governor, who is currently in China for official engagements, was unable to participate in his mother’s burial, which was well attended by hundreds of mourners, fellow including governors, ex-governors, government officials, appointees, diplomats, clerics and prominent personalities from within and outside Jigawa State.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel, broke the news of the son’s death in a statement on Thursday.

It was gathered that Abdulwahab was in a vehicle alongside his friends when the fatal accident occurred. Some of the surviving friends sustained injuries and are currently at Dutse General receiving treatment.

Breaking the tragic news on Thursday, the governor’s CPS said, “With a heavy heart, Governor Umar Namadi announces the passing of his beloved son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“The 24-year-old departed this world on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, due to a ghastly motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.”

It was learnt as of the time of filing this report on Thursday evening that the burial rites of the deceased were underway in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

According to the governor’s spokesperson, the late Abdulwahab left behind a wife, parents and siblings.

“This tragic incident comes just a day after the governor mourned the passing of his mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi,” his statement added.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many residents expressing their condolences to the governor and his family.

Our correspondent reported that as of the time of filing this report, many residents were trooping towards the government house to express their condolences.

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), chaired by Saddiq Kaita, has approved the promotion of 154 staff members to various ranks.

The university announced this in a statement on Thursday.

The university said the promotions were approved during the council’s 98th regular meeting on December 10, 11, 12 and 14.

The statement explained that among the academic staff, 19 were promoted to professors, 14 to associate professor, 20 to senior lecturer, six to lecturer one and one to Lecturer II.

It also said 94 non-teaching staff were promoted across various ranks: two to deputy director, six to assistant director, and others to different grades.

According to the statement, the acting vice-chancellor, Aisha Maikudi, in her congratulatory message to the promoted staff members, commended them for their dedication, hard work and discipline.

Ms Maikudi said the university was committed to ensuring timely promotions for all deserving staff, with the support of the governing council.

“These promotions reflect the University of Abuja’s commitment to fostering excellence, recognising merit, and encouraging growth among its staff.

“I, therefore, congratulate all the promoted individuals and urge them to continue contributing to the university’s vision of academic and professional distinction and excellence. All outstanding backlogs of promotion cases have been meticulously reviewed and resolved, ensuring fairness and recognition for deserving staff.

“The remaining cases are now awaiting external assessment reports, reflecting the university’s commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and timely career progression for its workforce,” she said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of two people and 15 others injured in a lone crash involving a Toyota Hiace bus at Saapade on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

FRSC spokeswoman in Ogun, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Ms Okpe noted that the accident occurred at 4:34 p.m. on Thursday.

She explained that the incident was caused by a tyre blowout, which resulted in the loss of control, saying that the bus somersaulted and crashed.

Ms Okpe said 18 people were in the bus marked LSR 585 YH, including nine men, five women, two boys and two girls.

The FRSC spokeswoman said that 15 people who got injured were eight men, four women, two boys and one girl, while two people died, one man and a woman.

She explained that the injured victims were taken to PATMAG Hospital, Ogere, while the deceased were deposited at the State General Hospital morgue, Isara.

She noted that the sector commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, advised motorists to pay more attention to their vehicles, especially during periods of high vehicular movement.

The Anambra State Police Command says its operatives have arrested a 38-year-old kidnapping and armed robbery suspect, Pablo Mamu from Delta State, but operating at communities in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said one locally-made pistol, a live 9mm ammunition, eight live cartridges and one black Lexus 330 jeep with different number plates – ABJ 159 LC and Enugu JRV 928 SX, were recovered from the suspect.

Ikenga said police operatives, comprising the joint security team, acted on credible information provided and busted the suspect in his abode.

He said, “Security team comprising of the police and AVG operatives in the early hours of 23/12/2024, arrested one Pablo Mamu ‘m,’ aged 38 years from Ughelli, Delta State and recovered one OFN rifle, one locally-made pistol, one live 9mm ammunition, eight live cartridges and one black Lexus 330 jeep with different plate numbers — Abuja reg no. ABJ 159 LC and Enugu JRV 928 SX.

“The joint security team acted on credible information provided, busted the suspect in his harbour, and during a search conducted, the above exhibits were found.

“The CP, while commending the synergy between the security operatives and the vigilance of the public in providing actionable intelligence, emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the safety and security of all residents during and after the festive season.”

On November 30, 2024, the command foiled a kidnapping attempt by a gang suspected to be members of a secessionist group.

The command’s spokesman confirmed that one suspect was killed during a gun battle, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Pakistan’s controversial military courts sentenced 60 civilians to prison terms in connection with violent protests following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023, sparking strong international criticism.

The military’s media wing ISPR on Thursday said that the Field General Court Martial handed down the punishments to the 60 civilians after examining all evidence and completion of due process.

The court announced the sentences ranging from two to 10 years in prison for involvement in attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023.

Mr Khan’s nephew was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for attacking a corps commander’s house in Lahore.

“All convicts retain the right to appeal and other legal recourses, as guaranteed by the Constitution and law,” the ISPR said.

Earlier, 25 civilians were sentenced after trials in military courts for the same charges.

The announcement drew sharp criticism from Britain, the European Union, the United States and rights groups.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department said it was “deeply concerned” that civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal.

“These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees. The United States continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process, as enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution,” it said in a statement.

Pakistan’s security forces arrested hundreds of Khan’s supporters after they attacked military installations and government buildings following his arrest. More than 100 people were tried in military tribunals.

Mr Khan, who ruled Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, has been in jail for more than a year after being convicted on several corruption charges. He denies the charges against him.

Two reporters and a police officer were killed after gunmen opened fire on journalists.

The attack took place during the opening of Haiti’s largest public hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, officials in the violence-torn country stated.

According to the BBC, the Haitian government had recaptured the site in July after being occupied and destroyed by gangs.

The government had rebuilt the hospital and was there to commission it when the attack occurred.

Journalists were at the site waiting for the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema when armed men began opening fire on them. Pictures posted online appear to show several people injured or dead inside the building.

“It felt like a terrible movie,” Dieugo André, a photojournalist who witnessed the violence, told The Haitian Times. “I have the blood of several injured journalists on my clothes.”

Robest Dimanche, the spokesman for the Online Media Collective, confirmed to AFP news agency that Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean were the two journalists who were killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, the Viv Ansanm gang alliance, who had occupied the hospital since March before the government recaptured it in July, posted a video online claiming responsibility for the attack.

The gang said it had not authorised the reopening of the hospital.

Reacting to the incident, the head of Haiti’s presidential transitional council, Leslie Voltaire, said, “We express our sympathy to all the victims’ families, in particular to the Haiti National Police and all the journalists’ associations. We guarantee them that this act will not remain without consequences.”

According to the United Nations, an estimated 5,000 people have been killed in the Haiti violence this year alone, with the country now on the verge of collapse as gangs occupy a major part of the country.

Two days after the announcement of the election result in Mozambique, the situation in the southeastern African country is escalating.

At least 121 people have died in protests since Monday, the civil society organisation Plataforma Decide said late on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the organisation had reported 56 dead and 380 injured. It said the capital, Maputo, and the cities of Beira and Nampula are particularly affected.

Mozambique’s interior minister had spoken of 21 dead and 25 injured on Tuesday evening.

The unrest began after the Constitutional Council confirmed on Monday that Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party, which has been in power for 49 years, won the presidency with 65 per cent of the vote.

Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who reportedly received 24 per cent of the votes, rejected the result, saying it was manipulated.

In a Facebook speech, he announced that he would declare himself president on January 15.

He has been abroad since the unrest began after the election in October.

In Maputo and other cities, shops were looted, and vehicles and buildings, including police stations and FRELIMO party headquarters, were set on fire.

According to the police, demonstrators stormed five prisons.

A total of 1,534 inmates were reportedly freed from the high-security prison Matola in Maputo alone, 33 of whom were killed in clashes with the police.

It was claimed that the attackers also seized weapons.

Dozens of inmates also escaped from other prisons.

The protests are paralysing public life: In Maputo, demonstrators erected roadblocks, destroyed power pylons and robbed banks, a dpa reporter on the ground said.

Many residents of the capital stayed at home on Christmas Day, fearing attacks.

The government is deploying special military and border guard forces alongside the police.

The situation remains tense, with opposition leader Mondlane urging his supporters to protest peacefully.

The foreign ministry of neighbouring South Africa called on the conflicting parties to engage in political dialogue and offered support for mediation.

Approximately 35 million people live in Mozambique, many of whom suffer from poverty, mismanagement, and the effects of climate change.

The FRELIMO party has governed the former Portuguese colony since 1975. Regular elections have been held since 1994.

The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna was a beehive of activities on Wednesday as John Asiemo, popularly known as Daddy Showkey, performed for wounded soldiers and their families.

The performance by the veteran gala singer was in commemoration of the Christmas celebration and organised by Tribute to Our Troops Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff and Chiefs of the tri-service – Army, Navy and Air Force.

Showkey, who wore a military regalia, told newsmen that he had been performing for years to honour Nigerian military troops who sacrificed their lives for all Nigerians.

He added that performing for the wounded soldiers was a form of therapy for them to feel relaxed and ease stress amidst their medical conditions.

Showkey, also known as the Ghetto Soldier, said a lot of good things would come from him, adding: “It is not about music alone, it is about changing people’s lives which is the most important thing for me.”

Ms Olivia Adom, founder, Tribute to Our Troops Foundation, said the event, which brought the barrack community and outsiders together, was to emphasise the need for respect and honour to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

She added that the gathering was to reinvigorate and improve civil-military relationships while calling on Nigerians to embrace the path of creating a sustainable healthy relationship with the armed forces.

“The armed forces have given up their freedom and homes. They signed off their human rights to protect the country’s integrity,” she said.

Adom said the Foundation was designed for the armed forces under the purview of the department of civil-military cooperation to honour fallen heroes and celebrate the serving men and women who fight endlessly to keep the country’s territorial integrity intact.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Idi Abass, said the performance was another non-kinetic line of operations.

Abass stated that the Chief of Defence Staff’s ambition was to have people-centric armed forces.

He, therefore, said the event was one of the ways that could project the military in the eyes of the civil population.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that present at the event included the Corps Commander Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, among other senior officers and soldiers.