CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF CHARGES DEPOT NA OSOGBO ON EFFECTIVE TRAINING

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, paid a maiden operational visit to Depot Nigerian Army (NA) Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday, 21 July 2025. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of effective training and professionalism in producing top-notch soldiers that Nigerians can be proud of.

In his remarks, the COAS urged officers and instructors to align with his vision of enhancing the Nigerian Army's capabilities in discharging its constitutional responsibilities. He charged the instructors to train the recruits with passion, focusing on capacity development with the sole aim of producing high quality personnel.

The COAS also took the opportunity to tour and inspect the training facilities and infrastructure within the Depot, assessing the current state of readiness and identifying areas for improvement with the aim of boosting the Army's operational readiness and performance.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
21 July 2025

Immigration Officer at Checkpoint Blamed for Motorcycle Accident in Badagry, Victim’s Leg Broken

A tragic accident involving a motorcyclist has been linked to the actions of a Nigerian Immigration officer at a checkpoint in Ashipa, Badagry West, leaving the rider with a broken leg.

According CityMood Badagry, the incident happened around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, when Ashamu Liamidi Badaru was riding his motorcycle behind two vehicles near the immigration checkpoint. According to Basit Senapon Badaru, a relative of the victim, an immigration officer allegedly hit a moving vehicle with a stick, apparently because the driver failed to stop as instructed. The sudden strike caused the vehicle to stop abruptly, forcing the car behind it to brake sharply. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist riding behind them couldn't stop in time and crashed into the vehicle.

“He broke his leg immediately and was left lying on the road with no help from the officers at first,” Basit said.

Passersby who witnessed the scene reportedly pleaded with the immigration officers to help the injured man. Eventually, he was taken to Harmony Hospital. The officer-in-charge at the checkpoint, Mr. Folmi Ayuba, was said to have accompanied him. Later, the victim was transferred to Badagry for further examination, including an X-ray to assess the severity of the injury and determine further treatment.

The incident has been reported to the Ashipa Police Division, but as of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Immigration Service has yet to release an official statement.

A JUDGEMENT IGNORED: WHY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY REMAINS A MIRAGE

By Ihom Abraham Terhemen

In July 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a historic judgement mandating the direct allocation of funds from the Federation Account to local government councils, effectively ending the illegal control of local government finances by state governments. The verdict was widely hailed as a triumph for democracy and a turning point for grassroots development. Yet, one year after this landmark ruling, full implementation remains elusive.

Despite the clarity and authority of the judgement, many state governments have continued to operate as though nothing has changed. Funds meant for local councils are still being diverted or subjected to bureaucratic bottlenecks through state-controlled structures. Elected local government officials remain weak and largely voiceless, while in some states, caretaker committees continue to be imposed in direct violation of constitutional provisions and past judicial pronouncements.

The reluctance to implement the Supreme Court's directive exposes a deeper institutional resistance to democratic reform at the subnational level. Governors, who benefit politically and financially from the status quo, have shown little enthusiasm in surrendering their grip over the third tier of government. This defiance not only undermines the authority of the judiciary but also erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s federal structure.

It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General and relevant oversight bodies, ensure strict enforcement of the Supreme Court judgement. Civil society, the media, and community leaders must also amplify their voices to demand compliance. The National Assembly should consider constitutional amendments with enforceable sanctions for violations relating to local government autonomy.

If Nigeria is to witness meaningful rural development and democratic deepening, local governments must be allowed to function independently, free from state manipulation. The Supreme Court has spoken. Now, it is time for action. Ignoring this judgement is not just contempt of court—it is betrayal of the Nigerian people.

#everyone