Security
COAS, CNS Inaugurate Development Projects to Promote Military-Civilian Harmony in Kano
The COAS, CNS Inaugurate Development Projects to Promote Military-Civilian Harmony in Kanoe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, have reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to community development and strengthening civil-military relations across the country.
The projects include a newly constructed mosque, a borehole, a healthcare facility, and a tree-planting initiative aimed at improving living standards and promoting environmental sustainability.
Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said the Nigerian Army remained committed to improving the welfare of host communities through its civil-military cooperation programmes.
He said the projects reflected the Army’s determination to foster mutual trust and partnership with civilians, adding that such initiatives contribute to peace and national unity.
The COAS commended Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Ahmad for facilitating the projects, describing his effort as exemplary and impactful.
In his remarks, Ogalla, represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Kano, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe, said the projects, which included two 20,000-litre solar-powered boreholes and the reconstruction of a primary healthcare centre, were executed under the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative.
He explained that the quick-impact projects, introduced in 2024, were designed to promote trust between the military and civilians while enhancing social infrastructure in host communities.
“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and demonstrate that, beyond securing lives and property, we remain committed to serving Nigerians in other meaningful ways,” he said.
Ogalla commended Ahmad, an indigene of Koya Gari, for sponsoring and executing the projects, describing them as a reflection of the Navy’s humanitarian commitment.
“His gesture typifies courage and kindness, and we salute his exemplary service.
“We are convinced that this project will greatly improve the quality of life in this community and ensure that the Navy’s impact endures in the hearts of the people,” he added.
The CNS urged residents of the benefiting communities to use the facilities responsibly to ensure their sustainability.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said the initiative aligns with the Armed Forces’ broader efforts to support nation-building and humanitarian outreach.
The projects were facilitated by Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Ahmad and his brother, both indigenes of Koya community, who served as the driving force behind the interventions.
Residents of Koya community expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and Navy for the gesture, saying the facilities would enhance access to water, healthcare, and places of worship.
The event was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the host community.
About The Author
Brig.-Gen. Samaila Mohammed Uba, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) and seasoned strategic communication expert, has assumed office as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI).
The handover ceremony, which held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), followed a recent reorganisation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Uba, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), succeeded Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, whom he commended for his achievements during his tenure.
In his inaugural address, the new DDI pledged to reposition the directorate under four key priorities — unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration.
He also lauded his predecessor for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Born on July 1, 1968, in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Uba began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of Short Service Combatant Course 30 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 13, 1993.
He initially served in the Directorate of Army Public Relations before transferring to the Infantry Corps.
His educational background includes Tudun Wada Primary School and Saint Thomas Secondary School, Kano, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate in 1981 and 1986, respectively.
He later bagged a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 2009 and a Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2019.
Uba attended several military courses, including the Senior Staff Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh.
He held several command, staff, and instructional appointments such as Officer in Charge of Administration at the Infantry Centre and School, Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Borno, and Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Contingent to the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda.
He also served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff, and later as a directing staff and Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji.
Uba was seconded to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, as the Defence Headquarters Training Team Leader, where he trained customs officers in command and staff duties.
He also served as Deputy Director, Peacekeeping Operations, and Director, Personnel Services, at the Army Headquarters, before becoming Director, Department of Joint Studies, AFCSC, Jaji.
A recipient of numerous awards, Uba holds the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, Passed Staff Course (Double Dagger ++), National Defence College (Bangladesh) medal, Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award Medal.
He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nigerian Institute of Management, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Nigerian Society of International Affairs.
Brig.-Gen. Uba is married with children and enjoys playing squash and reading.
About The Author
About The Author
About The Author
FG to provide starter packs for TVET graduates — Minister
NPFL fines Katsina Utd N9m, orders closed-door matches over crowd violence
Northern Revenue Conference: Gov. Yusuf tasks Northern states on collaborative tax reforms
JUST IN: FG Declares Sallah Public Holiday
Refinery: NNPC Ltd Targets Sustained Production with New Maintenance & Compliance Measures
Choose dialogue over protest, Kano groups urge youths
-
General2 years ago
JUST IN: FG Declares Sallah Public Holiday
-
Economy1 year agoRefinery: NNPC Ltd Targets Sustained Production with New Maintenance & Compliance Measures
-
News1 year agoChoose dialogue over protest, Kano groups urge youths
-
Agriculture7 months agoNew HJRBDA boss outlines ambitious agenda for agricultural growth, youth empowerment
-
Agriculture10 months agoFG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on soil health card scheme
-
General1 year agoActionAid urges youths to harness digital technologies for development
-
Security7 months agoTroops arrest 55-year-old suspected kidnapper in Kano, recover arms
-
Entertainment2 years agoPopular actor, Ali Nuhu appointed as MD Film Corporation