The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General OA Fadairo, has commissioned a newly completed building at 144 Battalion, ASSA, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, on 30 September 2026.

The GOC, on arrival at the Battalion, inspected the Quarter Guard and thereafter took a moment to interact with members of the Barracks Women before proceeding to the commissioning ceremony.

The event, commenced with a brief highlight on the completion of the new building under the watch and supervision of the Commanding Officer (CO), 144 Battalion, Major IS Mekwunye.

In his opening remarks, the Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General AM Dikko, highlighted the significance of the project and commended the efforts that led to its completion. This was followed by the formal commissioning of the facility by the GOC, Major General OA Fadairo, alongside the CO 144 Battalion, Major IS Mekwunye.

Speaking at the occasion, the GOC described 144 Battalion as a place particularly dear to him, recalling his days as a young officer in the Battalion. He commended the Commander 14 Brigade and the CO 144 Battalion for their efforts in transforming the unit. He also acknowledged their achievements in ongoing operations and contributions to the security of Aba and its environs.

In his vote of thanks, the CO 144 Battalion, Major IS Mekwunye, expressed appreciation to the GOC for his support, guidance and encouragement. He also thanked the Commander 14 Brigade and all other dignitaries, officers, soldiers and civilian members who attended the occasion.

The ceremony ended on a convivial note, with the GOC exchanging pleasantries with members of the high table and other officers and civilian friends of the Battalion.

Before departing the Battalion, Major General OA Fadairo again interacted with members of the Barracks Women and subsequently inspected other ongoing projects within the unit.

*MAZINHO ATTAH*

Captain

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations

Ohafia,

Abia State

1 October 2026

The Commander 15 Brigade Nigerian Army, Awka, Brigadier General S Ahmadu, on Thursday 24 September 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General AM Dikko, at the Brigade Headquarters in Ohafia, Abia State.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts to enhance inter-formation collaboration and operational synergy among brigades under 82 Division Area of Responsibility.

On arrival, Brigadier General Ahmadu was accorded a Quarter Guard welcome and received by his host, Brigadier General Dikko, alongside Principal Staff Officers and Commanding Officers of 14 Brigade.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Ahmadu stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the two formations and exploring areas of mutual cooperation, particularly on joint operations, intelligence sharing and border security management between Anambra and Abia State. He commended 14 Brigade for its sustained operational efforts in tackling security challenges in the South East.

In his response, Brigadier General Dikko appreciated the visit, describing it as timely and strategic, noting that sustained collaboration between neighbouring brigades remains critical to defeating criminal elements and consolidating on the gains recorded in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM) in fostering a professional and combat-ready force.

During the visit, the visiting Commander was briefed on the operational activities and security disposition of 14 Brigade, after which he embarked on a guided tour of selected facilities within the Headquarters, including the Brigade Operations Room.

Highlights of the visit included inspection of the Quarter Guard, signing of visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph.

The visit was hitch-free and in high military spirit.

*MAZINHO ATTAH*
Captain
Assistance Director Army Pubic Relations

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has taken its Sustainable Empowerment Programme NSEP(Naseni Sustainable Empowerment program)to Ohafia, Abia State, as part of efforts to equip Nigerians with relevant skills, tools and technologies to improve their livelihoods and enhance productivity.

NASENI, a Federal Government agency established in 1992 under the Presidency, is saddled with the mandate of promoting research, development and reverse engineering of capital goods to drive indigenous industrialization.

Speaking at the programme held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, Ohafia, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative was designed to translate science, technology and engineering into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Halilu said NASENI was taking its mandate directly to Nigerians through the NSEP by creating opportunities that would enable beneficiaries to become more productive, build sustainable livelihoods and participate in Nigeria’s growing innovation-driven economy.

He noted that Abia State was particularly significant to the agency because of its reputation for enterprise, creativity, manufacturing and the determination of its people to create value.

According to him, NASENI was focused on moving beyond research to developing solutions that could be used by individuals, adopted by businesses and scaled by industries.

The NASENI boss urged beneficiaries to see the intervention not as a handout but as an investment in their productive capacity, charging them to put the tools and skills acquired to productive use, create value and, where possible, provide opportunities for others.

He added that the agency would measure the impact of its interventions by the number of lives improved, businesses strengthened, jobs supported and communities made more productive.

Halilu commended Governor Alex Otti for his support and warm reception, while acknowledging the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and other partners for their collaboration in making the programme possible.

He said NASENI would continue to take the NSEP to communities across Nigeria to ensure that the benefits of science, engineering and innovation translate into tangible opportunities for Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, an illustrious son of the Ohafia community, commended NASENI CEO Khalil Suleiman Halilu and his team for bringing the empowerment initiative to the community.

Takang said the programme would go a long way in improving the livelihoods of the people, describing the intervention as a demonstration of the impact that strategic partnerships could have on communities.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him to his current position as CEO of MOFI, promising to make the best use of the opportunity to attract meaningful development to his people.
According to him, President Tinubu believes that anyone fortunate to occupy a top position should remember where he came from and use his position to attract meaningful development to his community.

Takang said, “If you are the only rich man in your village or community, you are indeed a poor man.”
He therefore urged those who had the privilege of occupying positions of influence to use their positions to improve the lives of their people and contribute to the development of their communities.

He particularly commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the good works being done across Abia State, especially in the area of infrastructure.

Recalling his experience during the burial of his late father in 2012, Takang said the deplorable condition of roads in the community at the time made movement difficult.

He, however, noted that the situation had changed significantly under the Otti administration, saying many roads in his community had been reconstructed by the present administration.

Takang also revealed that the new standard primary school he attracted to his Asaga Ohafia community through his relationship with NASENI would soon be commissioned, adding that Governor Otti would be present at the commissioning.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Elder Engr. Obinna Odum, commended NASENI for bringing its digital empowerment initiative to the people of Ohafia.

Odum described the initiative as a significant intervention capable of equipping young people and other members of the community with relevant digital skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

He noted that initiatives of this nature would not only expose beneficiaries to new opportunities but also enable them to acquire practical skills that could make them self-reliant, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the community.

The GODA Director-General expressed appreciation to the management of NASENI for considering Ohafia as one of the communities to benefit from the programme, stressing that empowering people with knowledge and skills was more sustainable than providing temporary relief.

As part of the programme, beneficiaries received NASENI energy-efficient cooking stoves and solar-powered fans.

Takang urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the items, while also encouraging them to acquire relevant skills and knowledge that would improve their individual capacities and livelihoods.

The highlight of the event was the conferment of a traditional title on NASENI CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, by the Ezeogo of Ohafia, to the admiration of guests and other dignitaries present.

The event was attended by traditional rulers, top personalities from the Federal Government, community leaders and other stakeholders.

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