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Military Salary Hike Sparks Mixed Reactions as South-East Youths Weigh Enlistment

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Military Salary Hike Sparks Mixed Reactions as South-East Youths Weigh Enlistment

Military Salary Hike Sparks Mixed Reactions as South-East Youths Weigh Enlistment

Young men in Nigeria’s South-East are reconsidering military enlistment following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an 80% salary increase for junior ranks, though deep-seated distrust and historical grievances continue to shape attitudes toward service in the region. The Federal Government approved a salary increment of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, effective September 1, 2026. The decision increased the annual wage bill of the forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, adding N264 billion in personnel expenditure. Approximately 250,000 officers and soldiers will benefit from the new pay structure. Under the new salary structure, junior personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent. Middle-level personnel and non-commissioned officers, from Warrant Officer to Colonel, will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of Colonel will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. The government also approved the recruitment of 28,000 new personnel into the armed forces and the creation of additional military divisions, as part of the Strategic Force Expansion Initiative aimed at strengthening operational capacity against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

While some young men in the region view the salary increase as an incentive to enlist, others remain reluctant due to concerns about career prospects, safety and the legacy of past military actions. Stephen Ezike, a bucket hawker from Okpoto in Ebonyi State, said he never wanted to join the military because his uncle retired without building a house. “He kept complaining that the injury he sustained in active service did not allow him to serve at war fronts where he could have gotten better allowances. My uncle currently works as a security man at a private university. He struggles to train his children. I hawk buckets, but I have built a house. I don’t want a job that I don’t know when I will die or not, and no guarantee that my children will go to school if I die early.” Ebubeagu Okoye, who sells used shoes, said with the increment, he would like to join the military. “Joining may not even be easy as such because there will be competition. Unemployment is much. Many will like to join. Because of the activities of bandits, the need for more recruitment has arisen. I will join because I’m a patriotic Nigerian. Let them also make entrance to the Nigerian Defence Academy easy for everybody. Rich men’s children go through NDA, and become officers. Ordinary Nigerians start as privates. That should stop if the military career is all about patriotism.” Mrs Dorothy Ekwueme said she would like her son to join, referring to two brothers who are Major Generals in the military. “These brothers are doing fine; we respect them. I like my son to become a soldier. But I don’t want my son to go to war. The way soldiers die makes me sad. Before, any place a soldier is attacked would be in trouble. Today, even Generals die carelessly.”

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Military authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over low enlistment in the South-East. Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, speaking at the passing-out parade of 2,989 recruits at the Amasiri-Edda Depot, directly appealed to Ndigbo to embrace military service. “To Ndi-Igbo, I wish to urge you to encourage your youths to take up their rightful place in the defence of our fatherland. For some time now, the recruitment quota for this zone has not been fully utilised. That should not continue. Military service is not just a career but an honourable endeavour of patriotism, leadership, and national contribution.” COAS Olufemi Oluyede, during an engagement with stakeholders in Umuahia, Abia State, similarly warned that when allocated slots are left vacant, they are eventually taken up by qualified applicants from other parts of the country, reducing the region’s representation in the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army has intensified its recruitment sensitisation campaign in the region, establishing the Amasiri-Edda Recruit Training Depot in Ebonyi State – the Army’s third training depot nationwide and the first in the South-East. The depot became operational on November 25, 2025. The Ebonyi graduates are part of the first batch of 14,000 out of 28,000 new soldiers approved by President Tinubu under the Federal Government’s Armed Forces Expansion Initiative.

A retired Assistant Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Edwin Ugwuja, said the increment would boost enlistment of South-East youths in the military. According to him, their aversion to the military stemmed from poor remuneration. “These youths understand the tenets of businesses. With the popular Igbo apprenticeship system, the young ones get established within some years. They will feel more comfortable to answer their own bosses than undergoing military assignments. But apart from serving your country as patriots, the military serves as an employment platform. The increment will boost the morale of the personnel and strength of troops who are fighting banditry and insurgency.” Dr Obi Eze, an industrial psychologist, called for more sensitisation to encourage Igbo youths to join the military. “Some parents still recollect the episodes of the Biafran War. Some young ones read negative literature of the war. They need to be informed that the military is a noble profession, established as a patriotic institution to preserve Nigeria’s unity. Check it, there are many children of senior military officers in the military. If it were a bad career, you wouldn’t have seen them there.”

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has argued that the reluctance of Igbo youths to enlist stems from distrust of the military rather than a lack of courage. “The reluctance of Igbo youths to enlist in the Nigerian armed forces is not a deficit of valour, but a calculated refusal to serve an institution they deeply mistrust. Historically and presently, Ndigbo face systematic marginalisation within an ethnically unbalanced leadership structure in Nigeria’s security services.” Ejimakor pointed to the anti-Igbo killings by soldiers in Northern Nigeria in 1967 as an “unhealed wound” that has been “constantly reopened” by more recent incidents. He also noted that South-East youths are unsettled by the integration of “repentant” Boko Haram fighters into the military.

The Labour Party and the Obidient Movement have questioned the motive behind the salary increase, despite acknowledging its benefits. The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Ken Asogwa, described the decision as overdue but suggested it was politically motivated. “It looks like it’s a political move done to score some political points.” However, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu praised the salary increase, describing it as a timely intervention that reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel. Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (rtd) also expressed gratitude to the President, describing the move as a major boost to troop morale.

Military Salary Hike Sparks Mixed Reactions as South-East Youths Weigh Enlistment

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BREAKING: Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Exco, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Candidacy

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November 5, 2026

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BREAKING: Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Exco, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Candidacy

BREAKING: Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Exco, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Candidacy

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked the Senator David Mark-led executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring invalid all actions taken by the disputed leadership on behalf of the party, including the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, declared illegal the Mark-led Caretaker Committee, which organised the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flagbearer.

The ruling followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker leadership assumed control of the party.

Gombe had approached the court, arguing that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership violated the ADC constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.

He maintained that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally qualified to take over the leadership of the party.

The plaintiff consequently asked the court to invalidate all decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership and restrain Mark and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves as the ADC’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, listed the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu as defendants.

After considering the arguments presented by the parties, Justice Lifu upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs he sought, effectively invalidating the authority of the Mark-led Caretaker Committee and the decisions it took on behalf of the opposition party.

Among the major consequences of the judgment is the nullification of the presidential primary organised by the committee, which produced Atiku as the ADC’s candidate for the 2027 election.

Atiku’s nomination had earlier been reflected in the list of presidential candidates published by INEC. He had also selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

The judgment has therefore cast fresh uncertainty over the ADC’s presidential ticket and its preparations for the 2027 general election, particularly the legal status of decisions taken by the now-invalidated leadership.

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However, the party has indicated that it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was subsequently joined as an interested party in the case, confirmed that the party would appeal the judgment.

The development comes barely 24 hours after Atiku held a campaign rally in Sokoto State as part of his political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The ruling represents another major legal challenge for the ADC, which has been grappling with leadership disputes and litigation over its national and state structures ahead of the next general election.

The outcome of the proposed appeal could prove significant for the party’s leadership, its presidential nomination process and its ability to proceed with preparations for the 2027 elections.

For now, the court’s decision has invalidated the actions of the Mark-led caretaker leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential flagbearer, pending further judicial proceedings.

BREAKING: Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Exco, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Candidacy

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Sultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy

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November 5, 2026

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Sultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy

Sultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy

  • MURIC Congratulates Ishaq Akintola on Sultan’s Special Recognition Award

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has conferred a Special Recognition Award on the Founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, in recognition of his contributions to religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

Sultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy

Sultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy

The award was presented to Akintola on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the 13th Usman Dan Fodio Week and the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the Sultan, held at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.

The ceremony attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, Islamic scholars, academics and other eminent Nigerians from within and outside the country.

Following the presentation, MURIC Oyo State Chapter congratulated Akintola, describing the honour as well-deserved and a recognition of his decades of commitment to protecting religious rights, promoting justice, defending the oppressed and fostering peaceful coexistence.

In a congratulatory statement dated November 5, 2026, the chapter said the recognition reflected Akintola’s consistent efforts to defend religious freedom, particularly the rights of Nigerian Muslims to practise their faith without discrimination, intimidation or persecution.

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The statement, signed by the chapter’s General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, noted that Akintola had remained a prominent voice in the advocacy for religious rights through his leadership of MURIC.

The chapter also expressed particular appreciation for Akintola’s decision to dedicate the award to Muslims facing religious persecution in Nigeria.

It described the gesture as evidence of his selfless commitment to the collective interests of the Muslim Ummah and his determination to ensure that the challenges confronting persecuted Muslims receive sustained attention.

MURIC Oyo said the award should not be regarded merely as a personal achievement but also as an honour to the organisation, the Nigerian Muslim community and everyone committed to justice, equity and religious freedom.

The chapter prayed for continued good health, wisdom, strength and steadfastness for Akintola, expressing hope that the recognition would inspire him to intensify his contributions to Islam, humanity and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

“May this recognition inspire greater commitment to the struggle for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The chapter concluded by congratulating the MURIC founder and praying for Allah’s continued guidance and blessings upon him.

 

 

Sultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy

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Omoda and Jaecoo Race Past 1.4m Sales, Expand Push into AI, Electrification

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21 hours ago

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November 4, 2026

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Omoda and Jaecoo Race Past 1.4m Sales, Expand Push into AI, Electrification

 

Omoda & Jaecoo have surpassed 1.4 million cumulative global vehicle sales in just three and a half years, marking a major milestone in their international expansion as the automotive brands step up investments in electrification, artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility.

The achievement, announced following the 2026 International User Summit held in October in Wuhu, China, underscores the brands’ rapid growth and ambitions to strengthen their position in an increasingly technology-driven global automotive market.

With operations spanning 79 markets worldwide, Omoda & Jaecoo are now looking beyond vehicle sales to develop an integrated mobility ecosystem built around intelligent technologies, alternative powertrains and improved customer experiences.

The summit, themed “DRIVE TO THE NEXT VIBE,” brought together customers, media representatives and business partners to showcase the brands’ latest innovations, future product plans and expanding research and development capabilities.

One of the major attractions was the global debut of the OMODA X, a futuristic cross-off-road vehicle designed to combine urban practicality with a bold, adventure-inspired exterior. Its unveiling was accompanied by a global user co-creation initiative, allowing participants from different markets to contribute ideas and interpretations of the new model.

The initiative reflects the company’s growing emphasis on customer participation in product development and brand building.

Intelligent mobility technology also took centre stage, with demonstrations of the Super Intelligent Valet Parking system (SIVP), which features automated vehicle summoning, parking-route planning and obstacle avoidance.

Another innovation, the Super Intelligent AI Space (SIAS), showcased voice-controlled cabin technology capable of processing multiple requests through a single instruction. The system also demonstrated personalised digital experiences, including music recommendations based on users’ moods.

On electrification, the Super Hybrid Marathon provided an opportunity to assess vehicle performance across urban roads, highways and mountainous terrain.

According to the manufacturer, the OMODA 5 NEXT SHS-H recorded fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and achieved a maximum driving range of 1,015 kilometres during the exercise.

The company said the evaluation went beyond fuel efficiency to examine power delivery, cabin insulation and passenger comfort under varying driving conditions.

Beyond conventional vehicle development, Omoda & Jaecoo also outlined their ambitions in autonomous transportation through a purpose-built Level 4 Robotaxi programme.

The initiative involves proposed cooperation with UAE-based K2 and is designed around an integrated service model covering digital bookings, vehicle dispatch, cabin preparation, autonomous journeys and fleet maintenance.

The summit also highlighted the wider technology ecosystem associated with the brands through AiMOGA, which unveiled Mobo, a home companion robot, and opened global pre-orders.

Designed to recognise family members, remember individual preferences and support everyday interactions, Mobo illustrates the company’s ambition to extend artificial intelligence and robotics beyond the automotive environment into domestic life.

Supporting these initiatives is increased investment in research and innovation. Omoda & Jaecoo disclosed that research and development expenditure by its parent company, Chery, reached RMB 6.672 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 28.3 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.

The latest sales milestone follows the brands’ achievement of their first one million cumulative global sales earlier in 2026, highlighting the pace of their expansion across international markets.

For Omoda & Jaecoo, the next phase of growth will depend not only on expanding their geographical footprint but also on translating technological innovation into practical benefits for customers.

Although some of the technologies unveiled at the summit remain at different stages of development and commercial introduction, the event offered a glimpse into the brands’ long-term strategy as competition increasingly shifts towards intelligent vehicles, electrification, connectivity and autonomous mobility.

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