Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Chief Shaibu Pledges Stronger Role for Veterans in Tackling Nigeria’s Security Threats
COAS receives Royal College of Defence Studies Alumni in Abuja, commends retired officers’ impact on military strategy
COAS receives Royal College of Defence Studies Alumni in Abuja, commends retired officers’ impact on military strategy
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced that the Nigerian Army will deepen its engagement with military veterans and defence professionals to address the country’s complex security challenges. The declaration came on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) Alumni Association of Nigeria at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Shaibu, who received the RCDS delegation led by Major General O.O. Oshinowo (Rtd), said the Army would continue to draw on the “wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and strategic perspectives” of retired officers. He expressed appreciation for the association’s sustained interest in national security matters and acknowledged the critical role played by veterans in shaping military strategy and national defence over the years.
The move comes as Nigeria faces persistent security threats across several regions, ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and kidnapping in other parts of the country. According to Shaibu, leveraging veterans’ expertise is part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration with strategic stakeholders and international partners for sustainable solutions. “Our commitment remains unwavering towards building robust partnerships that can support lasting peace and security,” he said.
Major General Oshinowo (Rtd), President of the RCDS Alumni Association, assured Shaibu of ongoing support from retired senior officers. He noted that their collective experience could help inform current operational strategies and policy decisions within the military establishment.
The Nigerian Army is expected to roll out new initiatives aimed at integrating veterans into advisory roles and strategic planning processes. Observers say this approach could help bridge generational gaps within the force while boosting morale among serving personnel. The Army has also reaffirmed its resolve to enhance capacity building programmes with input from both local and international defence experts.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Access Holdings Executive Director Retires from Board, Company Announces Leadership Transition
Retirement marks significant change in Lagos-based financial institution’s board composition as company initiates succession planning
Retirement marks significant change in Lagos-based financial institution’s board composition as company initiates succession planning
Access Holdings Plc has announced the retirement of one of its executive directors from the company’s board, signalling a major leadership change within the Lagos-based financial group. The announcement was made public on Thursday, 25 June 2026, by the firm’s management.
According to information released by Access Holdings, the retirement of the executive director takes effect immediately and is part of an ongoing process to strengthen corporate governance and reposition the board for future growth. The company did not disclose the name of the outgoing executive director or provide details regarding their years of service at press time.
The move comes as Nigeria’s banking sector continues to undergo significant regulatory and market-driven changes, with increased focus on transparency and board renewal among listed companies. Access Holdings, which is one of Nigeria’s largest financial services groups with subsidiaries in banking, insurance and asset management, has consistently emphasised adherence to best practices in board appointments and retirements.
The company stated that it is already implementing a succession plan to ensure continuity and maintain investor confidence. While no official statement has been issued by shareholders or industry analysts regarding this development, Access Holdings noted that further information about the successor and any interim arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Industry watchers say such leadership transitions are not uncommon in Nigeria’s competitive financial sector, especially as institutions seek to align with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines on board tenure and governance. The retirement is expected to pave way for new perspectives at Access Holdings as it continues to expand its footprint across Africa.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Appeals Court Order for Arrest over Alleged Forgery in Enugu
Legal move comes after initial denial, as court had earlier directed police to detain former minister on forgery allegations
Legal move comes after initial denial, as court had earlier directed police to detain former minister on forgery allegations
Former Minister Uche Nnaji has filed an appeal challenging a recent court ruling that ordered his arrest over alleged forgery in Enugu State. The development follows the court’s decision earlier this week mandating the Nigeria Police to detain Nnaji, who previously served as a federal minister, for purportedly presenting forged documents.
The sequence began when a High Court sitting in Enugu issued an arrest warrant against Nnaji after considering evidence presented in a case involving claims of document falsification. Sources familiar with the proceedings said the court found sufficient grounds to direct law enforcement to act immediately. Nnaji, who had initially denied any wrongdoing, responded by lodging an appeal seeking to overturn the order.
The case has drawn significant attention within political circles in Enugu and beyond, as observers note its potential impact on ongoing debates about integrity and accountability among public office holders. Legal analysts say such cases often serve as precedents for how similar allegations are handled, especially when they involve former top officials.
While the details of Nnaji’s appeal are yet to be made public, his legal team insists that due process must be followed and maintains their client’s innocence. As at press time, police authorities have not commented on whether they have executed the court order or are awaiting further instructions pending the outcome of the appeal.
The next steps in the case will depend on how swiftly the appellate court addresses Nnaji’s challenge. Political watchers in Enugu say the legal tussle could influence perceptions about anti-corruption efforts and judicial independence ahead of future elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FIDE Launches African Qualifier for World Schools Team Chess Championship in Cape Town
Winning school team from African stage to secure direct spot in December Grand Final under new continental format
Winning school team from African stage to secure direct spot in December Grand Final under new continental format
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced the introduction of an African qualifier for the World Schools Team Championship, with the event scheduled to hold in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 6 to 11, 2026. The championship, which is now adopting a continental qualification structure, will see school teams from across Africa compete for a direct place in the Grand Final set for December.
The African stage follows the successful completion of the Asian Continental Stage held between April 7 and 10, 2026. According to FIDE, national chess federations across Africa are expected to select and enter their best school teams for this new phase. The winning team at the Cape Town event will automatically progress to represent Africa at the Grand Final.
This development marks a significant shift from previous years where international tournaments operated separately. The redesigned format now links regional qualifiers—such as those in Asia and Africa—to a unified global final. FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) jointly organise the championship under this new system, with support from private partners like Freedom Holding Corp.
FIDE said that by involving national federations directly in the selection process and hosting qualifiers on the continent, it aims to strengthen chess infrastructure and development at grassroots level throughout Africa. The federation also stated that private sector involvement would help drive investment into chess education and facilities.
With preparations underway for the July tournament in Cape Town, stakeholders are optimistic that this approach will boost participation rates and raise the competitive standard of African school teams on the international scene. The Grand Final in December is expected to bring together top teams from different continents under one roof.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/wstc-expands-its-continental-model-with-an-african-qualifier/
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