Rextun City Updates | November 4, 2025
In a gesture of unity and celebration, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi, aerospace expert and member of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees representing the North-Central zone, hosted a nonpartisan get-together dinner in honour of Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, recently appointed as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, held on Sunday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, brought together members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 41 Regular Course Alumni, political leaders, top government officials, and civil society representatives. It served as both a reunion for old military coursemates and a celebration of a new era in Nigeria’s military leadership.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff at the event, Retired Brigadier General Ajibola Onasoga, a fellow member of the NDA 41 Regular Course, commended Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi for his initiative in hosting such a unifying event. He described Adeyemi as “a bridge-builder and a unifier” who has consistently promoted friendship and patriotism since their academy days.
In his goodwill remarks, Onasoga described Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as “an excellent officer, an intelligent leader, and a perfect fit for the job.” He recounted how the new army chief distinguished himself academically and professionally from his early days in the military, noting that “Waidi was the overall best cadet in our set and one of the finest minds the Nigerian Army has ever produced.”
- Tinubu Flags Off $100m Southeast Gas Pipeline Project to Boost Industrial Growth
President Bola Tinubu has flagged off a $100 million gas…Read More “Tinubu Flags Off $100m Southeast Gas Pipeline Project to Boost Industrial Growth” »
- NCC Raises Alarm Over AI-Powered Cyberattacks, Warns of Threats to Telecoms, Banks and National Security
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned that the growing…
Sharing nostalgic moments from their academy experience, Onasoga revealed that he, Adeyemi, and Shaibu were all trained engineers, originally destined for the Engineering Corps before the then Lt. Colonel Bulus redirected Shaibu to the Armoured Corps — a decision that, according to him, “proved visionary.” He added that both Adeyemi and Shaibu’s excellence as cadets set them apart as men of precision, integrity, and leadership foresight.
In his live address during the event, Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing and rewarding excellence in public service through the appointment of Lt. Gen. Shaibu. He described the new Chief of Army Staff as “a disciplined, patriotic, and gallant officer whose elevation is both well-deserved and inspirational.” Adeyemi noted that Shaibu’s appointment reflects meritocracy and the President’s commitment to national security and professionalism within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Prominent speakers at the event, including Prince Tunji Moronfoye, Alhaji Muhideen Aliu, Alhaji Tajudeen Alabi, and Mr. Ibrahim Lateef Akolu, lauded the new army chief’s decorated military career, leadership capacity, and strategic brilliance. They expressed optimism that under his command, the Nigerian Army would witness renewed strength in tackling insurgency and restoring peace across troubled regions.
Participants at the dinner also offered thanksgiving prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and protection for Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu as he takes up his new responsibilities. They further called on Nigerians to rally around the military and show greater support for ongoing security operations aimed at stabilizing the nation.
Among the dignitaries present were Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu, Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Mr. Ibraheem Abdullateef Akolu, Senior Special Assistant on Communications; Mr. Kayode Ishola, Senior Special Assistant on Digital Innovation; Prince Tunji Moronfoye, former Kwara State Commissioner for Information; and Hon. AbdulAzeez AbdulRazaq.
Other notable attendees included Alhaji Tajudeen Alabi, a loyal political associate of Dr. Bukola Saraki; Comrade Lanre Osho, human rights activist; and Mr. Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, media aide to the former Senate President. The event ended on a note of camaraderie and national pride, symbolizing collective hope for a stronger, safer, and more unified Nigeria under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
