General News
BOBA Honors Gen. Murtala Muhammed, Calls for Return to Discipline in Leadership
The Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) has emphasized the importance of reinstating the founding values of discipline, integrity, and courage in Nigerian leadership, citing the enduring legacy of the late General Murtala Muhammed as an inspirational example.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Mr. Stephen Ogboli, the association’s public relations officer, announced the call for a return to these values. The statement came following the launch of the book, ‘Murtala Muhammed: Unveiling the Ancestral Roots of a Nigerian General’, which took place in the capital.
At the book launch, BOBA president HRH Shehu Mohammed (Sarkin Shanun Kano FCA, FCCA) underscored the significance of the event as a national responsibility to honor a life dedicated to patriotic service. Reflecting on the impact of Murtala’s leadership, he noted that even fifty years after his death, Murtala’s name remains synonymous with urgency, courage, and patriotism. “Before commanding troops, he commanded respect; before leading the nation, he led himself,” the president remarked.
The association highlighted that Murtala Muhammed’s leadership principles were rooted in his early education at Barewa College, where he was enrolled in 1952. Known for its strict discipline and commitment to fostering leadership, the school served as the training ground for the qualities that would define Murtala’s military and political career, including responsibility, courage, and excellence.
During the event, the BOBA president identified three key lessons from Murtala’s life: leadership starts early, discipline is essential to greatness, and courage is a moral choice before becoming a public act. He reminded attendees of Murtala’s famous proclamations: “Nigeria will not tolerate indiscipline” and “Africa has come of age,” emphasizing that these convictions were instilled in him long before he ascended to power.
“General Murtala’s story is not just a military one; it is also an educational story. It shows the importance of institutions and the character we build in youth, which determines the destinies we reach in adulthood,” the president added.
The BOBA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening schools and mentoring young Nigerians to uphold values-based leadership, which it described as the truest tribute to Murtala Muhammed’s legacy. The association also urged public officials and institutions to prioritize discipline and urgency in national service, reminding them that Murtala’s brief tenure remains a benchmark for courageous, people-centered governance.
The event was attended by scholars, government representatives, military officials, and members of the Barewa community, all of whom gathered to honor the lasting contributions of General Murtala Muhammed to Nigeria’s national development.
History has been recorded in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State as several communities have begun receiving electricity from Aba Power, a distribution company based in Aba, Abia State.
Residents say the development marks the first time in over 10 years that they are enjoying a stable electricity supply.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters at his office, the Chairman of Etche LGA, Hon. Chima Njoku expressed excitement over the breakthrough.
“My joy knows no bounds as my people now have constant, quality and affordable electricity for the first time in years,” he said, likening his experience to that of the biblical Simeon who rejoiced after witnessing a long-awaited promise fulfilled.
A resident and fish farmer in the Umuola community, Mrs. Bernadette Obi said the communities had endured years of darkness before the intervention. She credited the council chairman for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the electricity challenge.
According to her, Njoku procured distribution transformers for several communities to ensure widespread access once supply was restored. She added that the chairman personally approached Aba Power because of its service reputation.
Confirming the development, Aba Power’s Senior Brand and Communication Manager, Edise Ekong, said the company initially hesitated since Etche falls within the jurisdiction of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
However, following engagements involving PHEDC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), all parties reached an agreement allowing Aba Power to supply electricity to the affected communities.
Ekong said residents have expressed satisfaction with both the stability and pricing of the electricity.
“It has been a week now without any interruption in supply,” he said, adding that service continuity would depend largely on steady gas supply and protection of infrastructure from vandalism.
He further disclosed that other state governments, communities, and major manufacturers outside Aba Power’s ring-fenced area are currently in talks with the company for potential supply arrangements.
Aba Power is Nigeria’s 12th electricity distribution company.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 suspects over alleged electoral offences during the just-concluded local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The arrests were carried out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across various area councils in the territory.
According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from vote buying and vote selling to obstruction of electoral officers. A total sum of N17,218,700 (Seventeen Million, Two Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira) was reportedly involved in the alleged illegal activities.
The EFCC disclosed that one of the suspects was arrested with N13.5 million found inside a vehicle parked beside a polling booth in Kwali Area Council.
Breakdown of the arrests shows that two suspects were apprehended in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje and another four in Kwali.
The commission stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has promised that the Niger Delta Games will continue, calling on state governments to join efforts in promoting and funding the seven-day sporting event.
Ogbuku made the declaration during the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Games, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.
The NDDC chief described the competition as a platform specifically designed to nurture amateur athletes. He highlighted that the Games aim to curb the practice of states hiring athletes from outside in pursuit of medals.
“We discovered that some state governments recruit athletes from other states just to win medals. This competition is for amateur athletes who can grow into professionals from here. Let us invest in our talents and groom them,” Ogbuku said.
He emphasized that the Games provide a unique opportunity for discovering and promoting raw talents. “This competition has come to stay. It is part of our sports intervention, and we welcome the support of governors. While the NDDC is currently the sole sponsor, we believe state governments will join to sustain the Games,” he added.
Represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, President Bola Tinubu praised the initiative and urged the NDDC to expand programs that empower youths and women. He described sports as a tool for unity and human development, stressing that the Niger Delta Games go beyond medals to create pathways for global recognition.
“Niger Delta youths are creative and ready to compete. This is about talent discovery, career opportunities, and national pride,” the President said.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced N20 million for the winning state and N10 million for the runner-up, emphasizing that the Games represent the resilience, talent, and potential of the Niger Delta.
Alabo Boma Iyaye, NDDC Executive Director for Finance and Administration and Chairman of the Games’ Main Organising Committee, noted that the second edition builds on the success of the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, urging athletes to compete fairly and aim for international excellence.
The President of the Senate, Chief Goodswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, assured continued National Assembly support for youth development initiatives, pledging collaboration with the NDDC to promote growth and showcase the spirit of the Niger Delta.
Over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states are taking part in the seven-day event, fully sponsored by the NDDC.