Eric Odo, chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA in Enugu state, has defended the appointment of aides for yam, pepper, and garden egg.

On Tuesday, Odo announced the appointments of Ezeugwu Ogbonna as senior special assistant on agriculture (yam and pepper) and Nwodo Ugonna as special adviser on garden egg and pepper.

The appointments attracted criticism from many Nigerians, who viewed the positions as an anomaly.

In his defense on Wednesday, Odo explained that the appointments were designed to increase the production of these crops in large quantities, aiming to meet local demands and support export.

The chairman emphasized that the Igbo-Etiti area is particularly well-suited to cultivating these crops and holds a significant comparative advantage.

“Their appointments are to ensure that local farmers receive adequate attention, needed resources, support, and expertise to enhance production, improve market access, and increase income for farmers,” NAN quoted Odo as saying.

“In essence, the appointment, which is wrongly misunderstood by disgruntled individuals, bad losers, and opposition, reinforces my determination to create a thriving local economy based on the strengths and potentials of Igbo-Etiti’s agricultural landscape.”

Odo explained that the decision was part of a carefully considered plan aimed at boosting productivity, creating jobs, and improving the livelihoods of farmers within the LGA’s communities.

He called on the public to disregard any online or offline comments intended to discredit the appointments, asserting that the council is committed to massive food production and sustainable development.

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other individuals have been arrested in Finland over terror-related activities.

A local report in Finland stated that Ekpa, the self-declared “Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government In-Exile,” was remanded in custody by the district court of Päijät-Häme on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a Thursday statement published on its website, the Central Criminal Police in Finland said it had arrested five people on suspicion of terrorist crimes.

The police said the main suspect was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.”

The police added: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”

The statement reads: “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”

“The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

The statement quoted the head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen from the Central Crime Police, as saying that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.

“Four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week.”

“International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added.

President Bola Tinubu has urged the military across Africa to unite in tackling insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.

He made the call on Wednesday when he officially declared open the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) in Abuja, describing the event as a historic platform to foster unity, camaraderie, and military cooperation across the continent.

The Games, with the theme, “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” mark the revival of a tradition started over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted that no single nation can address its security challenges in isolation.

“Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the Games in reinforcing Africa’s collective security efforts,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).

Tinubu further stated, “This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is an undeniable reminder of the cooperation that binds the military institutions across our continent. Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve when we stand together—not just as neighbours, but as guardians of a continent that depends on your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”

In reflecting on the legacy of the Games, President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, and President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General M. Abdullahi, for their efforts in reviving the event.

The President emphasized the importance of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and resilience among military personnel, all crucial attributes for addressing Africa’s diverse security challenges.

“Sports not only keep us physically fit but also infuse core values such as integrity, excellence, and discipline. When our men and women are fit, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” he said.

Tinubu also underlined the need for broader unity in confronting the continent’s security threats.

“The security challenges we face cannot be addressed through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen the friendships and partnerships that have long existed among us. As long as any nation within our shared geography remains under threat, none of us can declare our continent secure. Together, we will build a safer, stronger Africa,” he asserted.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa, explained that the second edition of the Games was not only a celebration of the physical abilities of military athletes but also an opportunity to showcase the strong bond that unites the armed forces across Africa.

He emphasized that the Games remind participants of the power of cooperation and friendship, urging the 1,625 athletes and officials from across Africa to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship during the various events.

Gen. Musa assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to strengthen its partnerships with other African armed forces in order to enhance the capacity to defend the territorial integrity of countries across the region.

Additionally, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, stated that hosting the second edition of the Games in Nigeria was a realization of the vision of the founding fathers of OSMA to promote unity, friendship, and solidarity among Africa’s armed forces.

Maj. Gen. Abdullahi praised the commitment of Nigeria’s President and the OSMA founding fathers, highlighting that the Games serve as a platform to showcase the rich heritage and talents of Africa’s armed forces. He encouraged participants to compete fiercely yet fairly, rekindling the bonds that unite military forces across the continent.

The opening ceremony included a callisthenics display, performances by various artists, the hoisting of the OSMA and AMGA flags, an oath-taking ceremony by athletes and officials, and the symbolic lighting of the Games torch by the Vice President.

Other notable figures present at the event included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson), Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Alh. Shehu Dikko, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, as well as heads of delegations from the participating countries and senior military officers.