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Strengthening Collaboration In Advanced Aerospace Technologies For Enhanced National and Regional Security Keynote Address By Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, At The Fourth Africa Air Forces Forum In Lagos, Nigeria.

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Strengthening Collaboration In Advanced Aerospace Technologies For Enhanced National and Regional Security

Keynote Address By Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON,
At The Fourth Africa Air Forces Forum In Lagos, Nigeria.

On May 22-23, 2025.

PROTOCOLS

I am deeply honoured to be invited to deliver this keynote address at this high-profile gathering of professionals and aerospace technology experts. This forum is both timely and auspicious.

Let me begin by warmly welcoming all participants,
especially those who have travelled from across Africa and around the world to be part of this historic event. I also bring you the warm greetings of the people of Imo State, who, like many Africans, place great hope in the shared security vision that this forum embodies.

I sincerely commend the foresight and leadership of
Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala
Abubakar DFS, and his African counterparts for putting this forum together. Your collective resolve inspires confidence in our defence capability as a region.

Airspace defines sovereignty. In today’s world, it also
shapes a nation’s survival. Across Africa, we are being
increasingly confronted by a complex web of transboundary threats, from terrorism and banditry to cyber incursions and resource-based conflicts. Borders or timelines do not confine these challenges. And as the threats evolve, so must our responses, not only in tactical precision but also in collaborative foresight.
We are reminded that airpower remains one of the most versatile tools of modern defence, offering speed, reach, deterrence, and intelligence superiority. However, although some African nations have built impressive capabilities, for example, Egypt has over 1,000 military aircraft, Algeria has 600-plus, and Nigeria maintains 163 aircraft, these numbers alone are insufficient. We need not only more aircraft but smarter integration of our air assets into a collective security architecture.

The Multinational Joint Task Force, which was created in response to the threat of Boko Haram, offers a case in point. Through such joint operations, we have achieved real gains in our efforts to secure our countries. We have neutralised terrorist strongholds, restored communities, and enabled safe resettlement. However, gaps remain in intelligence coordination, operational interoperability, and shared logistics. These must be addressed not in theory but through mechanisms we build together.

That task begins with a hard truth: Africa remains largely dependent on external suppliers for critical aerospace and defence needs. This reliance leaves us vulnerable to both market volatility and strategic manipulation. Yet across the continent, signs of transformation are emerging.

Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation is producing
small arms and experimenting with advanced platforms. Private firms like Proforce are manufacturing world-class Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, already deployed in Chad, Niger, and Rwanda. South Africa has doubled its defence exports since 2020, supplying Africa remains largely dependent on external suppliers for critical aerospace
and defence needs. This reliance leaves us vulnerable to both market volatility and strategic manipulation.
advanced systems and electronic warfare equipment.

Morocco has become a trusted aerospace manufacturing hub, producing for Airbus and other global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Egypt and Algeria maintain mature domestic defence industries, while Ethiopia and Zambia have made strides in self-sufficiency and technology integration.

Most notably, at least 35 indigenous drone models are in development or active service across Africa. Nigeria leads in this domain, with 28 drone systems operational or undergoing tests. This is a powerful signal that we are not passive consumers of security technology; we are increasingly becoming architects of our solutions.

But intention must now meet execution. We must
translate our shared aspirations into binding frameworks: mutual defence agreements, co-development pacts, pooled logistics platforms, shared research infrastructure, and joint training protocols. These are not luxuries. In the face
of 21st-century threats, they are necessary instruments of survival.

Increased defence spending ($25 billion in Algeria, $13.4billion in Morocco, $3.1 billion in Nigeria) shows that we are willing to invest. However, we must align these investments with coherent goals. For instance, technology transfer, indigenous innovation, and workforce development. South Africa and Morocco have shown how aerospace progress fuels economic growth and job creation. We must take a cue from these countries.

The leadership of the Nigerian Air Force has adopted a self- reliant approach, reactivating long-abandoned aircraft, deploying locally developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like the Tsaigumi, and incorporating academic research into mission planning and systems design. This shift is redefining the scope of African-led innovation in defence.

Distinguished participants, this forum must now bear a new doctrine: an African aerospace doctrine. One rooted in local capacity, governed by shared standards, and fuelled by political commitment. Our continent has the institutions. The African Union and regional economic

“We must translate our shared aspirations
into binding frameworks: mutual defence
agreements, co-development pacts, pooled
logistics platforms, shared research
infrastructure, and joint training
protocols. These are not luxuries. In the
face of 21st-century threats, they are
necessary instruments of survival.”

communities already provide frameworks for collective action. What is left is the courage to act, the will to fund, and the discipline to implement.
The era when air superiority was seen as a privilege is gone. Now, it is a requirement for sovereignty and peace. As we reflect, I urge this distinguished body to move from principles to policies. African skies must not remain exposed and unprotected, and African solutions can no longer wait.

Thank you, and may your deliberations advance the cause of peace, prosperity, and security across our beloved continent.

Sen. Hope Uzodimma, CON
Governor, Imo State of Nigeria.

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A 93-year-old man has shared his secret to a long and healthy life: quitting beer.

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In an inspiring revelation, he disclosed that he stopped drinking beer in 1975, a decision that has not only improved his health but also helped him save a significant amount of money.

According to the man’s account, abstaining from beer has had numerous health benefits. Research supports this claim, highlighting that quitting alcohol can.

Improve Heart Health: Lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart failure
Enhance Liver Function : Allow the liver to heal and function normally, reducing the risk of liver disease

Boost Mental Clarity: Improve memory, nervous system function, and overall mental well-being

Promote Weight Loss :  Reduce calorie intake and support a balanced diet and exercise

Reduce Cancer Risk : Lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including liver, throat, and stomach cancer

The man advises young people to avoid habits and diets that pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being. His story serves as a testament to the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices.

– Quitting beer can lead to significant health improvements
– Abstaining from alcohol can reduce the risk of chronic diseases
– Healthy habits can contribute to a long and fulfilling life

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Alleged $6b Mambilla Project Fraud: Court Admits more Evidence against Agunloye

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Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, admitted additional evidence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against a former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye.

Agunloye is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on seven-count charges, bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion US Dollars).

 

The additional evidence are an investigation report of the Mambila HydroElectric Power Project, the defendant awarded to Sunrise Power &Transmission Company Limited and a warrant of arrest on Jide Sotinri. They were marked “Exhibit EFCC R and S.”

During the day’s proceedings, Agunloye through his counsel, Adeola Adedikpe, SAN informed the court of his application for the release of his passport to enable him travel abroad for medical evaluation.

 

Responding to the application, prosecution counsel, M.K Hussain asked the court for more time to enable him study the application and file his reply.

The judge adjourned till Thursday, July 17, 2025 for the the hearing of the overseas medical trip application.

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SUMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF IMO STATE HIGH COURT,NWAORIEUBI JUDICIAL DIVISION DELIVERED ON THE 2ND DAY OF JULY 2025 OVER IMO STATE INTERNATIONAL MODERN MARKET EGBEADA/UBOMMIRI.

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1.THE HONOURABLE COURT DECLARED THAT BY VIRTUE OF S.7 4TH SCHEDULE OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (AS AMENDED) IT IS ONLY AND ONLY THE MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL (NOT IMO STATE GOVERNMENT OR ITS MINISTRY OF COMMERCE,TRADE & INVESTMENT OR ANY OF ITS AGENCIES)THAT HAS THE EXCLUSIVE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS TO ESTABLISH,DESIGN, PACELATE,BUILD MANAGE, CONTROL, ISSUE ALLOCATION PAPERS AND COLLECT REVENUE AT IMO MODERN INTERNATIONAL MARKET EGBEADA/UBOMMIRI.

2.THE INVASION AND FORCEFUL TAKE OVER OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED MARKET BY IMO STATE GOVERNMENT THROUGH ITS THEN MINISTRY OF NON FORMAL SECTOR AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN THE YEAR 2020 AND THE SUBSEQUENT ALLOCATIONS AND OUTRIGHT RESELLING OF LOCK UP SHOPS,OPEN SHADES/STALLS AND SPACE/PLOTS OF LAND BY THE SAID MINISTRY TO OCCUPANTS AT THE SAID MARKET (PHASE 1 & 2 AND ANNEX) FROM 2020 TILL DATE IN CONNIVANCE WITH SUCCESSIVE MBAITOLI COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIONS HAS BEEN SET ASIDE AND SAME DECLARED UNLAWFUL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ILLEGAL,NULL AND VOID AB INITIO BY THE HONOURABLE COURT.

3.ALL ALLOCATION PAPERS AND OUTRIGHT RESELLING OF LOCK UP SHOPS,OPEN SHADES,OPEN SPACE/PLOTS OF LANDS AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED MARKET BY SUCCESSIVE ADMINISTRATION OF MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL AFTER 2019 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE AND SAME DECLARED ILLEGAL, UNLAWFUL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL,NULL AND VOID AB INITIO BY THE HONOURABLE COURT. (Meaning if you are an occupant of lock up shop,open stalls/ shades,space/plots of land at the said market(phase 1 and 2 and annex) and your allocation paper was issued to you after 2019 by either Mbaitoli Local Government or Imo State Government,you are nothing but an ILLEGAL OCCUPANT.Only those with allocation papers from Mbaitoli Local Government Council BEFORE 2019 are survivals of this landmark judgment).

4.THE DEFENDANTS IN THE SAID JUDGMENT ARE RESTRAINED BY THE HONOURABLE COURT FROM USING THE POLICE TO OBSTRUCT,HARRASS OR ARREST OR INTIMIDATE THE PLAINTIFFS IN THE COURSE OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAID LANDMARK JUDGMENT OF COURT.

5.THE COURT HAS ORDERED AND DIRECTED THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND AND THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE HEADED BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE TO ASSIST THE PLAINTIFFS TOWARDS ENSURING THE FULL ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAID LANDMARK JUDGMENT OF COURT.

6.3RD,6TH AND 7TH DEFENDANTS IN THE SAID JUDGMENT TO JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY PAY THE SUM OF N1MILLION NAIRA COST OF LITIGATION TO THE PLAINTIFF COUNSEL IN THE SAID JUDGMENT OF COURT.

7.THE COURT UPHOLDS AND AUTHENTICATES THE ORIGINAL DESIGN/PURPOSE CLAUSE OF THE SAID MARKET ESTATE PROJECT BY MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION IN 2018 AND NON OTHER EITHER BY THE MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL OR IMO STATE GOVERNMENT AFTER 2019.

8.THE COURT DIRECTS ALL ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS WITH ILLEGAL AND FRAUDULENT ALLOCATION PAPERS OF LOCK UP SHOPS,OPEN SHADES,OPEN SPACE/PLOTS OF LANDS AT THE SAID MARKET TO VACATE WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE JUDGMENT OF COURT.

ABOVE IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
This summary presentation is for all doubting Thomases who may be risking various jail terms for disobedience to the LANDMARK JUDGMENT OF THIS HUNOURABLE COUR5 THAT HAS RETURNED FINANCIAL/REVENUE COLLECTION AUTONOMY TO MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NDI MBAITOLI.

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