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Royal Navy Warship Leaves Nigeria, Continues Counter Piracy Exercise In The Gulf Of Guinea
After leaving Lagos, HMS Trent and her embarked contingent from 42 Commando have continued to train the Nigerian Navy (NN) in the Gulf of Guinea, alongside other African partners.
During the ship’s visit in Nigeria, the Royal Marines Boarding Team trained closely with the Nigerian Navy on all aspects of Vessel Boarding, Search and Seizure, and firefighting demonstrations conducted by her Ship’s Company. This culminated in a 24 hour exercise involving 5 Nigerian Navy patrol vessels, putting lessons learnt into practice.
HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Thomas Knott said:
“I am delighted that TRENT achieved so much engagement with the local community and the Nigerian Military during our visit to Lagos. We sailed to conduct combined Maritime Security Operations with the Nigerian Navy in the Gulf of Guinea and to also exercise piracy interdiction operations. On behalf of my crew I wish to pass my sincere gratitude for the generous hospitality we received in Nigeria, we cannot wait to return in 2022.”
Alongside the training events, HMS Trent hosted a senior leadership forum with Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, Major General Lawrence Fejokwu and Air Vice Marshall Charles Ohwo representing all three of the Nigerian Armed Forces. HMS Trent also had the pleasure of supporting a reception in aid of Nigerian Wildlife and the fight against climate change ahead of COP26.
UK’s Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones said:
“We are pleased to see the scale of cooperation and engagement between the UK’s Royal Navy from 42 Commando and the Nigerian Navy. This reiterates the UK’s role as a force for good in the world, collaborating with Nigerian armed forces to deal with illegal activities – maritime security, piracy, and illegal wildlife trade – at sea in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Thanks to Commander Tom Knott and the entire crew of the Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent for their visit to Lagos, Nigeria. We do look forward to the next visit.”
Since leaving Lagos, HMS Trent has continued counter-piracy training with the Nigerian Navy in the Gulf of Guinea, as part of Exercise Grand Africa Nemo (EX GANo).
EX GANo gathered 10 allied nations with the aim of developing 19 of their African counterparts in all areas of maritime security. The Royal Navy have also worked with the Togolese National Navy and Benin Navy in Search and Rescue and counter narcotics operations.
Following the exercise HMS Trent will carry on her three-month deployment with a port visit in Ghana where her Ship’s Company will continue to develop the Ghanaian peacekeeping capabilities while also supporting their effective response to national security concerns. Later in November, TRENT will be alongside in Senegal to help promote the UK’s position as co-president at the G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea conference.
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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