COAS, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu Lauds Confluence Trust Newspaper Publisher, Pledges Stronger Media Partnership

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Confluence Trust Newspaper, Hon. Solomon Agada, as well as the Board of Directors and management of the media outfit, for their objective, balanced, and comprehensive coverage of the activities of the Nigerian Army.

The commendation was delivered during a familiarization visit by the Publisher and members of the Board of Directors of the newspaper to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, in Abuja.

Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Major General A. M. Umar, who received the delegation on behalf of the COAS, alongside other senior officers.
In his remarks, Hon. Solomon Agada expressed deep appreciation for the cordial reception accorded his team. He explained that the visit was intended to strengthen media–military relations, noting that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has recorded significant achievements in the fight against insecurity nationwide. He stated that bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, their sponsors, and other criminal elements have been dislodged from several strongholds and are currently being pursued.
Hon. Agada further praised the establishment of an Army Barracks in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, describing it as a strategic initiative that has enhanced security and boosted public confidence in the area. He urged the Army to sustain its efforts toward achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.
During the interactive session, the organization appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to continue prioritizing the welfare of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies. The appeal included a request for scholarship schemes for the children of military personnel, in recognition of the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers who spend extended periods away from their families, with some paying the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Earlier, Editor I of the newspaper, Mr. Dele Onolulebi, disclosed that the visit was the organization’s first official engagement of the year. He noted that the newspaper has operated without financial support from any organization, despite consistently covering the activities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, and appealed for military support to enhance the sustainability of the media outfit.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration of Confluence Trust Newspaper, Miss Mercy Benjamin, appealed for institutional support from the Nigerian Army, explaining that the privately owned newspaper is contending with rising operational costs due to prevailing economic challenges.
In his contribution, Editor II, Mr. Ugbede Ojo Andrew, commended the Nigerian Army for its gradual restoration of peace in previously volatile areas, which has enabled farmers and business owners to resume their activities. He acknowledged the Army’s recognition of the media’s role and assured that Confluence Trust Newspaper, alongside other credible media organizations, would continue to provide extensive and accurate coverage of military activities, while sustaining the existing cordial relationship.
The visit culminated in the presentation of branded face caps bearing the newspaper’s name and logo, copies of past publications featuring reports on the Nigerian Army, and an Award of Excellent Performance for 2025/2026 to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu. The award was received on his behalf by Major General A. M. Umar.
Responding on behalf of the COAS, Major General A. M. Umar expressed appreciation to the Board, management, and staff of Confluence Trust Newspaper for their confidence in the Nigerian Army and for their accurate and consistent reportage. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with credible media organizations, noting that the military cannot win the war against insecurity alone.
He commended the quality and consistency of the newspaper’s publications and assured the delegation that their messages and requests would be conveyed to the Chief of Army Staff. He explained that he was directed to receive the delegation due to the COAS’s official engagements and assured them of appropriate feedback.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Most Adequate Reportage Award of Excellence to the Publisher and CEO of Confluence Trust Newspaper, Hon. Solomon Agada, by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja, followed by a group photograph with the representative of the Chief of Army Staff.