News

Gowon Reveals How His Trusted Security Aide Helped Overthrow Him in Military Coup

Published

1 month ago

May 21, 2026

Preport

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), has revealed that his trusted security aide, Joseph Garba, Commander of the Federal Guards Unit he appointed to protect his life, played a role in the coup that overthrew him in July 1975.

In his 859-page autobiography titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” Gowon described the incident as the most painful personal betrayal of his time in office, saying it was carried out by individuals he had promoted based on trust and, in Garba’s case, family connections.

According to him, Garba had assured him just days before the coup that he had no knowledge of any plot against his government.

He also recounted that his Chief Security Officer and head of the Special Branch, M.D. Yusuf, had earlier warned him about a planned coup ahead of the OAU summit in Kampala, Uganda, naming two key officers, Garba, then Commander of the Federal Guards Unit, and Anthony Ochefu, then Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Military Police.

Gowon said the warning left him in a difficult position, noting that Garba occupied one of the most sensitive roles in his security structure, heading the elite unit responsible for the Head of State’s protection.

He added that Garba’s appointment as head of the Brigade of Guards was influenced by personal familiarity and the confidence he had in him.

“As commander of the Federal Guards, which is the elite entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the person of the Head of State, Garba was supposed to have unquestionable loyalty.

“Not only did I intimately know both men, but I had also grown to like and trust them over the years.

“Coincidentally, both were Christians and from my original home state, Benue Plateau,” he narrated.

The book, which spans 36 chapters, traces Gowon’s life from his Angas roots in Plateau State through his military career, the Civil War, his removal from office in 1975, as well as his years in exile and academic pursuit abroad.

Related Topics:Aide coup Gowon Helped Military Overthrow reveals security Trusted

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Behold the Talking Points, Expectations as NPFL Unveils Kick-Off Date for 2026/27 Season

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2026

Preport

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially announced that the 2026/27 season will kick off on August 28, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most ambitious and competitive campaigns in the history of Nigerian domestic football.

With major reforms already unveiled by the league organisers, the new season carries huge expectations from clubs, players, officials and supporters across the country.

Among the biggest talking points is the introduction of a record ₦1 billion prize for the league champions, while the runners-up and third-placed teams are expected to receive ₦500 million and ₦300 million respectively.

The enhanced financial rewards are aimed at improving professionalism and increasing competitiveness in the league.

Player welfare has also received a significant boost with the introduction of a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million for NPFL players, a move designed to improve living standards and reduce the migration of talented footballers abroad.

Infrastructure development remains another major focus ahead of the new campaign.

Clubs have been directed to upgrade their stadiums, medical facilities and security arrangements to meet club licensing requirements, with failure to comply potentially leading to the loss of hosting rights.

On the commercial side, organisers are working towards expanding television and digital broadcast partnerships to increase the visibility of the NPFL and attract more sponsors and football fans.

These expectations form the major talking points among the fans, and watchers of the league.

There are a certain level of doubts, amid hope on how the new reforms will transform into realities beyond just pronouncements.

Beyond the reforms, to the pitch the 2026/27 season is also expected to produce exciting rivalries, particularly in Lagos, where Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City will all compete in the top flight, reviving the prospect of multiple Lagos derbies.

Meanwhile, clubs have intensified their transfer activities as they strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.

CAF representatives and newly promoted teams are among the busiest in the transfer market as they seek to build competitive squads.

With improved financial incentives, better infrastructure, technological upgrades and increased commercial opportunities, expectations are high that the 2026/27 NPFL season will mark another significant step in the growth of Nigerian league football.

The unveiling of the kick off date is the first step to a historic season with Rangers going in as defending Champions and four fresh private clubs join the fray from the lower leagues.

Business

Over 700 AXA Mansard Volunteers Join Fight Against Child Abuse

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Preport

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—More than 700 employees of AXA Mansard have participated in a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at combating child abuse and gender-based violence, reinforcing the company’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.

The initiative, held across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, formed part of the 2026 AXA Week for Good, the company’s global employee volunteering programme under AXA Hearts in Action, which encourages staff to support social causes through community service.

This year’s campaign, themed “Being a Child Shouldn’t Be a Risk,” focused on raising awareness about the prevention, identification and reporting of domestic and sexual violence affecting children and women.

As part of the outreach, employee volunteers carried out door-to-door sensitisation, community engagement and educational activities designed to help residents recognise signs of abuse, encourage reporting and promote collective responsibility for protecting vulnerable groups.

Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said the campaign reflects the company’s belief that businesses have a responsibility to contribute to safer and more inclusive communities beyond providing insurance services.

According to him, the large turnout of employees demonstrates AXA Mansard’s culture of compassion and commitment to making a meaningful social impact, particularly in addressing issues that affect children and families.

Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader mission of promoting safety, dignity and wellbeing, adding that sustained advocacy is essential to tackling abuse and violence in society.

The week-long programme concluded with a commemorative walk across participating cities, while the company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that address critical social challenges and create lasting value for communities across Nigeria.

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