HAPPY 66TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY TO OUR GREAT NATION, NIGERIA
Shalom,
Fellow Officers, Comrades of The African Lads Brigade and The African Lasses Brigade, Nigeria & Overseas.
With a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God, I warmly salute and congratulate every member of our great Movement, both at home and in the Diaspora, as we commemorate the 66th Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We give glory to God Almighty for His mercy, preservation and faithfulness over our nation and over every one of us. That we are alive to witness another Independence Anniversary is, indeed, a testimony of God’s unfailing grace.
My prayer is that everyone who has witnessed this 66th Independence Anniversary shall, by the special grace of God, live to celebrate many more years in greater strength, peace, prosperity, good health and better circumstances, in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.
As a Movement founded on discipline, service, patriotism, faith and responsibility, I urge every member to continue to uphold the values upon which the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade were established.
Our service is a calling.
Our uniform is a responsibility.
Our rank is a trust.
And our leadership is an opportunity to serve.
APPRECIATION
At this auspicious occasion, I wish to sincerely appreciate our Emeritus Brigadier Generals, Emeritus Chief Commandant, The Chief Commandant, The Deputy Brigadier General, The Deputy Chief Commandant, National Honourary Officers, The Universal Communion of the African Church, Heads of Spiritual Missions, Lay Presidents of Missions, Elders of the Movement, National Executives Officers, Regional Commanders, State Chairmen/Chairpersons, Area & Divisional Officers, Company Officers, Lads, Lasses and all members of the Movement across Nigeria and overseas.
Your support, prayers, commitment, sacrifices and loyalty to the Movement have been invaluable.
Whenever we have called upon you in the interest of the Movement, many of you have responded with a sense of duty and responsibility. On behalf of the National Management, I say a very sincere THANK YOU.
To every Comrade who has stood by this administration and supported the progress of the Movement, I appreciate you individually and collectively.
May Almighty God continue to strengthen, bless and reward you and your families.
I also commend all Regions, States, Divisions and other formations that successfully hosted their various camps and training programmes in 2026. Your commitment to training and mentoring our young people remains an important part of our collective responsibility.
Through these programmes, we are not merely organising camps; we are building character, discipline, leadership, patriotism and responsible future citizens.
Please comrades, let’s take note of the following development and take as Priority P1 for total, non negotiable compliance.
1. CAMP POLICY FOR 2027
My dear Officers and Comrades, I wish to make this directive very clear for the avoidance of doubt.
No Region, State, Division or other formation shall organise or conduct a separate camp in 2027.
The only approved National Camp for the year shall be the:
2027 NATIONAL CAMP
Venue: Delta State
Date: Saturday, 13th August – Sunday, 21st August 2027
All officers are therefore expected to respect this directive and channel their energy, resources and mobilisation towards the success of the National Camp.
Going forward Any other camp arrangement must have the prior approval of the National Management.
Let us remember that discipline is the foundation of every organised Movement. We must learn to obey established directives even when such directives require sacrifice.
2. CONFERENCES AND GENERAL MEETINGS
My Officers and Comrades, I wish to further clarify the issue of Conferences within the Movement.
The African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade were merged in 1949 for administrative convenience and effective coordination.
Accordingly, neither the Lads Brigade nor the Lasses Brigade shall independently organise a separate Conference outside the structure approved by the National Management.
Instead, we shall continue to celebrate our respective anniversaries as follows:
The African Lasses Brigade Anniversary: Last Sunday in February.
The African Lads Brigade Anniversary: Last Sunday in May.*
Where funds are generated from approved anniversary activities, such funds must be properly accounted for and remitted to the National Account in accordance with established financial procedures.
Any Conference involving the Movement shall only take place at the National Camp or at such other venue as may be specifically approved by the National Management.
Where decisions are reached at such gatherings, such decisions shall be properly communicated to the National Management for consideration, discussion and ratification where necessary.
This is not intended to suppress participation or legitimate expression. Rather, it is intended to preserve unity, order, accountability and administrative discipline.
3. SENIORITY LIST, DATABASE AND PROMOTIONS
I wish to once again appeal to all State Chairmen/Chairpersons and relevant officers who are yet to submit their State Members’ Data/Seniority Lists to do so without further delay.
The National Management cannot effectively administer promotions and appointments without accurate records.
Let it therefore be clearly understood that:
Only States that comply with the submission of the required data will be considered for the recommendation and processing of their members for promotion.
Promotion is not merely an entitlement attached to length of service. It carries responsibility, accountability and evidence of service.
Accordingly, our records must be accurate, transparent and properly documented.
4. REDEPLOYMENT AND APPOINTMENTS
As announced during my address at the 2026 National Camp in Ogun State and subsequently discussed at the National Management Meeting in September 2026, there shall be changes in some National and State leadership positions.
Some officers who have served for considerable periods will be relieved of their present responsibilities, while others will be appointed or redeployed to new areas of service.
To every officer whose tenure or assignment is affected, I say:
Thank you for your service.
Relinquishing an office does not mean relinquishing your place in the Movement.
The uniform remains.
The calling remains.
The duty remains.
You are still members and officers of this great Movement, and I encourage you to continue serving with humility, loyalty and commitment wherever you are called upon to serve.
5. EXPANSION OF THE MOVEMENT
As part of our determination to expand the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade and take the Movement to more communities, we are strengthening our administrative structures through the creation of new Regions, State Commands, Area Commands and Divisions.
A. NORTHERN REGIONAL COMMAND
The Northern Regional Command is hereby officially created and comprising of:
- Kaduna State
- Kano State
- Niger State
- Abuja
The Regional Command shall be headed by: Senior Assistant Brigadier General S. A. Adeyemi as The Regional Commander.
6. CREATION OF KADUNA STATE COMMAND
The Kaduna State Command is hereby officially created & recognised.
The State Command shall be headed by: Senior Assistant Brigadier General Tunji Oyeleke as The State Command Chairman
I charge the new leadership to build a strong foundation of discipline, unity, training and expansion.
All other States under the Northern Regional Command shall be administratively supervised by the Regional Commander – Snr. ABG S. A. Adeyemi, until a substantive Chairmen/Chairpersons are appointed.
7. CREATION OF DIASPORA ZONE
We recognise that many of our members are now resident outside Nigeria and continue to identify with and support the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade. We cannot build a truly global Movement while leaving our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora behind.
Accordingly, the DIASPORA ZONE is hereby established to coordinate and strengthen the participation of our members outside Nigeria and to serve as a representative structure of the Office of the Brigadier General.
APPOINTMENTS
Chairman – SABG Adesola Gbenga
Secretary -* ABG Esun Michael
Members:
DBG Sir C. B. Tonode
ABG Sangokeye Gbenga
SACC Lola Sanyaolu
SABG Oluwole Olumuyiwa
SABG Felix Odusanya
I charge the Diaspora leadership to operate with dignity, discipline, inclusiveness and a strong sense of responsibility.
8. OTHER NATIONAL AND STATE APPOINTMENTS
The following appointments are hereby confirmed:
South-West 1 Regional
Commander: Snr. ABG Isaac Babatunde Ogunwuyi
1st Vice: Snr. ACC Veronica Ajibola
2nd Vice: Snr. ABG Kehinde Benjamin Fasoyin.
Northern Regional Command
Regional Commander: Snr. ABG S. Adeyemi
Kaduna State Command
Chairman: Snr. ABG Tunji Oyeleke
Ekiti State Command
Chairperson: ACC Afuye Yetunde
Vice Chairman: ABG Taiwo Owoeye
Lagos State Command:
Chairperson: Snr. ACC Seun Ajibola
1st Vice: Snr. ACC Kehinde Mabunmi
2nd Vice: Snr. ABG Segun Adebowale
I congratulate all newly appointed officers and charge them to see their appointments not as privileges but as solemn responsibilities entrusted to them for the service of God and humanity.
9. RIVERS STATE COMMAND
I wish to particularly appreciate the Executive Members of the Rivers State Command, both at State and Divisional levels, for their contributions and performance since assuming their respective responsibilities.
After due consideration, the Rivers State Command Executive, including the Divisional Chairpersons are hereby dissolved with effect from 1st October 2026.
A Sole Administrator is hereby appointed: ABG Barrister Lawrence Donald – Sole Administrator, Rivers State Command
He shall be supported by:
Chief Snr. ABG Kuro Horsfall — Ex-Officio
Chief Snr. ABG Kuro Horsfall is one of the pioneers and stakeholders of the Rivers State Command and served as one of its first Captains.
Also appointed as Ex-Officio from the Office of the Brigadier General is:
Snr. ABG Taiwo Aboyade-Cole
The Sole Administrator and the two Ex-Officio Officers are hereby mandated to review and strengthen the existing Area Commands and Divisional structures and, within four months, make appropriate recommendations on suitable officers to assume the positions of:
State Chairman
Vice Chairmen
Area Commands leadership
Divisional Chairpersons/Chairmen.
The process shall be conducted with fairness, maturity, consultation and the best interest of the Movement at heart.
AREA COMMANDS IN RIVERS STATE
Two Area Commands are hereby recognised:
OMEGA AREA COMMAND
Companies: 1, 2, 6, 8, 10 & 11
ALPHA AREA COMMAND
Companies: 3, 4, 5, 9, 12 & 13
DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE
DIVISION ONE — OUR SAVIOUR DIVISION
Companies: 1, 2 & 8
DIVISION TWO — ST. PAUL’S DIVISION
Companies: 4, 7 & 11
DIVISION THREE — ST. JOHN’S DIVISION
Companies: 3, 5, 9 & 13
DIVISION FOUR — ST. MATHIAS DIVISION
Companies: 6, 10 & 12
I appeal to every officer in Rivers State to cooperate fully with the Sole Administrator and his team. Let us put personal interests aside and allow healing, unity and progress to take precedence.
10. REDEPLOYMENT FROM OFFICE
The South-South 2 Regional Commander, covering Rivers and Delta States,
SABG HAROLD A. TOMA is hereby relieved of his office and redeploy to the office of the Brigadier General with effect from 1st October 2026.
The office shall remain vacant pending the appointment of another officer by the appropriate authority.
I sincerely appreciate him for his service and contributions to the Movement and encourage him to continue to support the Movement in whatever capacity he may be called upon to serve.
11. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHIEF COMMANDANT (DCC)
During my Opening Speech at the 2026 National Camp, I announced that the process of appointing a Deputy Chief Commandant was already in progress.
After due consideration of the requirements of the office, including discipline, experience, commitment, energy and proven service within the African Lasses Brigade, I hereby formally announce the appointment of:
Snr. ACC OMOLOLA SANYAOLU
DEPUTY CHIEF COMMANDANT
I congratulate her on this important responsibility and charge her to serve with discipline, humility, wisdom and fairness.
May God grant her the grace and strength required for this office. The installation shall be done in due course.
12. REDEPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS
The following officers are hereby redeployed with effect from the appropriate handover date:
Snr. ABG Adesola Gbenga — Diaspora Zone
Snr. ABG Lanre Balogun — Office of the Brigadier General
Snr. ABG Kingsley Teme — Office of the Brigadier General.
Snr. ABG Harold Toma – Office of the Brigadier General.
ABG Abiodun Adegbola — Office of the Brigadier General – Training, Parade & Drills.
I urge every redeployed officer to accept the new assignment as another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Movement.
13. NATIONAL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to the National Media Team for their commitment and support to the Movement despite the limited equipment and resources presently available to them.
We recognise your sacrifices.
At this point, I appeal to all officers and members to understand the challenges confronting the Media Department and support its efforts where possible.
The image and public communication of our Movement are collective responsibilities.
14. NATIONAL IDENTITY CARDS
Henceforth, the National Secretariat has taken over the issuance and administration of National Identity Cards.
Members requiring National Identity Cards are to contact the Secretariat and comply with the prescribed payment and submission of passport photographs and other required information.
This centralised process is intended to improve proper identification, documentation and accountability within the Movement.
15. YOUTH VILLAGE LAND AND BUILDING PROJECT
My Comrades, I once again appeal to every member, officer, friend and well-wisher of the Movement to support the ongoing development of our Youth Village at Olowotedo.
This project belongs to the future of the Movement.
Whatever you can give—large or small—will contribute to the realisation of this vision.
Let us not wait until we have excess before we contribute.
If every member contributes according to his or her capacity, together we shall build something that generations yet unborn will inherit.
May God bless every individual, family, organisation and State Command that has contributed and continues to contribute towards this project.
16. NATIONAL BUS / MOBILITY PROJECT
I also wish to remind all officers and members of our ongoing efforts towards the purchase of a National Bus for the Movement.
Mobility is essential to effective administration, training, camp operations, inspections, emergency response and national programmes.
I therefore appeal to everyone to support this important project according to your ability.
No contribution is too small when it is made with sincerity and a heart of service.
May Almighty God replenish every hand that gives and bless every family that supports the Movement.
17. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAD/LASS POLICE / PROVOST DEPARTMENT.
As part of the continued effort of the National Management to strengthen discipline, order and compliance within the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade, I hereby direct that a comprehensive operational framework for the Lad/Lass Police, otherwise known as the Provost Department, be developed.
Accordingly, Snr. ABG Sunday Wilson, Snr. ABG Sunday Temidayo and Snr. ABG Aina Ajibade are hereby appointed and mandated to work together in developing a practical working template, operational guidelines and draft framework for the establishment and effective functioning of the Provost Department.
The proposed framework should clearly define, among other things, the chain of command, jurisdiction, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct and reporting mechanisms of the Department, in accordance with the established principles and administrative structure of the Movement.
The completed draft shall be submitted formally to the National Management Council through the National Secretariat on or before the October 2026 National Management Council Meeting for consideration, review, amendment where necessary, and subsequent approval.
I charge the officers to approach this assignment with professionalism, fairness, discipline, wisdom and the fear of God, bearing in mind that the purpose of the Provost Department is not merely to enforce discipline, but to promote order, accountability, justice, respect and the overall welfare and integrity of the Movement.
May God grant them wisdom and understanding to deliver a framework that will strengthen the Movement and stand the test of time.
18. DRESS CODE, UNIFORM & REGALIA REVIEW COMMITTEE
As part of the continuous effort of the National Management to uphold discipline, dignity, uniformity and the professional image of the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade, an Ad Hoc Committee on Dress Code, Uniform and Regalia has been constituted, as ratified at the last National Management Council Meeting.
The Committee is hereby mandated to critically review the existing dress code and uniform requirements across all ranks and formations, from the rank of Private to the office of the Brigadier General, with a view to developing a clear, comprehensive and standardised guide for all members.
The purpose of this exercise is not merely to regulate appearance, but to properly educate and guide our members on the appropriate apparel, uniform combinations, footwear, headgear, insignia, badges, medals, decorations, belts and other authorised accessories that may be worn or displayed according to rank, appointment, occasion and official function.
The Committee shall ensure that the proposed guidelines promote decency, uniformity, discipline, dignity and proper military/paramilitary bearing, while eliminating ambiguity and inappropriate use or combination of uniforms and accessories.
MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE
The Committee shall comprise:
Snr. ABG ‘Seyi Odetunde
National Secretary
Snr. ABG Oluwole Olumuyiwa
National Treasurer
Snr. ABG ‘Gbenga Adesola
Chairman, Diaspora Zone
ABG Charles Ndem
Snr. ABG Gbenga Ogunbayo.
The Committee is hereby directed to consult relevant records, established traditions, existing regulations and appropriate stakeholders where necessary in carrying out this assignment.
The Committee shall prepare a comprehensive draft Dress Code, Uniform and Regalia Template/Guideline and submit same to the National Management Council through the National Secretariat on or before the October 2026 National Management Council Meeting for consideration, review and ratification.
Upon ratification by the National Management Council, the approved guideline shall serve as the standard reference document for uniform, dress code and authorised accessories throughout the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade of Nigeria & Overseas.
I charge the Committee to approach this assignment with diligence, objectivity, discipline and a deep understanding of the dignity attached to our ranks and uniform, remembering that our appearance is a reflection of our discipline, organisation and collective identity.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40*
May God grant the Committee wisdom, understanding and unity of purpose to produce a standard that will bring greater clarity, discipline and dignity to our Movement.
19. THE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA & AFFILIATION TO OTHER YOUTH & UNIFORM ORGANISATION.
The Brigadier General hereby directs the following officers: Snr. ABG Muyiwa Fabiyi, Snr. ABG Gbenga Adesola, and Snr. ABG Alu I. Longjohn to take responsibility for facilitating and strengthening the recognition, representation, and active participation of the African Lads Brigade and the African Lasses Brigade of Nigeria & Overseas in the activities of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and other relevant youth and uniformed organisations.
The designated officers are expected to pursue the necessary engagements, establish and maintain strategic relationships with these bodies, and ensure that the Brigade is duly recognised and actively represented in their programmes, meetings, and other relevant activities. They shall also submit periodic reports to the National Secretariat detailing their engagements, the Brigade’s membership and recognition status, participation in relevant activities, progress made, challenges encountered, and recommendations for further action.
HANDING OVER
All newly appointed and redeployed officers are directed to assume full responsibility and take over their respective offices not later than 1st November 2026.
All outgoing officers are expected to conduct a proper, peaceful and comprehensive handover of documents, assets, records and other official materials in their custody.
Let us remember that a dignified handover is also an act of service.
A CHARGE TO ALL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
My dear Comrades,
As we celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, let us also reflect on the responsibility that comes with freedom.
Freedom without discipline can become disorder.
Leadership without accountability can become oppression.
Authority without humility can become a stumbling block.
And service without love can lose its purpose.
As officers of a Christian-oriented paramilitary Movement, we must be different.
Let us lead by example.
Let us correct with love.
Let us discipline with fairness.
Let us obey constituted authority.
Let us respect one another.
Let us protect the integrity of our Movement.
Let us refuse to allow personal disagreements to destroy collective progress.
Where there is misunderstanding, let there be dialogue.
Where there is offence, let there be forgiveness.
Where there is weakness, let there be support.
Where there is division, let there be reconciliation.
And where there is a genuine need for discipline, let us administer it with fairness, justice and due process.
The Scripture says:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1
This must not merely be a Scripture we quote; it must become a principle by which we conduct ourselves.
FINAL APPRECIATION AND PRAYER
Once again, I salute and congratulate every member of the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade of Nigeria & Overseas.
I wish our great nation, Nigeria, a peaceful and prosperous 66th Independence Anniversary.
May God Almighty continue to preserve our nation.
May He strengthen our leadership.
May He bless our Movement.
May He protect every officer and member travelling from one location to another.
May He bless our families and provide for our needs.
May He give us wisdom to lead, courage to serve, humility to obey and grace to remain faithful to our calling.
May the African Lads Brigade and African Lasses Brigade continue to grow from strength to strength.
May our ranks remain united.
May our service remain honourable.
May our faith remain steadfast.
And may every assignment entrusted to us be accomplished successfully, to the glory of Almighty God in Jesus’ Mighty Name. AMEN!
Once again, I salute you all.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!
God bless Nigeria.
God bless the African Lads Brigade.
God bless the African Lasses Brigade.
God bless the Joint Movement.
SHALOM!
TRUE & FIRM! BE DUTIFUL!
E-SIGNED
ELDER OTUNBA MICHAEL O. AKINSOLA
BRIGADIER GENERAL & CEO, JOINT MOVEMENT
1st October 2026
Otunba Elder Michael O. Akinsola announces mandatory 2027 Delta State National Camp, establishes Diaspora Zone and Provost Department, and outlines major national and state appointments in a landmark address.
