Chief of Staff, 9 Brigade, TA Lagbaja Cantonment Col. Sheriff, Others Extol Col. Idowu’s Leadership, Dedication As Army, Royals, Family Celebrate His Promotion (+photos)

…Oba Olugbenle Celebrates His “Gallant Son”

…Osolo of Isolo Commends Idowu for Protecting His Community

…Family Expresses Gratitude to Nigerian Army

…I Have No Regrets Serving My Fatherland – Col. Idowu

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

IKEJA, LAGOS, NIGERIA: NOVEMBER 2, 2025 – The Chief of Staff, HQ 9 Brigade, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, Col. IB Sheriff, has described Col. AL Idowu as an intelligent, disciplined, and regimented officer he has known since their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

Col. Sheriff made this remarks during a special reception party held in honour of the newly promoted officer on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the 9 Brigade Officers Mess, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

He noted that he was not surprised by Col. Idowu’s promotion, saying it was a well-deserved recognition for his discipline, dedication, loyalty, and unblemished service to the nation.

Col. Sheriff prayed that Allah continues to guide and protect Col. Idowu, his family and all officers and men of the Nigerian Army in their service to the fatherland.

The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, the Asade Agunloye IV, also congratulated Col. Idowu on his elevation.

Speaking through one of his chiefs, Alhaji (Hon.) Chief Wasiu Olawunmi, the Oluomo of Ilaro-Yewa, Oba Olugbenle expressed joy that one of his sons was being recognized for his loyalty, dedication, and gallantry in service to the nation.

The monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, appreciated the Nigerian Army for recognizing excellence among its officers.

He offered royal blessings to Col. Idowu, his superiors, and all members of the Nigerian Army, praying that God continues to guide and protect them and their families.

Oba Olugbenle also thanked guests who travelled from far and near to celebrate with Col. Idowu, praying that they and their children would likewise be celebrated for good in life.

In his remarks at the event, the Osolo of Isolo, Lagos State, Oba Isa Abiodun Sekoni, praised Col. Idowu for his intervention in protecting his community from land-grabbers who had used soldiers to harass residents.

According to the monarch, Col. Idowu demonstrated professionalism by stopping the unlawful involvement of soldiers in land disputes, insisting that “the military has no role in civil land matters anywhere in the country.

“We are very grateful to the Nigerian Army and to Col. Idowu for reassuring us that the Army exists to protect Nigerians from both internal and external aggression”, the monarch said.

Oba Sekoni thanked the Army authorities for rewarding deserving officers, noting that such recognition served as motivation for others.

He prayed for divine blessings, guidance, and protection for Col. Idowu, his family, and all members of the Nigerian Army.

In her remarks, Mrs. Shekoni, wife of Commodore S.R. Shekoni  (rtd), who chaired the event, described Col. Idowu as her “humble and disciplined son.”

She recalled that since she met the young officer, he had consistently demonstrated the Yoruba Omoluabi virtues of humility, respect, and good character toward elders and everyone around him.

Mrs. Shekoni prayed that God would continue to elevate Col. Idowu to greater heights in his career and life.

Speaking on behalf of the Idowu Onigbami family of Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, Alhaji Sijuwade Idowu thanked God for His blessings upon Col  Idowu and other members of their clan.

He appreciated the Nigerian Army for supporting their son from his formative days at the Defence Academy, Kaduna.

He described Col. Idowu as one of the family’s most cherished children, upholding the good name and culture of the Idowu Onigbami lineage wherever he served.

Alhaji Idowu prayed that Allah grants Col. Idowu greater wisdom and knowledge to continue serving the nation, while also extending prayers of divine protection to all officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

Similarly, Mr. Jide Idowu, elder brother to the celebrant’s father, thanked God and all who came from far and near to rejoice with the family. He prayed that God blesses and protects them and their children.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ wives (NAOWA) at the event, Mrs. Rosemary Arikpo described Col. Idowu as a humble gentleman who treats everyone with respect.

She said his promotion was a well-deserved recognition of his loyalty, dedication, and impeccable service record.

Mrs. Arikpo prayed for God’s continued protection over Col. Idowu, his family, and all officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

In his appreciation speech, Col. A.L. Idowu expressed deep gratitude to God for His blessings throughout his life and military career.

He thanked the Nigerian Army for giving him the opportunity to serve and for recognizing his commitment through this promotion.

Col. Idowu reaffirmed his loyalty to the Army’s oath and values, pledging to continue serving with dedication and honour.

He also appreciated everyone who had supported him from his days at the Defence Academy till date, saying he had no regrets joining the Army and was proud to be a gallant soldier.

Col. Idowu thanked all who attended the celebration and apologized to those he could not reach personally.

The newly promoted officer later joined his wife and colleagues’ wives on the dance floor to the tune of “Joy Is Coming.”

The father of the celebrant, Alhaji (Otunba) Mukaila Adetunji Idowu, fondly called Akara, expressed immense joy over his son’s elevation to the rank of Colonel.

“Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah robil alamin”, he exclaimed, thanking the military authorities for the honour bestowed on his family through the promotion.

Otunba Idowu prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for his son and all members of the Nigerian Army and their families.

He also appreciated friends, relatives, and well-wishers who attended the prayer session held in honour of his son’s promotion.

Akara prayed that all parents would live to enjoy the fruits of their labour and that their children would find success in all their endeavours.

Earlier, the special prayer session was led by Baba Imam Toyyib Mustapha-Adewunmi, with support from Imam Taofeeq Adewunmi, who recited Ayatul Yasin from the Holy Qur’an, and Ustaz Quzeem Onimajesin.

The prayer session was beautifully anchored by Alhaji Luqmon Adewunmi.

The event was graced by top dignitaries, including senior Army officers, Police Commissioners, relations, and well-wishers.

Notable attendees included Oba Isa Sekoni, the Osolo of Isolo; Alhaji Sijuwade Idowu; Hon. Laolu Olabimtan, Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning; Mr. Jide Idowu; Cdre Sunkanmi Sekoni (rtd) – elder brother of the celebrant’s mother, and his wife; Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Olatunji Kalejaye, the Baba Adinni of Imo-Egba & Alaseye of Egbaland; Mrs. Faosyat Bolanle Idowu-Ademola and Hon. Babatunde Olaotan, SSA to the Ogun State Government on State House Affairs.

Others present were Hon. Abraham Ogunsola, Chairman, Yewa South Local Government; Mr. Kayode Salako, President, Recreation Club, Ilaro-Yewa; Dr. Biodun Oluseye, Rector, Gateway ICT  Polytechnic, Igbessa; Alhaji (Chief) Hon. Wasiu Olawunmi, the Oluomo of Ilaro-Yewa; Otunba Adeniyi Sanusi, PA to Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi; Mr. Samuel Oluwafolaju Bankole of Samron Clinic, Ilaro-Yewa; Apostle  Moses Ojugbele Erid’ogo and Mr. & Mrs. Oluwaseyi Babatunde Bankole, MD/CEO, Rich Life Properties.

Also at the event were Hon. Abraham Fayemi; Alhaji Olatunji; Hon. Sunday Olabimtan; Supol Femi Ogundimu; Mr. Femi Akintade and Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and a veteran journalist who also writes for StarTrend Int’l Magazine and online platform, among others.