₦airaland Forum

The newly promoted Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim has been conferred with the award of the Man of the Year due to his superlative performances in changing the face of the NYSC.



The award bestowed on him by the Centre for Social Justice Equity and Transparency, CESJET in Abuja is in recognition of his leadership roles in overcoming critical challenges in the country.

Shuaibu was eulogized for his interventions in the areas of Covid-19 emergency interventions and thinking outside the box towards fighting the pandemic in the country.

CESJET Executive Director, Isaac Ikpa in his address said in the course of the year, one agency stood tall in service delivery in Nigeria with credible innovations that positively impacted our collective resolve towards ensuring sustainable growth and development.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please us to announce that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was one government agency whose activities contributed immensely to the growth and development of critical sectors of the economy in the year 2021. This is in recognition of the numerous interventions to ease the strain on the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, whose impact was felt across the globe.

To this end, we wish to state that the leadership of the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, after a careful and detailed assessment of the leadership inputs of heads of agencies and parastatals, identified the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim is a man who braved the odds to reposition the NYSC to become a vital contributor to the country’s socio-economic development. The NYSC DG indeed displayed an unalloyed commitment to the Nigerian cause by ensuring timely and well-intended policies of the NYSC as an institution towards addressing the myriad of challenges confronting the country, especially in the area of skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development” he said

The Guest Speaker at the award, Professor Ahmed Danfulani who was the former Director General at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies said the NYSC has effectively flushed out fake graduates from participating in the Scheme.

This, he said was achieved, through rigorous screening and monitoring. There’s also been tremendous infrastructural development in the last one year.

“From the ongoing construction of ICT Centre at the Headquarters to the completion and equipping of Kaduna NYSC printing press, Brig-Gen Ibrahim has improved revenue generation. Funds generated have been plunged into the nation’s treasury, a proof that the NYSC, if properly administered, Nigeria is set to overcome some of its financial challenges. More fascinating is the success the Scheme achieved in other endeavours such as movie production, arts and culture, sports, among others.

“It is on the strength of the above and many more laudable interventions of the NYSC in the task of nation-building that the leadership of the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency confers on Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim the CESJET first-ever Man of the Year Award in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities in repositioning the NYSC for optimal performance in 2021” he added

A Public Affairs Analyst, Majeed Dahiru also in his presentation said the award is meant to commend Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim for standing tall in service to the country through credible leadership that has resonated wide and far in the country.

The CESJET Man of the Year award is being presented with a modest cash prize of N100, 000 to serve as a token of appreciation and encourage him to continue to render invaluable service to the country.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) refuted the corruption allegation levelled against the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Boss, declared that it is a mere defamation.

In a statement issued to pressmen by the Vice president of the Council, Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar in Abuja on the purported indictment of NIS leadership of corruption by one Nigeria Diaspora Alliance for Good Governance (NDAGG), the Vice President expressed his disappointment in the proliferation of fake Non-governmental organizations in Nigeria and their mischievous strategy of maligning Public office holders.

“In July 2021, a renowned international Researcher Mathew T. Page had reported the increasing rate of fake NGOs in Nigeria where he did a recognition guide to identify portfolio organizations and the individuals behind them, Oduma, the self-acclaimed National Coordinator of NDAGG is a prominent member of the circle”

Beyond that, the Vice President referred to the allegation against the current leadership of NIS as laughable because the service since the appointment of Mr Idris Jere as the acting Comptroller General of the Service has complied with the anti-corruption position of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the fight against passport issuance racketeers, when Mr Jere started flushing out the bad eggs, as in the case of the Passport Control Officer at the Ikoyi Passport office who was removed for extorting people.

“The Council is astonished with the level of positive transformation that the NIS has enjoyed since the appointment of Mr Idris Jere as the acting Comptroller General of the Service, before then NIS was a haven of passport issuance racketeers until Mr Jere started flushing out the bad eggs, as in the case of the Passport Control Officer at the Ikoyi Passport office who was removed for extorting people”

Furthermore, the Vice President expressed his displeasure on the activities of mischievous elements under the guise of some NGOs, especially as it affects the integrity of the institution that handles the production and distribution of one of the National identification documents to the world. Thus, Ambassador Akoshile asserted that a defamation of the leadership of the NIS is a defamation of the Service itself and the Council will ensure that the perpetuators who are obviously enemies of Nigeria would be fished out and prosecuted.

“We have identified an enemy of the state and we will stop at nothing to bring them to book. As enshrined in the Nigeria National Youth policy, the NYCN is the umbrella organization for all Youth organizations in the country, therefore it is within the mandate of the Council to monitor the activities of such organizations to ensure that claims are substantiated beyond reasonable doubts and ensure that the integrity of Nigeria is protected at all time”

However, the Vice President advised the blackmailers to desist from such action in the future to avoid merciless wrath of the law.

The Patriotic Nigerians Network (USA) has called on Nigerians to pray for Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

The group, in its Christmas message this evening, also urged citizens all over the world to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

According to a statement signed by its President, Solomon Itodo, now is the time for Nigerians to unite and seek the face of God.

He predicted that next year will be decisive politically ahead of the presidential election and the nation must pray for visionary leaders like Governor Bello to remain focused.

The Patriotic Nigerians Network added that the Kogi governor has all it takes to unite the nation and tackle insecurity as he has done in his state.

According to Itodo, persecution, temptation and blackmail lie ahead for Bello, hence Nigerians must rally around him not to succumb to.

According to the group, Bello is the perfect successor to President Muhammadu Buhari and must be protected spiritually against evil forces.

While calling on all Nigerians to continue to support the governor, the group urged Bello not to be intimated but to remain steadfast in delivering good governance to his people.

*2023: APC Youths warn those planning to truncate Gov-Buni led caretaker committee's roadmap for victory*

The All Progressives Congress Youth Development and Solidarity Vanguard have warned those it described as troublemakers and agents of destabilisation to quit their quest to jeopardise Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee's roadmap for the party.

The group also vowed to resist anyone who imports thugs and miscreants into Abuja from Lagos or Kano to stampede the committee from carrying out its duties to project the party for victory ahead of 2023.

The APC Youth, Development and Solidarity Vanguard gave this strong warning at a press conference today in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Secretary-General, Hon. Tobias Ogbeh, passed a vote of confidence on the Governor Buni-led committee, noting that it has already surpassed expectations.

According to Ogbeh, the committee has quelled the crisis in the party, united faithful and set the APC on the path for groundbreaking success in 2023.

He admitted, however, that despite these gains, some saboteurs have relentlessly tried to undermine the party under different guises, including launching judicial challenges to the legality of the committee.

Ogbeh said these saboteurs are people who pretend to be APC members at the national, state and even ward levels yet deployed different schemes to intimidate the committee.

But Ogbeh warned these saboteurs to desist from incurring the wrath of party men and women, who he said: " will not hesitate to activate the full weight of the law to curtail the illegalities they are perpetrating against the party".

The group also said anyone trying to force the committee to leave office when it has not finished its mandate of rejuvenating the party is either of the PDP pretending to be APC or saboteurs who want the party to lose future elections

It, however, urged the committee to rise above the distractions that are being placed in its path and forge ahead to consolidate the party.

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, the All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Vanguard (APC-YSV) has been closely following and monitoring development around our great party’s Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee and we are compelled to make our intervention.

We like to state categorically from the onset that we are 100% behind the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee. We believe in its ability to deliver on the assignment that our great party has entrusted to it, the being committee being populated by persons with high moral standing and unquestionable loyalty to the party and an evident commitment to its success.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is on record that the Caretake Committee under Governor Buni’s leadership has consistently lived up to expectation. Save for its nomenclature, it has delivered value to the party on a scale that challenges the performance of a full-fledged EXCO. Even more impressive is how it ensured that the crises that necessitated its constitution did not fester to become worse while assiduously working to unite the party and heal the tears of division that had hitherto threatened to undermine the internal cohesion of the APC.

Sadly, from the inception of the Committee, there have been an unrelenting war by enemies of the APC to undermine the body in the hope that they will sabotage the party by so doing. These saboteurs have packaged their attempts to undermine the party under different guises including launching judicial challenges to the legality of the Committee, questioning its composition, picking holes in its mandates, expressing doubts in its timelines, and dismissing the outcomes it will deliver even before it has properly started its work.

Interestingly, these saboteurs masquerade as stakeholders with germane concerns. These are people who pretend to be APC members at the national, state and even ward levels to be eligible to institute lawsuits in the hope of using same to hobble the Committee. Their intention is to use these suits to prepare the ground for making APC ineligible to field candidates in future elections. They are the ones hoping to prevent the committee from doing its work.

The saboteurs even pretend to be analysts to float all manners of perverted conspiracy theories in the mainstream and social media, all in efforts to distract the APC Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee and derail it from delivering on its mandates. Even more laughable is the presentation of these saboteurs as support groups, geo-political and state groups, and even pressure groups of our great party. What stands these frauds out is their singular commitment to destroying the work the Committee working to reposition the party.

It is interesting to note that those posturing as party members, analysts and members of youth support groups are operatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who hold the childish notion that they are suitably placed to destroy the APC from inside having operated as PDP’s sleeper agents within our great party for some time. In addition to being operatives and agents of the PDP, some of these individuals are anarchists, whose murderous and destructive intentions spill beyond destroying the APC to include the destruction of Nigeria as a nation.

These latter sets of saboteurs are the ones that have been importing thugs into the National Headquarters of our party, ostensibly to intimidate and stampede the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Committee. The manner of characters they import to the National HQ under the guise of being affiliated to the APC is so appalling bearing in mind that our great party is too refined and polished to have such characters as members. Their very appearance contradicts the finesse and intellectual drive for which our party is known.

Even worse is their mission, which centres around attempting to coerce the Committee into altering the roadmap it has drawn and is implementing for stabilizing and growing the party. Their warped belief is that the APC will die once they can railroad the Caretake Committee into progressing in error by stampeding it.

The All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Vanguard therefore categorically warns all these saboteurs to desist from incurring the wrath of party men and women, who will not hesitate to activate the full weight of the law to curtail the illegalities they are perpetrating against the party.

We categorically warn those behind this illegality that any attempt by import thugs from Lagos or Kano or any other part of the country into the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja will be met with stiff opposition by progresive youths of the party. We will impose the needed democratic lessons and discipline on them so that they will appreciate the place of decorum and respect for processes.

Our Vanguard want everyone to note that no one is in doubt as to the primacy of the Caretaker Committee at this critical juncture of our party’s history and evolution. Any attempt to iintimidate coerce or sponsor paid agents to force the hand of the caretaker committee will be met with stiff resistance from those of us with the genuine interest of the party at heart. The saboteurs should stay warned.

We charge the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee to rise above the distractions that are being placed in its path as it forges ahead to consolidate our great party. It should implement urgent measures to keep the National Headquarters free of all manners of imported thugs for it to have time to complete the assignment that it has so far executed flawlessly. We make bold to say that history will reckon with the great service the committee has rendered through its steadfastness.

*2021 ANNUAL SUPER MEGA EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME: HON. FALEKE ROLLS OUT GRAND MEGA EMPOWERMENT TO CONSTITUENTS, GIVES 100 MINI-BUSES, 30 TRICYCLES TO YOUTHS IN IKEJA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY*

Ikeja Federal constituency witnessed another super mega empowerment as Member representating Ikeja Federal constituency, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke empowers youths, and women in Ikeja Federal constituency with viable economic sustainability tools. The annual mega empowerment programme was held on Tuesday 28 December, 2021 at the Open field of Police College, GRA, Ikeja.

Constituents were empowered with various economic and business tools which are; Sewing machines, deep freezers, power generators, industrial sewing machines, hair driers, mechanical tools, vulcanising machines, hair barbing tools, tricycles, wheel chairs for the disabled ones, and related economic tools.

However, the apex part of the super mega empowerment programme was the distribution of 100 mini-buses (KOROPE) and 30 tricycles to constituents,mostly who are youths of Ikeja, Ojodu and Onigbongbo combined. This is believed to reduce massive unemployment facing youths not only in Ikeja, but across the country.

Speaking at the event, the number one APC member in Lagos State, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, State Chairman, APC Lagos State, addressed all beneficiaries in making good use of what they have gotten. Speaking further, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi appreciates Hon. Faleke for projecting the good image of our party, APC. According to him, Hon. Faleke is significantly delivering on the mandate of APC as championed Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (JAGABAN BORGU), APC National Leader.

"You have been among the few elected politicians giving hope to people and electorates about our party APC. You are delivering on the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari on lifting as many Nigerians as possible out of poverty. This is exactly what Hon. Faleke has done, and is still doing" - Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi said.

"I want to admonish our Leaders, most especially at the ward level to ensure that many electorates benefits.
We should allow majority of all to feel the impacts of these laudable empowerment programmes as sponsored by Hon. Faleke" - Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi posited.

In his own address, Hon. Faleke specially appreciates Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving him platform to serve his people right from the local government level till the present level at the Federal. "Asiwaju has done so many great things, and has raised quite a number of Leaders in Nigeria even at the Federal level. This is why I will do everything at all cost to ensure Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu becomes Nigeria's next president come 2023. This will be achieved irrespective of whether direct or indirect primaries will be adopted" - Hon. Faleke said.

"I want you all to know that we did empowerment programmes for our people in Ikeja Federal constituency all-year round from January till December across various spectrum. Up till date 7,192 constituents have been empowered this year alone, and much more will be done in 2022 by God's grace" - Hon. Faleke said. I appreciate our Leaders and party faithfuls here present and also congratulates all beneficiaries" - Hon. Faleke noted.

The event was well attended by party leaders, stakeholders, members and other party loyalists of All Progressives Congress (APC) notably amongst whom are the State Chairman of APC, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi; APC state Publicity Secretary, Hon Seye Oladejo; APC state Assistant legal Adviser, Barrister (Mrs) Ladigbolu Adebola; Hon Adedamola Kasumu (Ikeja 2, LSHA); Hon Folajimi Lai Mohammed (Ikeja 1,LSHA); Chief Mathew Adesanya (Party Leader, Ojodu LCDA); Mayor Alani Okikioposu (Party Leader/1st Executive Chairman, Ikeja LG); Alhaji Dally Adeokun, Chairman, APC Ikeja LGA; Alh Kehinde Onifade, Chairman, APC caretaker committee, Onigbongbo LCDA; Comrade Kayode Ajakaiye, Chairman, APC caretaker Committee, Ojodu LCDA; and several others including the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ikeja Federal Constituency Chapter, who also used the occasion to present an award of Excellence to Hon Faleke in recognition of his quality representation and service to humanity.

JAF MEDIA©
December 2021

NEXT CASH N CARRY FIRE INCIDENT: FCT YOUTH RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Commends YOUTH FOR RESCUE EFFORT


The FCT Resident Youth Association extends its best wishes to the owners, management, staff, vendors, customers and others affected by the unfortunate fire incident at the Next Cash N Carry mall, in Jabi. Like all well-meaning Nigerians and residents of the FCT,

Speaking after an on the site inspection of the level of damage and speaking with some Youths who were hitherto working at the Mall; the President of the ARYA Amb. Akoshile Mukhtar noted that the organization is concerned by the many that will be affected directly or indirectly by this crisis of gargantuan proportions in ways that may not be immediately quantifiable.
While we await the outcome of the official inquiry into the immediate and remote causes of the incident, as directed by the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, we equally urge speedy conclusion of the process and implementation of recommendations therefrom to prevent such scale of damage happening in the FCT again. We urge to FCT Leadership to engage with the management of Next Cash N Carry to help ameliorate the effects on the many youth who are employees and vendors of the company.

We commend the many youth who went to the scene of the incident and helped rescue goods from the store and secured same on behalf of the owners of the store. The spirit shown by these youth is a source of hope that indeed the average Nigerian youth is inherently good, and if given the right opportunities aren’t as destructive as they are made to look. According the Mukhtar " FCT Youth have always shown exemplary qualities whenever its required"
The spirit shown by these gallant Nigerians reflects the true values of our society that politicians and the international media ought to project about Nigeria and Nigerians. We further urge the security agencies to mobilize to the area to prevent loss of lives or valuables and prevent breakdown of law and order in any shape or form.

By David Onmeje

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum is a leader of immense courage and an achiever of monumental proportions. His two years in the saddle as Governor of Borno state has proved beyond doubts, his competence and unwavering determination to offer exemplary leadership.

Gov. Zulum has redefined the face of leadership; he is tackling Boko Haram terrorism and development challenges simultaneously. While celebrating his second year in office last May, the Governor unveiled over 570 capital projects spanning different sectors of the state. Nigerians and the people of Borno particularly, were pleasantly shocked. In the midst of bile insurgency, Gov. Zulum performed these wonders and the flair keeps gathering momentum everyday.

Borno state has become a huge construction site. But in every community, there must be haters and lovers; adversaries and enemies. The enemies of Borno are on the prowl again. These are those who hate the progress Gov. Zulum has birthed in the state; they are the veiled forces enabling terrorism in Borno, who loathe to see that insurgency has been defeated in the state; peace and progress has berthed.

A few days ago, President Muhammadu Buhari was again in Borno State, epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency to commission projects executed by Gov. Zulum.
Buhari was in the same state in June this year, when he also commissioned a whole lot of completed projects across the state.

But President Buhari bruised the ego of the adversaries of Zulum and enemies of the state. They were displeased that Mr. President was amplifying the success story of the Governor with a repeat visit in December 2021. So, they exploded bombs around the airport vicinity to dissuade President Buhari from visiting the state and the troops at the frontlines.

Therefore, the enemies of Borno wanted President Buhari to confront bloodshed, rather than projects executed by Gov. Zulum. But the evil machinations failed woefully. Firstly, the detonated bombs never discouraged Mr. President from Borno state and most notably, the President saw and commissioned worthy and masses-oriented projects executed by a Governor generally acclaimed in Nigeria today as a development freak.

Therefore, whilst Boko Haram terrorists wanted Mr. President to see blood, Zulum’s efforts were overwhelming and overshadowed the faint presence of insurgents and so, President Buhari could only see the projects.

And in the second visit to Borno, President Buhari commissioned the elegant Muhammadu Indimi Centre for Distance Learning and an International Conference Centre, built at the University of Maiduguri by Gov. Zulum. There were other completed projects such as the Borno’s first flyover with upper and lower lanes, located at the old Customs roundabout; the 10-kilometer dualized Maiduguri-Muna road, a new Mega Secondary School in Kushari in Maiduguri.

Mr. President could not conceal his excitement, fondly expressed in the deep appreciation of Gov. Zulum for his commitment cooperation with the Federal Government in multiple spheres. This has evidently brought great developmental strides for the overall good of the people of Borno State.

Pleasantly, Gov. Zulum has sustained his quintessential best in performance. Unlike most of his fellow governors, the man has refused to be swayed by excuses, by excellently delivering on his mandate.

The Governor has done many projects across the length and breadth of the state. These projects are verifiable and physical for even the blind to see, touch and feel their presence. The people of Borno reverently proclaim Gov. Zulum’s name anywhere they find themselves as attestation of his good leadership. Its impossible to count Gov. Zulum's projects in a jiffy. His presence is felt overwhelmingly, in health, education, agric sectors, much as in any other sector.

As the chief security officer of the state, Gov. Zulum has prioritized security, bearing in mind that it is the fundamental duty of any government to ensure the safety of all its citizens. He is always in constant touch with the military heads involved in the fight against insurgents, as well as with thousands of volunteers from the civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes.

In addition to increased monthly allowances to members of the Civilian JTF, the Governor has always ensured that there are more patrol vehicles and other logistics needed in the fight against Boko Haram and other criminals in the state. He risks his life to ensure his people are secured and almost paid the supreme, when Boko Haram ambushed his convoy twice.

Impressively too, Gov. Zulum has committedly tackled the housing deficits of the people exercebated by Boko Haram destructions. The Zulum-led administration has constructed and completed many rural and urban houses for the people of the state, including those for the University community. There are low-cost re-settlement houses at Ajiri, Kawuri Township, Monguno; Guru-Soye; Kawuri village; Auno and Gamdu etc.

At a time when state governors are crying for lack of funds, Governor Zulum would have also chosen to resign to fate and sit back to moan and groan over “paucity of funds”. But Gov. Zulum is remarkably different! He has chosen to make a difference in the lives of his subjects and to add value to them.

Notably again, Gov. Zulum has always shown that he is a Governor for all. He does not differentiate between Christians and Muslims. This is why he decided to offset the transport fares for residents of the state, who were travelling to the South West, South East and other parts of the country for the yuletide. He considered their plight and intervened. Even though, he is a Muslim, he showed an example of what the Christmas season entails-love and sacrifice.

Therefore, Gov. Zulum came on the throne of Borno, he saw the mortley of problems and conquered them. No wonder, President Buhari has never been hesitant to visit the state, knowing it won’t be a waste of time after all. With Gov. Zulum on board, there are always projects to commission!


Onmeje is the author of the book, ‘The Man Kyari’ and wrote this piece from Abuja.

Mr. Uche Nwosu, a son-in-law to former Imo State, Governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha has been whisked away by security agents on the instruction of Imo State government.

Nwosu, who recently buried his mother was gubernatorial candidate of Action Alliance in 2019 election.

Uche Nwosu was in the Church for the outing service of his mother who was buried during the week

He was said to have been forcefully taken away on Sunday at the St.Peters Anglican Church, Nkwere during church service.

The security agents who were in military camouflage were said to have put him in a car booth after scaring people away with bullets.

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre ( SHAC) has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, over the release of the female soldier detained for accepting the proposal of a corps member at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Joyce Ogwu, the Centre said it is excited by the release of the soldier, noting that the COAS has proven to be a listening leader with the interest of his troops and nation at heart.

Hannah Sofiat had earlier been detained for violating military rules and regulations by getting involved in a public display of “amorous relationship” with a paramilitary trainee – a corps member.

Having swore an oath under the Armed Forces Act, it was expected that the female soldier would be aware of such as an act of indiscipline, negligence of duty and others capable of dragging the image of the Nigerian Army in the mud.

No wonder the SHAC refused to join the bandwagon condemning the military in the first instance.

But out of his magnanimity, the COAS instructed her release in the spirit of the Christmas celebration following interventions by well spirited individuals.

Welcoming the release, the Centre said the COAS has again displayed his vision for a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of the country.

She said by this action, the Army has proven to be an institution guided by principles which must be followed to the latter.

"We must agree that the Nigerian Army is peopled by highly disciplined personnel and its hierarchy must do things within the law to maintain discipline and professionalism within its set up," Ogwu said.

She added that the Army has become synonymous for its excellent civil-military relation which has again come to the fore.

SHAC Executive Director, therefore, appreciated the Army, further cautioning everyone to respect constituted authorities and not to be carried away by emotions especially on sensitive national assignments.

By Yakubu Lamai

On July 30, 2019 at the Tony Elumelu Forum, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo remarked that: No matter how young or old we might be, our lives are essentially stories that are being written and revised every day and on the occasion of the Vice Presidents 63rd birthday, Engr Sule described Osinbajo as a dutiful man who is honor-bound and for whom piety is a way of life

Indeed the stories of life range from what we are born into, to what our reality is and to what our life can become, and to Engr Abdullahi A. Sule, he understands that for a political leader to be ascribed as being dutiful, he has to perform the tasks expected or required of him by his people with a sense of complete loyalty and implicit dedication so as to secure for himself a permanent place on the sands of time!

Today as Engr Abdullahi Sule clocks 62 years old, there are many critical lessons to learn about his life. According to JACK WELCH: Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others! This attribute of GROWING OTHER PEOPLE is what defines the politics and leadership style of Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule in Nasarawa.

To him, being a Governor is not about himself or his relatives and political cronies; leadership to Abdullahi Sule is about the people he serves and others he comes across and builds in this brief journey of life. That is why Engr A.A. Sule is making governance in Nasarawa State more responsive, more people centered, more human capital focused, more compassionate and more inclusive.

On Saturday 15th JULY, 2019, about six weeks after he became Governor; Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule was invited to discuss the ALMAJIRI PHENOMENON on NTA (Nigeria Television Authority) during the 9pm WEEKEND FILE.

Engineer Sule was shockingly blunt and condemned the situation where parents mostly from northern Nigeria, will give birth to numerous children and send them far away from home to live them under the care of Islamic teachers. He was not evasive, diplomatic or politically correct. Engineer Sule simply spoke from his heart and stated with resounding clarity that the concept of Almajiri is a noble idea where young boys are sent off as scholars to go and seek Islamic knowledge in distant lands and experience the vagaries of life along the way, thereby being tempered by the vicissitudes of lifes challenges and learning as they grow to be compassionate, broad minded and accepting of all humanity.

However after hundreds of years, the noble Almajiri scholarly system has been bastardized to the extent that the current form has condemned millions of children to a live of penury, or even worst, of crime, especially with extremists religious groups waiting to conscript them when they are left hapless, vulnerable and prone to diseases as they beg on the streets.

Engr Abdullahi A. Sule thereafter signed the Nasarawa State Child Protection Law of 2019 which provides for the safety, security, wellbeing, care, good health and education of a child,” after 14 years since the Executive Order for the Protection of Children was enacted in 2005.

History has it that private sector practitioners like Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule who was the immediate past Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar, often come into public service with a history of experience in corporate governance and a culture of discipline. What is usually left to be seen is whether they can successfully transmit and infuse corporate culture into political governance
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Taking his place as the 4th democratically elected governor of Nasarawa State, Engr A. A. Sule coined the mantra of his administration to be: EXCEEDING ALL EXPECTATIONS which he said was not just a slogan, but a prayer!

In his words; I entered politics to serve and to make an impact in the lives of the people of Nasarawa State! For indeed if politics was a religion and Abdullahi Sule was its prophet, he will stand out as an apostle of open government and one who believes that citizens have the right to access the documents, processes and proceedings of government, so as to allow for greater transparency, accountability and effective public oversight.

To most political leaders, the terms accountability, and transparency are mere political slogans or empty catchphrases used in campaigns to entice the electorate. Engr A.A. Sule on the other hand is a straight arrow who is upright, resolute and a worthy example of probity and fiscal discipline, and one who easily rises over and above the banality and fickle materiality of “chop I chop politics!

Sule has shown strong political will and sincerity of purpose by assenting to the Nasarawa State Public Procurement Law of 2020 as a direct by-product of good governance, and for establishing the Nasarawa State Bureau of Public Procurement to serve as an integrity-centered mechanism which will manage public supplies and institute an accountable process of public procurement, so as to ensure value for money

It is now over two years and by dint of his humane, humble and God fearing value-set, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule adequately qualifies to be called a SERVANT LEADER i.e. one who leads by serving others

Many years ago, the great American Icon and hero of the working class, Walter Reuther who as president of the United Automobile Workers Union (UAW) grew the union to more than 1.5 million members was reputed to have said: There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men and there is no greater contribution than to help the weak!

The Nobel Prize Winner in Literature George Bernard Shaw who lived to be 94 years old also reiterated that one person can make a difference in the life of a community and move an entire people forward, when the main goal of the leader is to serve. This is what George Bernard Shaw meant when he said: one man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven't and don't!


Sule came into office as Governor of Nasarawa State holding a document in his left hand called NEDS: Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy which encapsulated his vision and economic blueprint and on his right hand, he held firmly to a sincere fear of God and a deep abiding love for Nasarawa State.

In only a few months of stewardship, the people of Nasarawa State began to see and hear how Governor Sule will quote verses from the Bible and recite the glorious Quran at public functions, where he reminded citizens that he is well aware that someday he will stand before the Almighty Allah and account for his leadership. Sule was so brazen at the National Quranic Recitation of 2019 which held in Lafia to declare that no governor has any reason to steal given the surplus legitimate benefits which come with being a governor!

The fact remains no other political leader in Nigeria of recent memory has repeatedly said how he is keenly aware and conscious that God will be the ultimate judge of his actions as a Governor.

In May 2019, when he became Governor, Abdullahi Sule assumed office with a fervent desire to foster Business Competitiveness in Nasarawa State. He wanted to unlock the constraints which had hitherto held back investors from finding Nasarawa State attractive for business. He began to establish new regulatory and institutional frameworks that will enable productive local and foreign firms to invest and grow, both domestically and internationally. Today Nasarawa State is not only the most investor efficient state, but also the most investor friendly state in Nigeria

For years, people have seen Nasarawa as a poor semi-rural state of peasant farmers. Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule has been working tirelessly in the last 30 months to move Nasarawa from the backwaters of poverty to the forefront of economic prosperity which is rapidly manifesting in the Karu Mega Bus Terminal Sule is building, the Farin Ruwa Waterfalls which he is developing to boost tourism, filmmaking and power generation; the 13,000 hectares of Industrial Mega City located on the fringe of the FCT around Karu-Gurku-Kabusu, as well as the towering presence of Agro-allied giants in Nasarawa State like Dangote Sugar, Azman Rice, Flour Mills and Olams mega farms as well as a swath of technology hubs and world class universities fit for a great place that is people-friendly, affordable and inclusive.

Indeed and without doubt His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule has instilled pride and value to his people, as Nasarawa State is increasingly getting recognized not just as being Open For Business, but also as a secure center for peace building and diplomacy, as well as a national capital for culture, arts and entertainment.

It is said that it is when a leader caters to the needs of his followers the way Engr Abdullahi A. Sule is doing that he becomes GREAT in their sight. For as Mahatma Gandhi once asserted: “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men!

Engr Abdullahi A. Sule is a recipient of the Zik Prize for Leadership and just like the revered Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Engr Sule also exemplifies political will! The Great Zik of Africa had the intellectual resonance to be futuristic and he stood for equity and social justice. Engineer A. A. Sule governs with the fear of God in his heart, which is why Arewa House, the center for research and historical documentation, affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, also recognized Engr Abdullahi Sule as The face of Integrity”

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Samuel Salami, stated that Arewa House chose Engineer Sule as The face of Integrity” because of his striking resemblance in character to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is generally perceived to be a man of integrity.

In the words of Dr. Salami, the rarity of gold, makes it precious and Arewa House has found you worthy to be called The Face of Integrity because you are not only rare, but also precious to Nigeria! In his response, Engineer Sule promised to continue to live with the fear of God because in his words: Once you have the fear of God, you will be like President Muhammadu Buhari!

In life, we all know that no human being has a crystal ball to look into and know the exact time or place, he or she will be born; or if he or she will live to become a governor and no one knows when the curtains will fall on our lives, but even as we celebrate birthdays, we must recall the famous prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi entitled; The Canticle of the Sun, where he said: Every person whom death finds doing Gods will is blessed!

The name ABDULLAHI in Islam means Servant of ALLAH and it is clear to friends and foe alike that Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule is sincere in doing Gods work as Governor of Nasarawa State. That is what gives men of goodwill within and outside the state the reason and deep joy to say Happy 62nd Birthday Your Excellency!

Yakubu Lamai is Director General: Strategic Communication & Events Management to H.E. Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has named the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, as its Man of the Year.

Making the announcement on Friday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Centre, Comrade Isaac Ikpa, said the NYSC DG was carefully selected after an online poll that featured four other prominent Nigerians.

Ikpa noted that Brig Gen Ibrahim garnered the highest number of votes ahead of the likes of Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank; Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the immediate past Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Dr Adedeji Adeleke, founder of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

According to Ikpa, the NYSC boss was the obvious choice owing to his trail blazing efforts in tackling unemployment through massive youth empowerment.

Ikpa said the NYSC Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) prgramme has been rejuvenated under Ibrahim, empowering hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians for self-reliance.

Ikpa recalled that about 75 per cent of graduates willing to work couldn't find gainful employment, leading to a surge in crime.

Highlighting data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Ikpa said the country's unemployment rate was at a point about 30 per cent while the youth underemployment rate stood at 21 per cent.

He said there was a need for drastic action by the government to check the tide.

The Centre said that with the NYSC's SAED initiative, many young Nigerians are independent after embracing entrepreneurship.

According to Ikpa, the other nominees also made impacts in several aspects but the NYSC overwhelmingly touched a critical aspect of the nation.

He noted that thousands of graduates have gone on to become full-scale entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

"Brig-Gen Ibrahim has succeeded in steering the mindset of our youths away from the mirage of white-collar jobs to that of entrepreneurial engagement," Ikpa said.

"It is on record that this initiative has witnessed massive gains in recent times, thanks to the support of partners such as the Bank of Industry, Access Bank, Unity Bank, Leventis Foundation Nigeria and others too numerous to mention".

The Centre also acknowledged the efforts of the NYSC DG in flushing out fake graduates, revenue generation and infrastructural face-lift.

"Nigerians haven't hurriedly forgotten other exceptional reforms introduced, such as the radical approach that has flushed out fake graduates from the Scheme. Nowadays, only eligible Nigerians are mobilised for service unlike in the past where the exercise was compromised with quacks, called up for nationalservice." Ikpa added.

"There's also another which has enhanced revenue for the nation. Nigerians pretty much still recall the role of the NYSC during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, when health workers abandoned their duties. Above all though, the Scheme is witnessing a nationwide infrastructural face-lift and enjoying widespread acceptance for innovations such as movie production, public enlightenment and social engagement".
" The Director General equally facilitated the enrolment of Corps members into the National Health Insurance Scheme thereby improving the general welfare of Corps members and building their confidence to put in their best while on national service."

While congratulating the NYSC boss, Ikpa urged him to sustain the momentum until every Nigerian graduate would become an entrepreneur.

The Nigerian Youth Parliament has felicitated with Nigerian youths across the country, urging them to use the occasion of the Christmas celebration to reflect and refine their thinking to focus on national unity and national development.
In a Christmas message signed by the speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Dr Yishawu Azeezat, restated the parliament’s commitment to drive genuine issues towards youth development, adding that despite the many challenges facing Nigeria today, the country would come out better.
The Speaker used the occasion to appreciate Nigerian youths for the confidence reposed in her to serve as leader of the fifth session of the parliament, which is modelled after the Nigerian senate.
Speaker Azeezat in the message thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for being attuned to the welfare and capacity development needs of the youth which has reflected in novel policies and programmes including the 75billion Naira Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
“I thank the Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports Mr. Sunday Dare for his thoroughness and putting the youth on the agenda of National discourse, which led to the creation of a special funding window for youth for the first time in the history of Nigeria. I commend the Minister for bringing sanity to youth organizations in Nigeria giving room for genuine youth voices to emerge.”
The speaker promised to unveil the legislative agenda of the fifth session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament and called for input of all stakeholders in ensuring that the parliament achieves its mandate and helps in building a new crop of National leaders.

Christmas: Former Senate President Ebute berates Northern Governors allegedly fuelling insecurity in the country



Third Republic Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute, has alleged that some serving northern governors are festering insecurity in the region and across the nation.

Th elder statesman lamented that these governors and supposed leaders act as patriots during the day but are bandits and terrorists at night.

Senator Ebute made this strong allegation in his Christmas message today titled 'The gathering storm must not consume US'.

According to him, the Christmas provides an opportunity for everyone not only to demonstrate love towards their families but to other fellow citizens irrespective of religion or ethnic affiliations.

While calling for caution, Senator Ebute urged stakeholders to make peace building a reality in 2022 and not engage in acts that are capable of destroying the nation.

Read full statement below:

Quite honestly, Nigerians, i am worried! And every patriotic Nigerian should also be nervous at the sustained insecurities in parts of the country which further threatens the prosperity and future of Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has uncompromisingly done so much to secure the lives and property of Nigerians since the inception of his administration in 2015.

President Buhari has invested so much of public resources in the Nigerian Military in refresher trainings and re-stocking of armories for the Army, Airforce, Navy and other supportive security agencies in the country in the last six years in a genuine efforts to boost the morale of our military and paramilitary agencies and to create a leverage over the miscreants that threatens our very existence.

There are glaring signs that President Buhari has taken issues of insecurities in the country, more committedly and seriously than his predecessors, who also gave their hearts to it. Under Buhari, we can sense a forced break of terrorists of whatever configuration from invading Abuja, and other major cities in Northern Nigeria, as it burdened us before 2015

However, dear compatriots, my heart is not at peace. And I believe, a lot of us are suffering same internal burns when we see our comfort sacrificed in our homes, offices and federal highways, organized and conspiratorial violation of roads by armed gangs, who have deliberately seized our freedoms on the farms, markets, motor parks, roads or shopping malls.

Our mothers, wives and children are kidnapped and raped in the most inhuman manner. I keep wailing every day. Nowhere in Nigeria today is safe for anyone! Our villages are assailed and communities deserted by the force of armed gangs sponsored by desperate politicians’ and power-seekers. The seriousness of the dilemma on our hands today shows how distant some people who gulp wines in secured places and laugh over it are from the realities.

Very sadly Nigerians, during the 2019 electioneering campaigns when Nigeria’s PDP presidential candidate, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the “Turakin Adamawa” sought to wrestle power from incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, he threatened fire. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar threatened Nigerians that if they fail to vote him as President of Nigeria, herdsmen killings and other bloodsheds would never end in the country.

Whether the statement was a campaign slogan or fluke, Nigeria has known no peace since President Buhari defeated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the free, fair and transparent election of election of 2019. It was an election, globally applauded by even Foreign Election Observer Missions in Nigeria, with Britain lauding Nigeria’s proximity to a perfect democracy and leadership recruitment.

Nigerians, I am now disgusted. If Atiku Abubakar were my divinator, I would have celebrated and visited him with a Sallah gift for the truism of his predictions. Nigeria now knows no peace from Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Northcentral. We are goaded to shed blood so aimlessly. Human lives are now of little or no values to many Nigerians.

My parents gave birth to me, nurtured and honed me under a peaceful Nigeria. Today as adults and elder statesmen of our beloved country, the legacy of mindlessly orchestrated and consuming insecurities is the treasure we are now supervising to bequeath to our children and generations of posterity for the sake of lust for power?

My heart is weighed in sorrows! That I look behind the scenes and discover that even some serving Northern Governors are the forces backing festering insecurities in the region. What do we intend to gain from this ferocious wickedness of bloodletting of compatriots? Why are some Governors acting scripts of patriots during the day, but wear the dangerous mask of bandits at nights? If our leaders turn to betray us in bloodshed, we should be worried as a nation.

I have stopped buying national daily newspapers or watching TV stations for news. And the reason is that once you submit to these home media, 80% of the news contents are about violence and killings in Nigeria. Even Somalia, Sudan, Syria and even Middle East countries are not so afflicted. Recent media reports have raised a lot of dusts on plots by some Northern Governors to destabilize the country.

Initially, it sounded like a joke or journalists flair for news scooping, until I bent down to decode what is happening to us in dark places. My phobia was sealed with intelligence reports fingering some Northern Governors as planning to destabilize the country, with the weapons of terrorists, bandits and herdsmen mercenary killers for the sake of national power.

It is the vested political interests of these partisan actors to discredit President Buhari that has further escalated insecurities around parts of the Northeast, notably Adamawa and Bauchi states which have become the new havens of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. I know, these political saboteurs’ have vowed that Buhari would not earn any credit on security in Nigeria. So, the fire is pushed beyond reasonable limits, far outstretching the Nigerian Military.

We are dumbfounded and shocked to the marrow that Sokoto state, in the Northwest and the revered seat of the Caliphate is now brazenly violated by religious fanatics because of the Presidential ambitions and leadership quests of a few individuals. This perfidious path will not reward anyone of us!

I whine unto Nigerians in pleadings and I wail to the International Community. Nigerians and the rest of the world must now wake up to the realities of what is happening to us in the country. Let’s task our religious conscience. It’s now time for us to collectively cry out for the world to know that our troubles in the country are the creation of few individuals who want to destabilize the nation in active alliance with some foreign traitors or turncoats.

As an elder myself, I hate belittling any elderly person, much more, someone such as ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Quite unfortunately, Chief Obasanjo has been parroting lately like someone who has never governed this country. His malice against President Buhari is deep-seated. Whilst i would not want to mix-up issues of national security with Obasanjo, he must be reminded that ex-leaders of Nigeria restrain from his public noisiness on security matters.

Ex-President Obasanjo has over-coated himself in partisan politics in his voyage of attempts to address security issues affecting the country from a mindset. That Obasanjo referred to President Buhari on security in Nigeria in his recent outing as “beating a dead horse to wake up” is obviously to avoid the core issues, but to play to the gallery.

Chief Obasanjo, my leader, if today Nigeria is grappling with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, banditry, herdsmen atrocities, Niger Delta militancy, Southeast’s violent campaigns for a sovereign state, this venerated stateman planted these seeds and nourished them to flourish as the democratic President of Nigeria for eight years.

Nigerians, why must it be the same Obasanjo, blaming President Buhari today, our patriotic leader who is trying to uproot the entrenched roots of terrorism violence, kidnappings and bloodshed in parts of the country? Did Obasanjo plan for his successors to fail in order to laugh at them?

Chief Obasanjo is very dishonest with himself. Therefore, I pick no quarrel with him. But let him learn to carve a niche for himself like other former leaders of Nigeria, such as Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and until his death recently, former President Shehu Shagari, where dignity and sense of patriotism befitting of his former office applies to his actions and inactions.

I thank every Nigerian who has spared time in this busy season to read and reason with the rest of us. Its time for armistice for peace to reign in Nigeria and it is now!. Again, seasonal greetings to everyone!

Tinubu Support Group (TSG) has congratulates Christian community and all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

In a release signed by Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Oluwatosin Johnson said the essence of the celebration is the radiation of love, joy, happiness and peace amongst ourselves as Jesus Christ symbolises love, joy, happiness and peace.

While congratulating the Christians community as they celebrate this Christmas, the group enjoined them all to eshrew bitterness, love each other, live in accordance to the Christiandom and celebrate in peace.

“Whilst celebrating the yuletide season, we appeal to everyone to remember our elected leaders at all levels in our Prayers to have divine support in order to lead us out of the challenges we face as a nation"

The statement appealed to everyone to celebrate with moderation and be security conscious as they go about marking the birth of Christ.

“we urge us to use the occasion of Christmas to put smiles on the faces of the poor and vulnerable in our midst. The times are indeed very hard. But we must draw from our reservoir of kindness to take care of those less endowed. As leaders, we must continue to improve on implementing peoples friendly policies at all levels. .”the statement added.

The Muslim Rights and Peace Assembly (MRPA) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for fishing out Rev Yakubu Pam to head the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).

According to a statement signed by its President, Ismail Musa Abu, Rev Pam has proven to be a peacemaker and destrabalised Nigerian loved by all, the reason for yet another accolade as 'Icon of Peaceful Co-Existence'.

The NCPC boss who was conferred with the awrd by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bade (rtd), was among distinguished Nigerians celebrated at TheNigerian News' fifth anniversary.

Others included Governors of Kogi, Bauchi and Nasarawa States, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Chief of Army Staff, Amb. Tukur Buratai among others.

According to TheNigerian News, the award was in recognition of Rev Pam's role in fostering national unity, peace and progress.

Congratulating Rev Pam, the group said President Buhari must take the credit for the choice of the respected cleric to lead the sensitive agency.

Musa noted that at this critical time in the country's existence, the NCPC boss has continued to use his office to preach unity, peace and tolerance.

He said Rev Pam embodies a destabilised Nigerian loved across religious and ethnic lines.

The Muslim group added that Pam actions have helped to douse the tension and suspicion amongst Christians and Muslims in the country.

According to Musa, with more of Rev Pam in the country, Nigeria will become a better place.

He, however, urged other public servants to emulate the NCPC boss to preach peace and unity at all times.

Centre commends NSCDC boss on TheNigerian News' award as Security Icon of the Year

The Centre for Human Rights and Rule of Law in Africa has commended the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, for emerging 'Security Icon of the Year'.

Dr Audi was among distinguished Nigerians recognised by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News at its fifth anniversary on Thursday in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed as well as former Chief of Army Staff, now Ambassador to Benin Republic, Ambassador Tukur Buratai also received honours at the event.

Congratulating the CG, the Centre said since coming on board, Audi has embarked on various structural and institutional reforms in the paramilitary agency, making its operations more effective and highly efficient.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Colins Omita, on Friday, the Centre noted that "the high-point of his strategic reform was repositioning the NSCDC to stepping into the gap in our quest for a better secured Nigeria".

It added that, " a gap necessitated by the overstretched security formations across the country. The successes witnessed by the NSCDC in partnering with other relevant security agencies to relentlessly repel bandits attacks across the country has been attributed to the resilience and firm leadership of Abubakar Audi.

"It was also his NSCDC that has continued to fight for a more secured atmosphere for Nigerian students, even as bandits and other criminal elements continue to mount aggressive attacks on schools across the Northern part of the country. It is to the credit of Audi-led NSCDC that so many schools in Nigeria today has continued to learn under a peaceful atmosphere".

The Centre, however, urged the NSCDC boss to sustain the momentum and not rest on his oars.

By Philip Agbese 

I read the news making the rounds due to the interview granted by the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zarzaky, with laughter on how he attempted to be clever by half with allusions and statements that were not credible. I ordinarily expect that Ibrahim El-Zarzaky should at this point be reflective of his life and all that his group has put Nigerian through from time immemorial. In my opinion, the interview is intended to serve as a comeback strategy for his group to attract public sympathy. Else how could one justify a statement alleging that he paid for electricity and other bills while in detention? More hilarious is the mention of him paying for his feeding while in detention. But he forgot to add that he also spent on accommodation while in custody. I am entirely at a loss here. What was Ibrahim EL-Zakzaky trying to achieve, or what message was he trying to pass? Whatever be the case, the attempt was comical. It is on record that the activities of the IMN group have caused untold hardship to the people of Zaria and other parts of Northern Nigeria. So much so that at some point, they constituted themselves into a parallel government in the country and with no regard for the laws of the land. And when nemesis caught up, he is now trying to change the narrative most feebly. I am not convinced the interview strategy was effective. I say this because there was a systematic attempt to paint the IMN as not a group but an ideology. Just maybe Ibrahim El-Zakzaky forgot that he has a history of violence. Let me refresh his memory. A Google search on IMN brought the following out: “The Islamic Movement of Nigeria is a religious organization which hopes to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria. It was founded by Ibrahim Zakzaky, who was inspired by the Iranian Revolution and rejected the authority of the Nigerian Government." It’s getting interesting as the IMN is only an ideology and nothing more truly. There are no members; they do not congregate. They do not have a flag. They have not been associated with acts of violence in their years of existence. They have not also been receiving financial, and logistics support from Iran in their quest to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria. The list is indeed endless. And what Ibrahim El-Zakzaky should do in this instance is to retrace his steps and instead tender an unreserved apology to the families of all those who fell victim to the nefarious activities of his group over several years. He should spare us details of his travails when the long arm of the law caught up with him. He should also spare us the drama of poisonous substances moving around his body. And let me also remind him of one of his many tricks that failed when he was granted permission to travel to India for medical treatment. On record, upon arriving in India, he asked to be checked into a five-star hotel instead of a hospital. According to John Campbell, a senior fellow for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Zakzaky may not have liked the strict terms of his trip. Zakzaky wished to be checked into a hotel upon arrival in India, Campbell said, but instead was taken directly to a hospital and surrounded by security personnel, restricting his ability to move freely in the country."What he had wanted to do in India was to resume, essentially, his political activity," Campbell said. "And so he anticipated being unfettered and found himself to be very fettered, indeed, and that, I think, is at the heart of his discontent.”That is El-Zakzaky for you, the ever garrulous fellow whose motives is always ulterior and laced with violent tendencies. This same loquacious fellow who has blood all over his hands would still have the temerity to come to the public space, churning all manners of incoherent allegations. Maybe he wished to be availed a five-star hotel treatment while he was in detention. And hear him: "We were even paying electricity and water bills while in detention. We were also paying for the fuel to power the generator. We bought our generator in Abuja, even when we were in detention, and we were buying fuel to run it.”  If this is not despicable, I do not know what else to call it. I am convinced that his long absence from violence has affected his cognitive skills hence his analysis in the interview he granted. Hear him again: “what I learnt was that about N4m was taken out of the FIRS coffers for our feeding every month. But that money was going to their pocket; not a single kobo was given to or spent on us. They were taking the money out of the treasury, but they did not spend it on our feeding.  It is a lie that they were feeding us with this money." I could not help but let out a big laugh when I got to this point in the interview. The only thing that came to my mind was that this man was aiming at something. Maybe he is systematically calling for funds towards rebuilding his empire. Or perhaps he is acting the script of some influential people to divert attention. Whatever the case, the delivery is poor, and no Nigerian should take him seriously. He is delusional about what has befallen him. To think that he cannot constitute himself into an authority in Nigeria anymore might be the remote cause of his ramblings. Reading the interview was comic relief for me. I encourage others who want to get a good laugh to read the EL-Zakzaky interview as we await more comics from the stable of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
Agbese is a human rights activist and founder, Global Amnesty Watch based in the United Kingdom.

_...endorses Gov for second term_

The Nasarawa Progressive Youth Development Association (NPYDA) has congratulated Governor Abdullahi Sule on his recognition as 'Best Governor in Primary Education and Rural Development'.

Governor Sule was recognised by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News at an event to mark its fifth anniversary on Thursday in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Ambassador Tukur Buratai, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam were other distinguished Nigerians awarded at the event.

The Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) was the Royal Father of the Day while the Honourable Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume, chaired the event.

According to the company, Sule was nominated for using " basic education as a tool to fight insecurity and other criminal activities, a blueprint that is being adopted by other states. This has set the state on the right track for socio-economic development".

Congratulating the governor, the NPYDA added that the governor "has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to reduce poverty level and create wealth and employment. The creation of a rural transformation agency is a game changer that has brought government closer to the rural areas and increase business activities, deflating insecurity to an appreciable level".

In a statement signed by its President, Suleiman Adamu, the group further said Governor Sule has impressed in other aspects of governance, including infrastructures, security and economy.

The Nasarawa youths, therefore, passed a vote of confidence on the governor, endorsing him for a second term.

The group, however, urged other governors in the country to emulate Governor Sule's leadership style.

Abuja9800 Sports Club has been in existence for more than eight years in the capital city of Abuja, providing platforms and channels for engaging in sporting and social activities for it’s members. The club is also, more importantly, engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility programmes in capital city of Nigeria.

The club has had the tradition, since its inception, to organize an annual end of year party for it's members, their families and well wishers, considering the fact that sporting activities brings people of all race and colours of life together.

In a press release, signed by the club chairman Inemist Uwah, Abuja9800 Sports Club said “there is a lot to be thankful for as the year comes to an end most especially as we did not record any loss of life throughout the year and a lot of positive things happened to members, So all this calls for celebration and we are doing it as a family this year.

We cannot but appreciate the mercies of God upon us to witness this year’s event, we have very much relied on God’s strength and wisdom to deliver on the expectations of our members. We trust Him to endow us continually with the ability to uplift our dear club to greater heights,” he said.

the club is not resting on its oars; the improvement continues, despite the remarkable achievements recorded over the years.



and it as our prayers that the coming year will be better than the previous year.”

The chairman went further to say “I also use this opportunity to wish members of Abuja9800 Sports Club a happy celebration and a prosperous 2022.”

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has described the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, as a worthy patriot and humanitarian following his recognition as 'Humanitarian Icon of the Year'.

Shuaib was conferred with the prestigious award by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News, at an event to mark its fifth anniversary on Thursday.

Other award recipients included Governors of Kogi, Bauchi and Nasarawa States, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim as well as former Chief of Army Staff, now Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Amb. Tukur Buratai.

The event which was chaired by the Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume also had His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bade (rtd) as Royal Father of the Day.

According to the company, the award was in recognition of Faisal's outstanding performance in the areas of primary healthcare delivery and innovations in checkmating the spread of Covid pandemic across the country through relentless vaccination.

Congratulating Dr Shuaib on this feat, the SHAC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Joyce Ogwu, said the health agency has so far risen to the occasion at a time the world is battling a pandemic.

Ogwu said the NPHCDA boss has shown an exceptional commitment towards improving the health and quality of life of Nigerians.

She noted that under Dr Shuaib, the agency has made considerable efforts at improving access to basic healthcare for all citizens.

Following the detection of the Omicron Covid variant in the country, the Centre, however, urged Dr Shuaib and his management staff not to relent.

The concerned APC group has warned that the Leadership of the ruling party must do everything to hold the party's national convention slated for February 2022.

Concerned APC, is a political group under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while reacting to a letter credited to the Chief Whip of the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu where he urged the National Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Gov Mai Mala Buni and members of the planning committee to consider postponing the party’s national convention earlier scheduled to hold in February next year.

The group on sunday said that Senator kalu was not a member of the party when it was formed and has no right to say convention should not hold. "He has PDP to fall back to if the court give judgement against the actions of Buni led caretaker in the future while we dont have where to go, because APC is all we have" therefore other caretaker members should rise and save the party before is too late.

“It is our hope and believe that the Caretaker Committee will not employ any delay tactics that will result in the need to further postpone the national convention from the February 2022 date as it has done in the past where its six months mandate has extended to almost one and half year. The major, if not the only, task before the Caretaker Committee as of today is the conduct of the national convention and this must be pursued with all vigour and seriousness it deserves.

“While we await the release of the full timetable for the national convention, the Concerned APC Stakeholders reiterate its earlier position that the upcoming national convention must not only be free, fair and transparent but must be seen to be so by all party men and women. The convention must be open, credible and devoid of any form of imposition in whatever guise. It is time the APC again subject the emergence of its leadership to the will and consent of the majority of party members rather than the backdoor consensus arrangements of any bloc or group.

“The Concerned APC, in its avowed commitment to ensuring that our party is returned to its core progressive ideals and foundation, will continue to watch the processes leading to the convention closely and ensure that only individuals with requisite pedigree emerged as new leaders of the APC”

As the Caretaker Committee meet tomorrow, we appeal to members of that body to resist further temptation to postpone National convention in the interest of larger party members.

We equally appeal to Mr President to call the caretaker to order before is too late.

Signed
Abdullahi Dauda Little

Spokesman, Concerned APC
Sunday 19th December 2021

League of Patriots congratulates former Senate President Anyim on TheNigerian News Award



The League of Patriots has congratulated former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, on being conferred with an award of excellence by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News.

According to a statement signed by its president Hon. Samson Agbo on Friday, the group said the award is an acknowledgement of Senator Anyim's numerous contributions to the nation's democracy.

At an event to mark the company's fifth anniversary in Abuja on Thursday, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation was conferred with an award as 'Grand Icon of Democracy'.

Senator Anyim was presented the award by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd).

Other distinguished Nigerians recognised alongside the former Senate President are Governor Yahaya Bello, Ambassador Tukur Buratai, Nigeria's Ambassador to Benin Republic and former Chief of Army Staff, Engr Dr Funmi Adekojo among others.

Congratulating Senator Anyim, the group said his many records of quality service delivery and courageous contribution to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria is unrivalled.

It added that Anyim is a great patriot who has carried out his national assignment with an unflinching commitment to national interest.

The group, however, urged other political leaders in the country to emulate the former SGF.

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa (CHRAA) has applauded the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ahmed Mustapha Habib, for transforming the interventionist agency.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Tolulope Adebayo, the Centre said Habib has instilled accountability and transparency in the operations of NEMA.

According to Adebayo, the DG has displayed an uncommon zeal and courage in ensuring that relief materials to victims of disasters across the country are conducted most transparently.

He noted that Habib's example at NEMA is worthy of commendation for calculated leadership with sincerity and purpose..

The group, therefore, saluted President Buhari's choice of a well-rounded individual who shares the same passion with him in developing critical sectors of the Nigerian economy as director-general of NEMA.

Adebayo, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support to the new NEMA boss towards achieving the overall mandate of coordinating resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response in Nigeria.

Read full statement below:

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of the ideals of democracy and good governance, is issuing this press statement given the recent transformation at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

The operations of NEMA under the new management led by Ahmed Mustapha Habib have displayed an unalloyed commitment to repositioning the interventionist agency in a record few months since he assumed leadership.

It is instructive to note that the Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa sees the genuine efforts by Ahmed Mustapha Habib in the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the operations of NEMA.

The reforms introduced so far are also noteworthy and indicative of an administration committed to fulfilling the critical mandate of the agency, which remains in the country's best interest.

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa salutes the courage and leadership acumen of Ahmed Mustapha Habib in his few months as the director-general of NEMA. He has displayed an uncommon zeal and courage in ensuring that relief materials to victims of disasters across the country are conducted most transparently.

This is indeed a deviation from times past where the distribution of relief materials are marred with controversies and, in most instances, diverted to private warehouses at the detriment of those victims of disasters across the country.

This is indeed a commendable drive at NEMA. The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa states that the likes of Ahmed Mustapha Habib are what the country needs at this critical point of our existence.

This is indeed a lesson in leadership that should be imbibed by all holding positions of authority in Nigeria. The task of making Nigeria great goes beyond rhetoric. Words should be matched with actions, and political office holders should see themselves as servants of the people whose survival depends on their actions and inactions in the conduct of government business.

The Ahmed Mustapha Habib example at NEMA is worthy of commendation for purposeful leadership with sincerity and purpose. A good example is the continuous tour of the various zones in the country and the efforts at constantly engaging stakeholders across the board towards making NEMA a responsive interventionist agency.

We also commend President Muhammadu Buhari in his choice of a well-rounded individual who shares the same passion with him in developing critical sectors of the Nigerian economy as director-general of NEMA.

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the operations of NEMA would experience tangible improvements in service delivery with the reforms introduced in the past few months.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support to the new NEMA under Ahmed Mustapha Habib towards achieving the overall mandate of coordinating resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response in Nigeria.

The National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund Bill (Establishment, etc.) today scaled the first reading at the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Akinfolarin Mayowa representing Ileoluji Okeigbo/Odigbo constituency in Ondo State, the Bill, 2021 (HB.1795) was one of eight fresh bills introduced to the lower house today.

Among others things, the Trust Fund will provide sustainable source of funds for NYSC, Skill Acquisition training and provision of startup capital to Corps Members, train and retrain the personnel of the NYSC.

It will also develop Camps and NYSC formations, provide facilities therein, improve the general welfare of Corps Members and personnel of the Scheme and enhance their preparedness to effectively discharge their statutory duties of promoting National unity, integration, self-reliance and accelerated development of the national economy.  

The Trust Fund will deal with graduate unemployment and strengthen the operations of the scheme in the same manner the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Police Equipment Trust Fund and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund aid the operations of tertiary educational institutions.

Recall that recently, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, called on relevant stakeholders to support the actualisation of the Trust Fund as it will reinvigorate and deepen the impact of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

He said, “I am confident that the gains of the SAED programme will be enhanced if the proposed National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund becomes a reality.

“Apart from providing adequate facilities for more impactful vocational and entrepreneurship training, it will also be a sustainable source of business financing for the corps members. That way, we will be achieving greater feats in empowering our graduate youths for self-employment and wealth creation. I, therefore, appeal to the relevant authorities to support thebecausest Fund.”

The chairman, House Committee, on Youth and Sport, Adaramodu Yemi, had assured in October that the House will give the bill speedy attention when submitted for passage.

Hon. Adaramodu said when established, the NYSC Trust Fund shall handle issues of infrastructural decay and funding which have hampered smooth operations of the scheme.

The Committee Chairman also said the proposed Trust Fund will provide ‘seed money’ for graduate youth entrepreneurs after the service year conbecauseny of they are committed to the SAED programme of the scheme.

Adaramodu, however, assured that the House will continue to fight constitutionally to ensure that the scheme is sustained.

“On the fund, I want to assure that the House will expedite work to pass the bill when it gets to us,” he said.

How NYSCTF program will boost skill acquisition, entrepreneurship - Brig-Gen Ibrahim

The Director General of National Youth Service Corp, Brigadier General Ibrahim Shuaibu has revealed that the Scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development SAED will be boosted if the proposed National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund becomes reality.

He gave this assurance at the 2021 NYSC SAED Festival on Wednesday at Kubwa Orientation camp in Abuja where over 222 Corps Members are engaging in 3 days competitive in showcasing Corps entrepreneurial talents and products at the exhibition.

This edition has the theme: “NYSC SAED: a gateway to national development.”

While declaring the three days impactful vocational and entrepreneurship competition open, the DG said he is confident that the gains of the SAED programme will be enhanced if the proposed NYSCTF becomes a reality.

“Apart from providing adequate facilities for more impactful vocational and entrepreneurship training, it will also be a sustainable source of business financing for the Corps members. That way, we will be achieving greater feats in empowering our graduate youths for self-employment and wealth creation.

He therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to support the actualization of the Trust Fund that believe will help to reduce unemployment amongst Nigerian Youth.

Speaking on the importance of the festival, the Director General said that the programme is taking place in line with Management’s resolve to reinvigorate and deepen the impact of the SAED programme.

“It is a platform for showcasing the innovation, commitment and ingenuity of our Corps members, who have keyed into our vision of raising a crop of young entrepreneurs that will not only strive in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises, but also inspire other youths towards self-employment.

“Over the next few days, these young men and women will be competing in the display of skills in various vocations such as fashion design, baking/confectionaries, leather works, bead making, tie and dye, as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In effect, the event will be an illustration of the functionality and growing acceptance of the SAED training as well as the enormous potential of our Corps members. It will further be an avenue for peer review and improvement of their creativity and business ideas.”

He equally highlighted some steps taken by the Scheme in strengthen SAED programme, which include; Hosting of NYSC SAED Stakeholders’ meeting in 2020 and 2021 respectively, during which the programme implementation strategies were reviewed; Renewal of commitment by NYSC and the Bank of Industry towards resuscitation of the empowerment of Corps entrepreneurs with business loans under the BOI-NYSC Graduate Empowerment Fund (GEF);

Others are development of partnership with Unity Bank Plc on a programme named ‘Corpreneurship Challenge Initiative’, under which Corps members that emerge winners of a business plan development competition benefit from

Financial grants to actualize their business dreams. Commencement of partnership with Access Bank Plc on the “Accesspreneur – The NYSC Edition” business plan development competition which empowers Corps members with business grants;

Partnership with Leventis Foundation Nigeria on Youth Empowerment in Sustainable Agriculture through year-long training and apprenticeship amongst others.

He urged the corps members to make themselves available for self-employment through the SAED, adding that corps members can drive their business visions with passion for their individual benefit and the growth of the nation’s economy at large.

In his opening remarks, the Director SAED, Mr. Hilary Nasamu, said the Festival is contributing in no small measure to the continued relevance of the scheme to our dear nation.

2021 SAED Festival is a follow-up to the maiden edition in 2017, designed to develop Corps member’s competitive but healthy entrepreneurial spirit and showcase the finesse of the products of their endeavor.

“It also aims to bring the public spotlight on the SAED and Corps entrepreneurs as well as expose them to opportunities for peer review and mentorship.

“Over the next 3 days, a total of 222 skill competitors will engage themselves in a process that will produce three top prize winners in each of the skills.

“Even though a few will emerge tops, all of you and the Scheme will be winners ultimately, as this event will serve to expose your talents to public patronage and sponsorship.”

However, on Friday 17th of December 2021 those Corps Members who will emerge top winners will be awarded with prizes.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha Habib and the Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko have been nominated for awards by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News.

While the NEMA boss will be conferred with an award of excellence as "Agent of Change", his NPA counterpart is shortlisted for "Integrity Icon".

The pair will be recognised at the company's fifth anniversary scheduled for the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

"In less than six months on the job, Mr Habib has stamped his feet, already surpassing expectations. Under his watch, NEMA has beere-engineereded to meet up with present humanitarian challenges bedevilling country," a statement by Bridget Agada, the secretary of the award's planning committee said.

"To enhance performance, staff have undergone retreats while mechanisms at community, local government and staff levels have been put in place for effective emergency preparedness, early warning and quick response," she noted.

The company added that Bello-Kobo has repositioned the NPA for better efficiency and service delivery.

"The new boss have been all about improving the revenue base of the nation, enhancing the maritime sector while also ensuring that the country is not shortchanged in anyway," the statement said.

"Revenue leakages have been effectively blocked with the automation of key ports operations, periodic introduction of cost-cutting measures and financial management strategies. Bello-Kobo also worked closely with externally audited accounts that are International Financial Reporting Standard compliant".

The event will be chaired by the Honourable Minister of Special Duties, Senator (Dr) George Akume while His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano is Father of the Day.

The National Youth Service Corps and its Director-General, Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, His Excellencies, Ambassador Tukur Buratai, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Governor Abdullahi Sule and Governor Bala Mohammed will also be awarded.

Stop hallucinating over Senator Akume, APC Reps aspirant Agbese fires PDP National Chairman

Chief Philip Agbese, a leading House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised the national chairman of the People's Democratic Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to stop hallucinating over the
Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.

Agbese said Ayu should instead concentrate in redeeming whatever is left of his seemingly damaged reputation from the controversial arms deal involving former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

The UK-trained legal practioner's reaction trails the former Senate President's claim that the former Benue Governor is set to return to the PDP like a "prodigal son".

“Your lost son, George Akume, is coming back to the PDP. I’m saying this thing based on what I know,” Ayu had said.

“I earlier prophesied that Akume would hold a broom and he did. Now, I am prophesying that he will come back to the PDP. When he comes back, do not reject him but make sure you rehabilitate him because where he is now, he is not thinking straight. He was a lost son, a prodigal son. Only rehabilitate him and make sure he thinks properly".

But Agbese, who is vying for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency seat, said Ayu's focus should be on explaining to his party faithful and Nigerians how he got involved in the whole Dasukigate.

Recall that the former Senate President had in 2015 admitted collecting N345m from Dasuki.

He said then, “When I served on the National Security Council as Minister of Internal Affairs, I got educated that various aspects of security work could be pushed under different classifications. Any funds remitted to the company were for consultancies on security related and electoral matters. When Colonel Sambo Dasuki assumed duty in June 2012, he approached me to assist based on my background as a social scientist and my previous involvement in government".

Agbese further noted that Ayu should also concentrate to redeem his party which has become synonymous with failure over the years rather.

The Okanga of Agila as he is fondly called added that the new PDP chairman is only trying to please his paymasters and sponsors in Benue State who facilitated his emergence at huge cost to Benue treasury and the well-being of the masses by calling out Senator Akume who is the leading contender for the APC national chairmanship.

According to Agbese, Ayu has lost relevance politically and he is afraid that he may not be able to fulfill agreement reached for him to become chairman.

"Ayu is afraid of Akume because he can’t fulfill his promise to his party men when the agreement was reached for him to become Chairman," Agbese said.

"It will be difficult for Ayu who has always been rejected by his kinsmen in Gboko Local Government to give PDP a ward in the 2023 general elections and many of them are already aware that with Senator Akume as National Chairman of the APC, no single local government area in Benue Satte can be taken by the PDP."

By Philip Agbese

Sometime in 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari effected a change in the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Not many understood the president's mind, as it were. Not many also knew that the president wanted more from the operations of NEMA, being that critical government agency saddled with the responsibility of mitigating national emergencies and disasters in the country.

There was also a masterstroke! The establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. And since then, there has been no turning back in the efforts of ensuring that NEMA fulfils its strategic mandate.

I must add here that heading such a sensitive social intervention ministry is quite a herculean task because it is emotionally, psychologically, and physically demanding. All of these combined is the daily routine of the Hajia Sadiya Farouq, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Tow attributes have defined her since she assumed the headship of the ministry; fear of God and the selfless service to the country and humanity. I say these for two reasons. One is the manner she has devoted herself to her job, and two, how she has been able to stay focused despite several attempts at blackmailing her to succumbing to the whims and caprices of a select few.

The Hon. Minister of humanitarian affairs has constantly evolved strategies to position that agency for optimum service delivery. Let's salute Saadiya for heading a critical agency. Despite the efforts by many to derail her, she has remained focused.

It is on record that Hajia Sadiya Farouq has a penchant for getting results and would stop at nothing to ensure that tasks are accomplished and within record time. She is also known as one that brooks no excuses and, most importantly, abhors acts that undermine the process of the system.

A good example could be seen in the case of NEMA, where she strategically effected a change in leadership that saw to the coming on board of Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha Habib, a seasoned administrator, to lead the critical interventionist agency.

Those in the know of the pedigree of the Director General of NEMA are not surprised with the manner he has handled the affairs of the agency, with active supervision of the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development.



Ahmed Mustapha Habib is a man of ideas. According to feelers from the agency, it was stated that the norm had been jettisoned. It is a new era where every voice counts. And Staffers are tasked with effective service delivery, no matter how lowly placed the agency.

He has also placed a premium on a proactive response to issues, given that the agency is meant to be a rapid response agency in the attempt to mitigate issues relating to human lives and properties. This is indeed brilliant and thus resonates with the agency's objective in managing disasters across the country.

In less than a year, the operations of NEMA have evolved dramatically and thanks to the leadership provision of Ahmed Mustapha Habib. In my opinion, the Ahmed Mustapha Habib example in NEMA is by every inch an indication that with exemplary leadership, Nigeria would experience sustainable growth and development.

An example of the resourcefulness of the Director General is the recent inauguration of a Technical Working Group on Flood Preparedness, Mitigation and Response to strengthen partnership among stakeholders towards efficient flood management in-country. This might sound strange to the ears because we are not used to such planning, hence the fire brigade approach we employ most times.

I recall that Habib stated that the inauguration of the Technical Working Group was in line with the recent National Consultative Workshop on 2021 Flood, organized by the agency, which drew participants from the State Emergency Management Agencies and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Another good example is at the practical level, where the Director General has restructured the distribution of relief materials so that there is accountability and transparency in the processes. The NEMA of today is quite different from the NEMA of previous years, where a lack of accountability and transparency has caused untold embarrassment to the government. I can bet that these and many more informed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to bring onboard well trusted and principled personalities to take charge of the critical social intervention agency in the country.

And the result has been outstanding in the sense that critical stakeholders have commended NEMA's disaster management in the country for the way and manner it has carried on with its operations most efficiently and proactively.

These and many more are the hallmarks of the Ahmed Mustapha Habib leadership strides at NEMA. However, it must be noted that this was made possible by also the examples set by the Honorable Minister of the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry and also, by extension, the examples set by President Muhammadu Buhari. It can be thus said that the NEMA of today indeed reflects the new shadow of Buhari.

It is thus a new era at NEMA, and this much the staffers of the agency have acknowledged. They have rated that new DG high in works ethics since the establishment of the agency; they have also applauded his emphasis on rewards for hard work and penalties for questionable acts that would bring the agency into disrepute.

The new helmsman of NEMA has, by his actions, set standards in leadership in the country. He has proven that it is not how long but how committed one can be to discharge his duties and responsibilities. He has also displayed that in whatever we do once we lead with sincerity of heart and purpose, the tendency for success and the buy-in of critical stakeholders in policies and plans are always high.

This is the pleasant situation at NEMA, and it is hoped that in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, the DG would continue to improve the operations of NEMA and not get distracted by the antics of a few whose stock in trade is to cause a distraction in the polity for their selfish interests.

The NEMA DG must stand his ground and always have at the back of his mind that his action and inactions either put smiles on the faces of people who are faced with dire emergencies or compound their situations and lead them eventually to their early graves.

I am convinced that the NEMA DG desires to bring as much as possible comfort to victims of disasters in the country. This much he has displayed and this much he should continue to do in service to the country and humanity.

Agbese is a public affairs analyst and publisher based in the United Kingdom.

The Steering Committee for National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu's presidential campaign has been inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2023 general poll.

The event held at the National Secretariat of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) at Maitama -Abuja, drew Tinubu's supporters from different parts of the country and the FCT.

Though Tinubu is yet to declare for the apex seat, many groups have started rooting for him.

Speaking at the event, a former Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and Coordinator of the TSG in the FCT, Zaphaniah Bitrus, said the essence of the event was to put structures in place to ensure that Tinubu succeeded President Muhammadu Buhari, at the expiration of his tenure in 2023.

Bitrus, who also emerged Chairman of the Steering Committee for the FCT said, "Take the Tinubu campaign to the grassroots and mobilise Nigerians to vote Tinubu for President in 2023.

"We should support him. Let's give him the mandate. When he takes over, many things are going to change. He believes in equity, fairness and justice and he will boost the nation's economy. He has done alot of labour for the party; he has given himself to the party. We will not disappoint him," he said.

Similarly, the TSG women leader, Mrs Toyin Badmus, said Asiwasju presidency would guarantee women inclusiveness in the scheme of things and prepare grounds for their better standards of living.

Earlier, the TSG Director General, Umar Ibrahim, said the best thing that would happen to Nigeria at the end of Buhari's tenure would be to inaugurate Tinubu as the next President.

Some distinguished Nigerians, including the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christians Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam and Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi will be conferred with awards of excellence at the fifth anniversary of UK-based media group, TheNigerian News.

While Rev Pam is nominated for " Icon of Peaceful Co-Existence", Dr Audi will be recognized as "Security Icon of the Year".

The pair will receive their awards at an event to be held on Thursday at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

According to Bridget Agada, secretary of the awards planning committee, Rev Pam has consistently used his office to preach peace, emphasising that the nation's unity is non-negotiable.

"At a time the country's corporate existence is being threatened by insurgency, insurrection and other criminal vices, it takes men of courage like Pam to speak out in support of one, united indivisible Nigeria," she stated.

Agada added that since coming on board as the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Audi has embarked on various structural and institutional reforms in the paramilitary agency, making its operations more effective and highly efficient.

She said "the high-point of his strategic reform was repositioning the NSCDC to stepping into the gap in our quest for a better secured Nigeria. A gap necessitated by the overstretched security formations across the country. The successes witnessed by the NSCDC in partnering with other relevant security agencies to relentlessly repel bandits attacks across the country has been attributed to the resilience and firm leadership of Abubakar Audi. It was also his NSCDC that has continued to fight for a more secured atmosphere for Nigerian students, even as bandits and other criminal elements continue to mount aggressive attacks on schools across the Northern part of the country. It is to the credit of Audi-led NSCDC that so many schools in Nigeria today has continued to learn under a peaceful atmosphere".

The event will be chaired by the Honourable Minister of Special Duties, Senator (Dr) George Akume while His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano is Father of the Day.

The National Youth Service Corps and its Director-General, Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, His Excellencies, Ambassador Tukur Buratai, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Governor Abdullahi Sule and Governor Bala Mohammed will also be awarded.

By Kolawole Abe

“A good name is better than bags of gold.” Miguel de Cervantes

I choose to start this article with the quote by Miguel de Cervantes, a Spanish writer widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists, because my excitement knew no bounds when I learned of the nomination of the former chief of army staff, and Nigeria's Ambassador to the Benin Republic by TheNigerian News as African Icon of Patriotism. Initially, I struggled with the classification of the award, thinking that he ought to have been African of the Century or something of that nature.

I won't mince words on Ambassador Tukur Buratai. He remains an exceptional Nigerian whose service record speaks volumes of an unalloyed commitment to the Nigerian dream and an equally astonishing level of patriotism to those ideals that define us as a people and country.

In my opinion, TheNigerian News through this award to Ambassador Tukur Buratai has once again reminded us of the lofty exploits of Ambassador Tukur Buratai while he held sway as the chief of army staff. I call those days the impeccable days in the annals of the Nigerian Army in terms of strategy and tactics; Ambassador Tukur Buratai indeed came to the party.

What most people seem to have forgotten so soon was the precarious situation we were in before the coming of the Muhammadu Buhari administration regarding the level of insecurity in the country, and especially the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents in North-East Nigeria. It was indeed a desperate situation for Nigeria that required desperate measures to deal with.

And as God would have it, President Muhammadu Buhari delivered to Nigerians one of the best gifts in the appointment of Tukur Buratai as chief of army staff. This was a decision that indeed changed the narrative in the prosecution of the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria and the activities of other militant groups in the country.

I dare say Ambassador Tukur Buratai; while he held sway, dramatized military might, yet, adhering to the rules of engagement in warfare. As a fact, one of the strong points of Ambassador Tukur Buratai was the effective handling of relationships amongst sister security agencies. This information might not have graced newspaper headlines, but it was evident through the various military operations carried out by the Nigerian Army. And he never seized to commend the efforts and cooperation he received from sister agencies whenever gains were recorded, especially in the prosecution of the war against insurgency.

The way and manner he was able to turn around the fortunes of the Nigerian Army were also outstanding and in record time. From a lethargic situation to a combatant position in less than a year, the result was felt across the country with regards to addressing the security situation in the country. That was the vintage Tukur Buratai.
Again, Ambassador Tukur Buratai was able to contribute his quota in service to the country because the President and Commander-in-Chief recognized his capacity to deliver in that critical assignment and eventually provided the enabling environment for him to flourish.

Today, most of us are not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari rewarded the exceptional record of Tukur Buratai with an ambassadorial posting, which in my opinion, is to ensure that he continues to render selfless service to the country. And this much he has lived up to in his new posting.

Therefore the nomination by TheNigerian News is a testament to the famous saying that a good name is better than riches. And that aptly captures the personality of Ambassador Tukur Buratai, who, in my opinion, is well-deserving of the African Icon of Patriotism award. Let us not also forget that this award adds to the array of others that have come his way in his service years.

For Ambassador Tukur Buratai, the award is well deserved. It should spur others to realize that a good name is better than all the riches in this world, and there is always a reward for hard work and excellence. This award is coming at no better time than now, where Nigeria needs patriotic individuals willing to sacrifice their comfort in service to the country.

I commend the management of TheNigerian News for their steadfastness in celebrating those Nigerians that have been outstanding in public service. I would assume that the overarching strategy is to recognize, appreciate and encourage other Nigerians in public service to render selfless service to the country in our quest for the Nigeria of our dreams.

For Ambassador Tukur Buratai, the African Icon of Patriotism award is indeed a big one, and he must realize that uneasy lays the head that wears the crown. This is both a commendation for selfless service and a charge to continue to do more. I say a big congratulation for it’s an award well merited. And it is hoped that the legacies would outlive him and encourage others to put the country first wherever they find themselves.


Kolawole is former Spokesman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) writing from Akure.

By Philip Agbese

There would hardly have been anything to deeply excite my spirit passionately had I professed membership of any other political Party, outside the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) in this age. I am infinitely fascinated by the ululations of its alphabetical combinations , with endearing hagiograpic connotations, particularly the word, "progressives."

Quite lucidly, I have no scantilla of doubt that the APC is truely a political association of progressives on the mission of mass liberation of Nigerians from the cuffs of crass neglect and kleptomanic and self- centered leadership.

And with President Muhammadu Buhari at the helms as Nigeria's democratic leader, his focused, purposeful and result- oriented leadership has impinged profound affection of the APC on the pysche of Nigerians as a Party with a difference, evidenced in the breaking of new grounds and exploring fresh frontiers in governance and development of Nigeria.

Definitely, I am neither the only Nigerian charmed by the aura of APC for a rebirth of Nigeria nor merely prodded to praisesing its beauty because I am contesting the 2023 Ado/Ogbadibo/ Okpokwu federal constituency's seat for the House of Representatives on the APC platform. But nature has taught us that what is good deserves to be embraced and men of good conscience are divinely obliged to to trumpet it.

Truly, I am not of the Nostradamus lineage. But with my little gift of prescience, I foresee the gains of Nigeria from an APC sustained leadership of the country, in greater magnitude in future, than currently experienced today.

Some other Nigerians have also seen this certainty like me, and with even more crystal lucidity than myself. It is raison d'etre the APC has become the most patronised honey for politicians at the moment. It offers the plank for fulfilling dreams or actualising ambitions for both individuals and communities in Nigeria.

That APC's popularity soars minutely is not delusionary or a mere propaganda hype! Its the reality as attested by the roving tsunamic defections of tens of thousands of opposition Party chieftains, together with their massive support- bases into APC in recent times.

The APC's nest of membership has stretched to the near of explosion now. But we are excited and prepared to welcome more Nigerians into its fold because APC has dispensed itself as a Party overtly hostile to the ideologies of the bandwagon political undertakers and power hawks in Nigeria. The Party only anchors and plays politics of development, which I believe is a dire necessity for our people.

However, I have sensed an arduous task for leaders of the reigning APC, Africa's most popular, finely co-ordinated and effective political organisation on the continent. My experience in politics tells me, managing human resources or human political capital is not a storm in a coffee cup, but an enamous responsibility.

This assignment needs gifted leaders who are competent, honest, foresighted and weaponised with all the fundamentally necessary ideas or strategies to succeed. Its not something as easy as a peck off the shelves as others would perceive it.

Therefore, and like others, I eagerly look forward to the upcoming APC national convention to crown a new set of officials to superintend on the affairs of our great Party. I appreciate every Party for the godly support in coming this far in victorious strides, despite circumstantial hiccups.

And from the coterie of topflight Party chieftains vying for the seat of APC national chairman, the Party has technically conceded to the North central region, one aspirant, Dist. Sen. George Akume's candidacy is outstandingly catchy and plausible in every sense.

I have no modicum of misgivings that the APC deserves to again, overwhelmingly trounce the assemblage of other political parties at all levels in the 2023 general elections. But I also know, ballot victories are not earned on a platter of gold. Its planned consciously, and powered by deliberate strategies.

This sensitive assignment requires the competitive or innate resourcefulness, competence and managerial acumen of a Party's leaders to puncture the prosecuting mechanism of rivals. Only this approach dismantle serial hurdles to penetrate bulwarks in opposing camps in order to create the desired impact in the masses to attract mass appeal, support and victory.

So, we need an APC national chairman with these expressive capacities and qualities. The expected national chairman, the APC needs now to extinguish the roguish opposition powermongers and permenantly blight their dubious shadows in Nigeria's leadership temple is someone who is urbane, a shrewd tactician, an administrative prodigy, quiet schemer, an adroit personality, highly connected, versatile in the antics of cosmopolitan politics or power play in Nigeria and its leadership. Most significantly, we need a national chairman with a massive blend of rurality or grassroots appeal, an exceptional conciliator and a dogged spirit of political battles, with an infectious aura of general acceptability beyond Party confines.

These essential qualities are all embodied in the Benue - born, political bulldozer, Sen. George Akume, Nigeria's current Minister for Special Duties and Intra- governmental Affairs. I am convinced, Akume parades enticing and captivating credentials as a public servant, reputable administrator, consummate politician, tested and trusted public leader of edifying magnificence.

Akume started his public service as a civil servant. He rose to the peak and retired as a Permanent Secretary in Benue state. His first romance with public service and politics was when he served as Sole Administrator of Gboko LGA in Benue state. His foray into active partisan politics manifested when he made the first attempt to contest the governorship of Benue state under the platform of the CNC ( Center for National Consensus) Party, in the aborted Abacha transition to democratic rule.

However, Benue people discovered the immense administrative and leadership treasures in Akume and elected him Governor of the state, upon the restoration of democracy in 1999.

From my personal investigations, a Benue gasping for life desperately needed a leader of Akume's mien to quench the thirst on the land by berthing succour. Proudly and to his credit, we are alive to testify to his rewarding leadership of the state for eight years.

Minister Akume served Benue as an Executive Governor for eight years. While serving in that capacity, he extended his political outreaches to other parts of Nigeria, cultivating and harvesting friendship across ethnic and religious divides. I know Sen. Akume as an unrepentant democrat, who believes absolutely in democratic ethos. He was one of the few State Governors of his time on the platform of the PDP who galvanized resistant forces to oppose ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo's unconstitutional third term agenda or what some of us branded as "dubious tenure elongation."

Thereafter, Akume was elected into the Senate in 2007 under the platform of PDP to represent his people of Benue North West Senatorial district. As first timer in the Senate, Akume vied for the seat of Senate President zoned to the North Central. Amazingly, Akume narrowly lost the highly competitive seat in the contest to a three-time serial Senator, Dist. Sen. David Mark.

Akume lost the seat, but won the hearts of many for the daring and impactful move. I interpreted the action as bold and strikingly, a rare outing, genuinely reflective of Akume's widespread political outreach and acceptability in the country.

Akume's sagacity and thickness has made him trudge successfully in seemingly rough political terrains. In 2011, irreconciliable differences pitched him against his successor, now Sen. Gabriel Suswam, the then Governor of the state under PDP. It compelled him to ditch the PDP for the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) predominantly domiciled in Nigeria's Southwest region. ACN had very faint presence in the North, specifically, North Central. But Sen. Akume pulled the party to Benue, contested and won his 2011 senatorial seat effortlessly. In the Senate, Sen. Akume was unanimously elected Senate Minority Leader. He became the lead parliament voice of opposition parliamentarians of different political Parties in the Red Chambers for four years. Here too, Akume excelled in leadership and deepened his political clout across Nigeria.

Interestingly, Sen. Akume's 2011 shadows in ACN marked the beginning of the entrenchment of the ACN and opposition politics into the soul of the North Central, a region hitherto almost near exclusive to the party politics of the then ruling PDP. ACN later merged with other opposition political parties in Nigeria to birth the powerful ruling APC.

So, Sen. ( Dr.) Akume is one Nigerian politician, with the blue blood from the lineage of the late political sage, Sen. J . S Tarka, the famous minority rights crusader. It is not strange that Akume survives the hardest and toughest political hurricanes basically because of his infectious democratic credentials and amiability. The personality of Sen. George Akume personifies him as a core grassroots schemer, consummate leader, a humble man and an uncommon philanthropist. A personal perusal of Akume's persona betrays him as a leader more interested in investing in human resources development than accumulating personal wealth.

In 2019, greater vistas were opened to Sen. Akume, the APC leader, North Central, when he served as Vice Chairman North, All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Council. And despite deliberate political sabotage by the opposition gladiators, APC still still sustained its winning streaks with impressive outings in majority of states in the North, including the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term mandate.

Akume has continued to exalt and expand this political influence in the North and Nigeria. I gleaned this pleasant reality from the array of top leaders, elderstatesmen, Party chieftains, political groups and cultural associations from across Nigeria which paid solidarity visits to Sen. George Akume after his appointment as Minister and member of FEC by President Buhari.

His Abuja Maitama residence ceaselessly hosted these dignitaries for months. This was long before he indicated interest in contesting the national chairmanship seat of the APC. I have seen a replication of such fondness of Sen. Akume more intensely now that he is vying for the APC's topmost job. It has been another season of terrorents of supports all over Nigeria . The support is overwhelming and the campaigns at his behest to become the APC national chairman are very trenchant.

And Minister Akume earned my eternal respect as an unrepentant and faithful party man in 2015 over a little, but significant political incident. After the presidential and national assembly ballot of 2015, and despite the wind of change blowing across Nigeria with Buhari as President -elect, Nasarawa South senatorial district predominately peopled by Tiv voters, threatened to vote against the reelection of the then serving Gov. Tanko Al-Makura who flew the ticket of the APC in the election.

Irreconciliable political differences caused the chasm, which estranged the Tiv community from Gov. Al-Makura's reelection gambit.
It took the immediate intervention of Senator Akume to visit and dialogue with the Tiv community in Nasarawa to restore support and return Sen. Al-Makura as Governor for a second term, as their bulk votes to another party would have bruised APC's chances of state victory. That's the true spirit of a core party man and leader as examplified by Sen. Akume.

Frankly, Akume is the verdict of a wide spectrum of APC Party stakeholders, I have been privileged to sample their opinions. They insist that with all these qualities, connections and mass appeal going for Akume in every nook and cranny of the country, he neatly fits into that bill perfectly and correctly.

I foresee an added icing of the cake for Akume with the anticipated endorsement of his candidature by President Buhari, the national father- figure of APC in Nigeria . With this step in the kitty, President Buhari would have unwittingly sealed the victorious electoral fate of the APC for another eight years after his Presidency.

Surely, with an Akume APC national chairmanship and his team of competent lieutenants , the electoral pandora's box would have been unstoppably opened for the perpetual power hawks, scavengers and looters of Nigeria's commonwealt. I mean, the opposition Party which is already weakened by the scandalous shadows manifest in the disappearance of the over N11 billion Party funds in the fixed deposit account for the building of its national Secretariat, as Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman -elect threatens audit probe. Its shameful!

I have no slight hesitation that if given the opportunity, Sen. George Akume will be fair and just to all party members, and Nigerians.

Agbese is an aspirant for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal House of Representatives writing from Agila.