₦airaland Forum

Rafsanjani Appointed Chairman of FLONY Advisory Board as CISLAC, FLONY Move to Strengthen Collaboration

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, has formally accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Free Light of Nigerian Youth Foundation (FLONY), a youth-led non-governmental organisation dedicated to skills acquisition, capacity building, and advocacy initiatives aimed at empowering young people and women across Nigeria.

FLONY, which currently operates in over 18 states across the country, has impacted more than 10,000 beneficiaries since its establishment through various empowerment and training initiatives.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to CISLAC Head Office, the Founder of FLONY, Ambassador Farid Musa Jauro, described Rafsanjani’s appointment as strategic and timely. She noted that his longstanding commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of young Nigerians and Africans makes him well-suited to guide the organisation at this stage of its growth.

According to her, Rafsanjani’s wealth of experience in governance, transparency advocacy, and youth development will provide clearer direction and strengthen the foundation’s focus as it consolidates its programmes and expands its reach.

Also speaking, the Acting Secretary General of FLONY, Alhaji Aminu Lawal Usman, expressed appreciation to Rafsanjani and the CISLAC team for accepting to serve in an advisory capacity. He reiterated that the foundation remains committed to deepening its impact across communities and expressed confidence that the new leadership at the advisory level would open more opportunities for growth and partnerships.

“With the coming of Comrade Rafsanjani, we believe the foundation will benefit immensely from his wealth of knowledge and experience to do even more for Nigerians and Africans at large,” Usman said, while commending his open-door policy and unwavering support for civil society initiatives.

In his acceptance remarks, Rafsanjani, who also serves as Head of Transparency International Nigeria, commended FLONY for its commitment to youth and women empowerment through skills acquisition programmes, often delivered without external funding support.

He praised the leadership of Ambassador Jauro and urged the organisation to remain non-partisan and insulated from political interference in order to sustain its credibility and neutrality.

Rafsanjani further emphasised the importance of proper documentation of activities, strategic partnerships with individuals of proven integrity and intellectual capacity, and the need to attract credible supporters who share the foundation’s vision.

He challenged FLONY to champion policy advocacy in critical areas such as employment generation, poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment, and security, noting that civil society organisations must play a proactive role in addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

The renewed collaboration between CISLAC and FLONY is expected to strengthen advocacy, enhance youth-focused programming, and promote sustainable development initiatives across Nigeria and beyond.

CISLAC, TMG Raise Concerns over Voter Apathy, Irregularities in FCT, Rivers and Kano Elections

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have raised concerns over voter apathy, logistical shortcomings and alleged political interference in elections conducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers and Kano states.

In a statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of TMG, the groups described the elections as largely peaceful in most polling units but said significant challenges were recorded across the affected states.

CISLAC and TMG observers warned that Nigerians are gradually losing trust in the electoral process. According to them, when citizens no longer turn out to vote, “it is no longer an election but a selection,” a trend they described as dangerous for democratic governance.

Low Voter Turnout and Accessibility Gaps

The statement noted that voter turnout was generally low, with many polling units recording poor participation. In some locations, observers reported that as few as 10 voters cast their ballots throughout the day. The groups cautioned that persistent voter apathy poses a serious threat to democratic participation and public confidence in elections.

Monitoring teams from TAF Africa, formerly The Albino Foundation, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities reported accessibility challenges for persons with disabilities. Despite assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), physical access remained a major barrier in several areas.

In rural FCT councils such as Kwali and Abaji, polling units were reportedly located in places inaccessible to wheelchair users. Observers called for a comprehensive audit of INEC’s assistive tools, noting that magnifying glasses and Braille posters were missing in more than 60 per cent of the polling units observed.

Logistical Delays and Alleged Voter Suppression

The groups highlighted logistical challenges that delayed the commencement of voting, particularly within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, where late deployment of personnel and election materials resulted in several polling units opening behind schedule.

They also raised concerns about alleged voter suppression targeting women in high-density areas. According to observers, economic intimidation was used in some communities to discourage women from joining queues, further widening the gender participation gap.

CISLAC and TMG said the elections should serve as an early warning for future general elections and urged INEC to address the logistical weaknesses identified. They called for improved systems to guarantee early deployment of materials and the prompt start of voting in subsequent polls.

Allegations of Political Interference

The statement accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of allegedly interfering in the FCT Area Council elections by appearing at multiple polling units across Abuja.

The groups described his presence as inappropriate and potentially undermining the credibility of the process, noting that he is not a registered voter in the FCT and holds no constitutional role in the conduct of elections.

They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all public officials comply strictly with the law and refrain from actions that could erode public confidence in the electoral process. According to the groups, failure to address such concerns may weaken both domestic and international confidence in the credibility of future elections.

CISLAC and TMG further reiterated their opposition to the curfew imposed before the polls, arguing that it may have suppressed voter participation.

Confusion, Vote Buying and Security Concerns

Observers reported that the relocation of certain polling units without adequate and timely communication created confusion among voters and may have led to disenfranchisement. Incidents of vote buying were also observed in some areas, underscoring the continued vulnerability of the electoral process to monetary inducement.

In Rivers State, the groups called for what they described as a security siege to be lifted, alleging that heavy militarisation of local government areas may have discouraged participation, particularly among women, who traditionally make up a significant portion of early morning voters.

Party Exclusion and Gender Representation Issues

In Kano and Rivers states, CISLAC and TMG expressed concern over the absence of major political parties from the ballot in bye elections conducted by INEC. While the commission has yet to publicly explain the situation, affected parties have alleged that they were denied the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights.

The groups described as suspicious and unusual the absence of key opposition parties from the ballot in Kano, noting that major parties are rarely missing from elections in the state. They urged INEC to provide a clear explanation to avoid perceptions of deliberate exclusion.

In Kano, the Centre for Information Technology and Development, through its gender desk, criticised what it described as the complete absence of women in the leadership of newly elected local government councils. The organisation said the outcome, including a sweep by the ruling party, failed to reflect the state’s gender diversity and represented a setback for the 35 per cent affirmative action goal.

IReV Disruptions and Call for Transparency

CISLAC and TMG also flagged disruptions to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, known as IReV, which was reportedly inaccessible while collation of results was ongoing.

The groups urged INEC officials to conduct the collation and declaration of results with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and professionalism. They also called on security agencies to ensure that their personnel maintain strict impartiality, particularly at collation centres and other sensitive stages of the electoral process.

CISLAC and TMG reiterated their commitment to strengthening electoral reforms, promoting transparency and deepening democratic accountability across Nigeria.

VON DG Visits Governor Abdullahi Sule, Strengthens Media Partnership with Nasarawa State

The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, at the Government House in Lafia, reinforcing strategic collaboration between the international broadcaster and the state government.

Leading the VON management team, Mallam Ndace expressed appreciation for the Governor’s consistent support and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to projecting Nasarawa State’s policies, programmes, and investment opportunities to global audiences. He noted that VON currently broadcasts in multiple languages including English, Hausa, Yoruba, Fulfulde, Swahili, and Arabic, enabling Nigeria’s narratives to reach diverse international audiences.

He highlighted key milestones recorded under his leadership and outlined VON’s strategic vision to expand Nigeria’s global broadcasting footprint. This includes plans to introduce Mandarin among its broadcast languages and ongoing restoration efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive VON’s shortwave transmission. The upgrade of the 250KW TX2 transmitter at the Lugbe transmitting station in Abuja is set to restore one of the most powerful broadcasting facilities on the African continent with modern, digitally compatible technology. Upon completion, the fully reactivated transmitters are expected to transform terrestrial broadcasting and strengthen VON’s standing as a respected global radio brand.

The visit, described as a strategic engagement, focused on deepening collaboration between the state government and Nigeria’s external broadcasting service to enhance visibility for Nasarawa’s development initiatives and policy priorities.

Further emphasising VON’s role, the Director General reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to partner with the state in effectively communicating government activities and showcasing Nasarawa’s achievements to national and international audiences.

Mallam Ndace commended Governor Sule’s leadership at both state and national levels, noting that his administration’s development strides align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasised that Nasarawa State’s vast solid mineral deposits and expansive arable land position it as a prime investment destination.

According to him, VON will leverage its multilingual platforms to promote the state’s economic potential to local and foreign investors, with the aim of stimulating growth, job creation, and increased revenue. He added that with the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, VON remains committed to projecting Nigeria’s and Africa’s stories with credibility, excellence, and innovation while supporting subnational governments in amplifying their development narratives to the global community.

Governor Sule welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the proposed partnership, stressing the critical role of effective communication in strengthening governance and public awareness. He reiterated his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Voice of Nigeria to showcase the state’s progress, attract investment, and position Nasarawa as a destination for growth and development.

The Governor also lauded the transformation of VON under Mallam Ndace’s leadership, particularly the initiative to introduce Mandarin into the agency’s broadcast offerings. He described the move as strategic and timely, given the presence of Chinese-owned mining companies operating in the state, and expressed optimism that the Mandarin service would enhance engagement with Chinese investors and deepen economic cooperation.

He pledged full support for VON’s initiatives and committed to facilitating structured engagements between the broadcaster and Chinese investors to strengthen the planned Chinese-language service.

Governor Sule further underscored the importance of teamwork, inclusive governance, and strong institutional partnerships in driving sustainable development.

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi has unveiled a new book titled, New Narratives of African Migration: Exploring Media and the Contestation of Space,offering a critical re-examination of how African migration is understood, represented and governed in the 21st century.

In the book, published by global academic press Palgrave Macmillan, Adeniyi shifts the focus away from dominant crisis-centred headlines to interrogate the deeper emotional, cultural and political dimensions of African mobility.

He challenges what he describes as the “epistemic silence” surrounding African journeys and calls for a reframing of migration narratives through the lenses of media, memory and digital technology.

Structured as a journey, the text begins with an exploration of the emotional geographies of displacement, examining the “fractured bonds” that emerge when home becomes a distant memory.

Adeniyi interrogates the notion of the “stranger within,” analysing how migration reshapes identity and alters family structures, particularly through gendered dynamics that persist long after departure.

A significant aspect of the work is its attention to what the author terms “unspoken journeys” — the largely overlooked realities of intra-African migration that receive limited attention in Western media discourse.

By examining the rituals, objects and digital traces migrants carry and create, Adeniyi highlights how individuals negotiate belonging across borders. He argues that social media has evolved into a critical space of hybridity where migrants contest dominant representations and transform silence into visibility.

Beyond cultural analysis, the book critiques the colonial legacies embedded in migration governance and questions the resilience of the modern nation-state in the face of sustained global movement. Through the perspectives of returnees and those stranded in transit, Adeniyi redefines the meaning of home and identity within fluid, mediated spaces.

Professor Adeniyi, of the Department of Mass Communication at Baze University, Abuja, is known for his scholarship at the intersection of media, identity and geopolitical realities in Africa.

His latest publication positions him at the forefront of emerging debates on migration, urging policymakers, scholars and media practitioners to adopt more grounded, inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to African mobility.

The Founder and Chairman of the Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman (SAS) Foundation, Engr. Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman, has called on residents of Kwara State to use the holy month of Ramadan as a period of prayer for peace, security, and prosperity in the state and across Nigeria.

In his Ramadan message, Engr. Saleeman urged Muslims to embrace compassion, generosity, and unity, stressing the importance of supporting the underprivileged during the sacred month.

He described Ramadan as a time of spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and divine guidance, encouraging Kwarans and Nigerians in the diaspora to uplift one another through acts of kindness and charity.

As part of its annual Ramadan initiative, the Foundation has launched a food distribution programme aimed at providing relief and succour to 10,000 persons in Ilorin, Kwara State. The initiative, he noted, is designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and ensure that families observe the fasting period with dignity.

Reaffirming his commitment to humanitarian service, Engr. Saleeman stated that the Foundation remains actively engaged in community development efforts across Kwara State. He noted that during the last Ramadan, the Foundation provided food support to over 1,000 families across various institutions in the state.

Engr. Saleeman also extended his Ramadan greetings and prayers to Mai Martaba Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, praying for his continued good health and wisdom in providing leadership to the people of Kwara, as well as to the entire Emirate Council and Council of Ulamas.

Speaking further, the Foundation’s Director General, Mallam Muslim Saleeman, reiterated its dedication to grassroots development and community-driven philanthropy.

“Our mission is to bring sustainable change to communities by empowering individuals and fostering a culture of giving,” he said.

Beyond his philanthropic engagements, Engr. Saleeman is a respected global IT leader who has spearheaded digital transformation projects at major Fortune 500 companies in the United States, including Lowe’s, Target, and Southwest Airlines.

He reiterated that Ramadan presents an opportunity for collective responsibility, urging citizens to intensify prayers for sustained peace, strengthened security, and long-term development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

Baze University, Abuja, has marked a historic milestone with the induction of its first set of Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) graduates (Class of 2025) into the medical laboratory profession.

The maiden Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Induction Ceremony, held on February 13, 2026, saw six graduates formally admitted into professional practice.

The ceremony represented not only the completion of academic studies but also a formal transition into the profession, as the new practitioners took their oath before the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

The Acting Registrar/CEO of the Council, Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili, ably represented by Uchuno Gregory Ashimedua, administered the oath and inducted the graduates, who pledged to uphold the highest standards of ethics, accuracy, and confidentiality in medical diagnostics.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Oyetunde B. Akinloye, described the induction as a significant achievement for the institution’s College of Health Sciences. As the pioneer set of the department, the graduates represent the successful expansion of the university into the critical field of diagnostics and laboratory medicine.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to a “quality over quantity” approach in Allied Health Sciences education. She emphasized the importance of rigorous academic and clinical training in producing competent healthcare professionals.

Speakers at the ceremony highlighted the extensive preparation the graduates received, including hands-on training in the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and clinical rotations at Baze University Hospital, Maitama District Hospital, and Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi.

Keynote addresses underscored the vital role of Medical Laboratory Scientists as the “engine room” of modern medicine, providing essential data for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

The inductees were reminded of their responsibility as pioneers and ambassadors of the university, tasked with setting high professional standards for future cohorts.

The event was attended by principal officers of the university, as well as officials of the MLSCN and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).

The successful induction signals a new chapter for Baze University’s Medical Laboratory Science programme and reinforces its growing contribution to healthcare education in Nigeria.

Baze University Lecture: Prof. Ogwo Warns Nigerian Women’s Potential Remains Underutilised

Nigerian women continue to demonstrate resilience and excellence across education, family life, politics, and the economy; however, much of their potential remains underutilised due to deeply internalised social expectations, Professor of Lifespan Developmental Psychology at Baze University, Prof. Agatha Ogechi Ogwo, has said.

She made the assertion on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, while delivering the 6th Inaugural Lecture of Baze University, Abuja, where she called for greater focus on psychological education, structured mentoring, and personality development as key drivers of women’s empowerment.

Speaking on the topic “Unleashing Her Potential: The Place of Self-Efficacy, Mentoring, and Personality in the Psychology of Women Empowerment,” Prof. Ogwo noted that many female students perform exceptionally well during their academic years but gradually withdraw from leadership and professional ambition after graduation.

According to her, this trend is driven not by marriage itself but by the belief that marriage is the ultimate measure of success for women, often relegating education to a transitional phase rather than a lifelong foundation.

She described empowerment as both a personal and collective process, anchored on self-efficacy, mentoring, and personality, stressing that confidence, guided support, and resilience are essential for sustained growth.

As part of her recommendations, Prof. Ogwo urged universities to establish structured mentoring programmes, integrate self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, leadership, and personality development into academic curricula, and create university-based centres for gender empowerment.

She also called for stronger support for grassroots mentorship initiatives linking professional women with girls and young women in rural and semi-urban communities.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Ogwo emphasised that educating women must go beyond academic instruction to include psychological empowerment, noting that true empowerment moves women from dependency to agency, and from potential to purpose.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara, welcomed guests and members of the university community to the sixth edition of the inaugural lecture series.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Osita Agbu, commended the lecture, describing it as timely and relevant to national conversations on girl-child education and women’s leadership.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Registrar of the University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi.

Nigeria Retains Low Score in 2025 Corruption Index as Global Ranking Slips – CISLAC

Nigeria has retained its low score on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), scoring 26 out of 100 for the second consecutive year, according to Transparency International (TI) and its Nigerian chapter, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

The latest index shows that Nigeria dropped two places on the global ranking, moving from 140th position in 2024 to 142nd out of 180 countries assessed in 2025, reflecting continued public perception of widespread corruption and limited progress in governance reforms.

The CPI, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption using data from independent and reputable institutions, does not assess individual corruption cases but reflects broader national trends. Transparency International describes the index as the most widely recognised global benchmark for measuring corruption across countries.

In a statement accompanying the release and signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC noted that while Nigeria’s score indicates stagnation in the fight against corruption, it does not amount to an evaluation of the performance of anti-corruption agencies, many of which continue to demonstrate commitment despite systemic challenges.

Positive Developments Noted

CISLAC identified several positive trends that contributed to Nigeria’s marginal stability on the index. Among them is progress in asset recovery efforts. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly recovered over ₦566 billion, $411 million and 1,502 properties between October 2023 and September 2025, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered ₦37.44 billion and $2.353 million in 2025.

International cooperation on asset recovery was also highlighted, including the agreement by the UK Crown Dependency of Jersey in January 2026 to repatriate over $9.5 million in assets linked to corruption for use in critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 was also cited as a significant milestone. The delisting followed the successful implementation of a 19-point action plan aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.

CISLAC further acknowledged the role of civil society organisations and the media in exposing corruption and promoting accountability, describing them as essential pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

Persistent Structural Weaknesses

Despite these gains, CISLAC raised concerns over deep-rooted challenges undermining Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Judicial corruption, allegations of bias, nepotism in appointments, and declining public confidence in the justice system were identified as major weaknesses.

The report also pointed to continued oil theft and subsidy fraud, referencing the 2022 Auditor-General’s report published in September 2025, which alleged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for billions of naira and millions of dollars in oil-related revenues.

Other areas of concern include weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election, corruption in the power sector, shrinking civic space, persistent insecurity linked to corruption in the security sector, and limited transparency across public institutions, many of which have yet to fully comply with the Freedom of Information Act.

CISLAC cited reports of attacks on journalists and activists, noting that at least 86 incidents targeting media practitioners and citizens were recorded in 2025, further undermining democratic accountability.

Calls for Reform

The organisation called for stronger institutional independence for anti-corruption agencies, greater transparency in judicial appointments, reforms in the security sector, full digitisation of procurement processes, and public disclosure of recovered assets.

CISLAC also urged the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Protection Bill, amend the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission of election results, and ensure full compliance with constitutional provisions on budgetary appropriations.

Reaffirming its commitment to national development, CISLAC stated that it remains open to working with government institutions and stakeholders to strengthen transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Nigeria.

Baze University, Abuja, has announced plans to host its 6th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and intellectual discourse.

The lecture, titled “Unleashing Her Potential: The Place of Self-Efficacy, Mentoring, and Personality in the Psychology of Women Empowerment,” will be delivered by Professor Agatha Ogechi Ogwo, a Professor of Lifespan and Developmental Psychology at the institution.

Professor Ogwo, who holds M.Sc, and Ph.D degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is a senior academic in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Baze University. Her lecture is expected to offer deep scholarly insights into the psychological factors that influence women’s empowerment, with particular emphasis on self-efficacy, mentoring, and personality development.

The event is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Auditorium C, Baze University, Abuja.

According to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Jamila Shu’ara (FNIM, FHEPAN), the inaugural lecture series remains a vital academic tradition that showcases the intellectual contributions of senior scholars while fostering critical engagement among staff and students.

The lecture is expected to attract academics, researchers, students, and stakeholders with interests in psychology, leadership development, mentoring, gender studies, and women empowerment.

Members of the university community have been encouraged to attend and actively participate in what promises to be an intellectually enriching and inspiring academic engagement.

The Federal Government has pledged its full support for the establishment of a proposed Aviation School by Baze University, Abuja, reinforcing efforts to strengthen aviation training and human capital development in Nigeria.

The assurance was given during a working visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, by a high-powered delegation from Baze University, led by the University’s Founder and Chancellor, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, FSAN. The visit focused on discussions surrounding the proposed Baze University Aviation School, which is planned to be located in Bwari, Abuja, and will feature a dedicated runway for pilot training and other aviation-related programmes.

According to the Minister, the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective of expanding aviation infrastructure and developing a skilled workforce for the sector. He assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful take-off of the initiative.

As part of immediate steps, the Minister disclosed that he had directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, alongside relevant aviation agencies, to fast-track all required bureaucratic and regulatory processes to facilitate the timely realisation of the project.

The proposed Baze University Aviation School is expected to contribute significantly to pilot training, aviation education, and job creation, while positioning Nigeria as a growing hub for aviation training in the region.

As the National Assembly resumes legislative duties for the 2026 session, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the 10th National Assembly to refocus on governance, accountability, and critical reforms, warning against the dangers of early electioneering ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), described 2026 as a defining year for both the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the current legislature, stressing that Nigerians now expect tangible outcomes from policies and programmes introduced since 2023.

“While citizens have shown patience in the early phase of this administration, often attributing prevailing socio-economic and democratic challenges to teething problems of a new government, 2026 naturally marks a period of maturity,” Rafsanjani said. “This is the stage at which policies must begin to deliver visible and measurable benefits to Nigerians, and the role of the National Assembly in achieving this cannot be overstated.”

CISLAC expressed concern that 2026 precedes the 2027 General Elections, a period historically associated with declining legislative productivity due to heightened political activities. The organisation warned that public anxiety could be further deepened if the proposal to conduct general elections as early as November 2026 is pursued.

“Nigerians are worried and rightly so that governance may once again be sacrificed on the altar of politicking and electioneering,” Rafsanjani noted. “At a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship, worsening insecurity, rising public debt, governance deficits, and declining public trust in institutions, Nigeria cannot afford a distracted or compromised legislature.”

According to CISLAC, the current national challenges demand a fully functional, responsive, and accountable National Assembly, rather than one perceived as absentee, politically distracted, or a rubber stamp for the executive.

As part of its expectations for the 2026 legislative year, CISLAC outlined key priority areas for lawmakers.

First, CISLAC urged lawmakers to remain committed to plenary sessions, committee engagements, and oversight responsibilities, cautioning against frequent absences and unnecessary recesses driven by political ambitions.
Second, the organisation called for the fast tracking of critical legislative reforms, particularly electoral, economic, security, and governance related bills. Drawing lessons from the 2023 general elections, CISLAC stressed that electoral reform remains a core demand of Nigerian citizens and must not be delayed.

Third, CISLAC emphasised the need for strengthened legislative oversight to promote transparency and accountability, especially in budget implementation, public procurement, and the management of public funds. Rafsanjani warned that failure to exercise robust oversight would further entrench public perception of the Assembly as a rubber stamp institution.

Finally, CISLAC cautioned the National Assembly against becoming an early casualty of the 2027 election cycle.

“Nigerians elected lawmakers to legislate and provide oversight, not to abandon governance long before the official campaign period,” Rafsanjani said. “The legislature is the backbone of any democratic system, and in 2026, the National Assembly must rise to this responsibility with integrity, discipline, and a clear commitment to the public interest.”

CISLAC reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to advance reforms that strengthen democracy, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

Architecture students of Baze University, Abuja, have concluded their 2026 Live Project exercise, an academic programme designed to expose students to real-life architectural and urban design challenges through practical engagement.

The project presentations, which took place on 16 January 2026, involved postgraduate (MSc Architecture) students and 300-level undergraduates. The initiative is part of the Department of Architecture’s experiential learning approach, which combines classroom instruction with site visits, client interaction and professional practice.

For the postgraduate segment, the students worked on a design brief involving the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). The exercise was supervised by Dr Oumar Mohammed, with coordination by the Head of Department, Dr Chinwe Sam-Amobi.

As part of the project, the MSc students visited a proposed project site in Keffi, Nasarawa State, where they engaged with the Honourable Commissioner of NCFRMI. The visit exposed the students to practical considerations in designing infrastructure for displaced persons, including sustainability, service delivery and human-centred planning.

Following the site visit, the students developed conceptual design proposals based on the client’s needs and site conditions, which were subsequently presented and submitted for review. The exercise, according to the department, was aimed at improving students’ professional communication skills and understanding of public-sector project requirements.

Meanwhile, the undergraduate component involved 300-level students who undertook a studio-based Live Project informed by field studies of Gishiri Model City, located near Abuja’s Maitama District. Their design brief focused on land subdivision, transportation planning and waste management, with attention to regulatory standards and urban liveability.

The undergraduate students were supervised by Dr Amina Batagarawa and Arc. Salisu Tyabo Usman, and the exercise included collaborative studio work, design iterations and physical model production.

The Department of Architecture described the 2026 Live Project as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen practice-oriented education, providing students with hands-on experience while addressing contemporary urban and social development challenges.

Baze University, Abuja, has recorded a major academic milestone as its undergraduate team, The Revenants, emerged winners of the AICPA & CIMA Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Nigeria Business Challenge 2025, an annual business competition for undergraduate students which tasks them to solve a complex business case study to the satisfaction of seasoned business and financial executives.

The 2025 edition focused on developing practical strategies for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by Cipherwel, a hypothetical global security company operating in over 132 countries.

The winning team, Ugochukwu Udorji, Ninma Kolo, Jasmine Iliya, Tiffany Beh-Nubel, and Francis Onyilo (Course Adviser) excelled across all three competitive stages of the challenge.

The winning solution presented by The Revenants, titled “Cipherwel: A Bold New Strategy – AI Adoption for Business Growth,” stood out for its strategic depth, innovation, and real-world applicability. The team achieved an exceptional 296 out of 300 in the Assessment Category and 27 out of 30 in the Employability Category, reflecting both the strength of their business analysis and the judges’ confidence in their professional readiness.

Teams were evaluated on how effectively their proposals addressed Cipherwel’s business challenges and whether the judges would be willing to employ the students based on their performance. Over 60 teams from 10 top universities across Nigeria competed in the 2025 challenge, progressing through University and Regional Rounds before reaching the national finals.

In a decisive final round, The Revenants defeated Covenant University, the defending champions of the 2024 edition, and Thomas Adewumi University, to claim the 2025 title.

As overall winners, the team received a ₦1 million cash prize and a full scholarship to complete the CGMA FLP professional qualification, valued at approximately £3,000 per team member, about ₦20 million in total.

The victory underscores Baze University’s growing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and leadership development, particularly in business, finance, and strategic thinking.

About AICPA & CIMA

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) together form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing over 698,000 members and professionals in 188 countries. The Association is a global leader in accountancy, finance, and business, and awards the internationally recognized Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

SAS Foundation Chairman Declares Free Healthcare, Strengthens Ties With Emir, Youths, and Stakeholders in Ilorin

The Founder and Chairman of the Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman (SAS) Foundation and Global IT leader, Engr. Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman, has declared free healthcare services for indigenes of the Ubandawaki community as he embarked on a series of strategic engagements in Ilorin, Kwara State, aimed at deepening community impact and strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions, youths, and key stakeholders.

The engagements commenced on Sunday, 21 December 2025, when Engr. Saleeman paid a visit to his family house at the Ubandawaki Compound, Ilorin, where he attended the customary Sunday youth meeting and interacted with elders and family members. He was warmly received by relatives who offered prayers and expressed appreciation for his sustained commitment to grassroots development.

As part of the visit, the SAS Foundation Chairman paid homage to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, where he expressed gratitude for the monarch’s prayers, guidance, and goodwill. He also congratulated the Emir on his 30 years of purposeful leadership on the throne and offered prayers for his continued good health and longevity. In a show of appreciation, Engr. Saleeman presented a ram to the revered monarch.

During the visit, he met with Prince Modibbo Sulu-Gambari, Principal Private Secretary to the Emir, and Alhaji Dr. Murtala Abdulraheem, Personal Assistant to the Emir, with discussions focusing on community development and sustainable social interventions.

Engr. Saleeman also paid a courtesy visit to the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha, at his residence in Ilorin. He commended the Turaki for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Ilorin Emirate and reaffirmed the readiness of the SAS Foundation to collaborate on initiatives targeted at uplifting the people of Ilorin and Kwara State.

A major highlight of the visit was a courtesy call at the Pakata Primary Health Centre, Ilorin, where Engr. Saleeman announced a free healthcare initiative for indigenes of the Ubandawaki community. He stated that, in line with the vision and mission of the SAS Foundation, all medical treatments received by Ubandawaki indigenes at the facility would be fully funded by the foundation.

The declaration was welcomed by community leaders and youth representatives, including the President of the Pakata Youth Development Association, Muritala Nurudeen Alowonle, who described the initiative as a significant relief and a timely intervention for residents.

Further engagements within the Ilorin Emirate included a condolence visit to the Seriki Salama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ayuba Gambari, over the passing of his daughter, Barrister Balikis Ayuba, and a courtesy visit to the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin Emirate, Associate Professor Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, where Engr. Saleeman congratulated him on his recent promotion and appreciated his consistent support for the foundation’s outreach programmes.

On Tuesday, 23 December 2025, the SAS Foundation hosted a stakeholder and youth engagement tagged “An Evening with SAS,” which brought together youth and student leaders, civil society actors, media practitioners, and young professionals involved in technology, agriculture, and business. The event was graced by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Abdullateef Lanre Ahmed, and the NUJ Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Alaya.

The meet-and-greet provided an opportunity for participants to engage with the vision of the SAS Foundation, interact with its volunteers in Ilorin, and celebrate outstanding beneficiaries of the SAS Foundation Project Tutored, an educational initiative that has trained over 150 pupils across Kwara State. The gathering featured meaningful discussions and a renewed commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

In a related development, Engr. Saleeman met in Lagos with the former President of the Senate and former Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, where discussions centred on potential collaboration between the SAS Foundation and the ABS Foundation in advancing technology training and improving livelihoods.

The series of engagements underscore Engr. Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman’s strong connection to his roots and reaffirm the SAS Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare, empowering youths, and fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships.

By Ismail Omipidan

Are you a believer in responsive and responsible journalism practice in Nigeria? Are you also worried about the dearth of a successor generation of young, brilliant and committed journalists? If yes, then worry no more. There is a young, smart and visionary journalist, Gidado Yushau, who is making deliberate and commendable efforts to fill this yawning gap. He is doing so through a novel initiative known as the Campus Journalism Awards (CJA).

The awards programme, I understand, is currently in its 7th edition. Over the years, Gidado had consistently invited me to grace the occasion, but I was only able to honour the invitation at the 7th edition, which held on December 6, 2025. I must confess that I was glad I did. To my amazement, the event attracted the crème de la crème of the journalism and public relations professions in Nigeria. In attendance were respected media figures such as Azu Ishiekwene, Ali M. Ali, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, General S.K. Usman (rtd.), Jibrin Ndace, and the father of the initiative’s founder, Yushau Shuaib, among others.

Beyond joining others to celebrate excellence in campus journalism, the event also provided an opportunity for me to network and reunite with old friends. It was particularly heartwarming for me to reconnect with one of my old-time colleagues and fellow MAIDITES, Hajia Aisha Bantam

Started in 2018, the initiative, according to the convener, was conceived to nurture the next generation of journalists. To ensure that the finalists truly deserved their accolades, an on-the-spot assessment was conducted before the eventual emergence of the Campus Journalist of the Year, who turned out to be from my alma mater. He is Usman Bashir Abubakar.

One unique feature of the winner is that he is not even studying Mass Communication. He is a law student from the University of Maiduguri. Listening to him speak passionately about some of the war-related stories he has authored further underscored the relevance, influence and far-reaching impact of the Campus Journalism Awards

As I set out for the event on the day, I left with two copies of my book, Persona Non Grata, to gift the overall winner. Unknown to me, I would be doing the presentation to one of the undergraduates being made from UNIMAID.

Another remarkable takeaway from the event was the reminder that we must stop underrating institutions, regardless of their location. Students from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto shone like northern stars, outperforming peers from some of the more highly rated universities in the region, including A.B.U. Zaria, B.U.K. Kano and UNILORIN.

For me, Gidado’s initiative is a further vindication that the North is indeed blazing the trail in building successor generations of young journalists. His efforts deserve not only commendation but also support from stakeholders within and outside the media space.

Dear Gidado, as we step into 2026, we look forward to an even more impactful and bumper edition of the Campus Journalism Awards. Congratulations to all the 2025 CJA awardees and finalists.

President Tinubu Greets University Don, Renowned Journalist, Prof. Adeniyi, at 60


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, a distinguished academic and veteran journalist, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a public intellectual who has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s academic and media landscapes.

The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the President acknowledged Professor Adeniyi’s extensive career spanning journalism, academia, media strategy, and public relations. Adeniyi is a professor of communication and currently serves as the Registrar of Baze University, Abuja.

President Tinubu noted that the celebrant has built an illustrious career as a journalist, author, essayist, public analyst, and commentator, whose insights have shaped public discourse and informed policy debates over the years.

“Professor Adeniyi is a public intellectual of note. He has made important interventions in public policy and facilitated numerous capacity-building initiatives,” the President said.

The President commended Adeniyi’s dedication to knowledge development and mentorship, particularly his role in strengthening professional standards in both the media and academic sectors.

President Tinubu wished Professor Adeniyi many more years of good health, continued success, and greater impact in his service to the nation.

U.S. Public Diplomacy Section Commends Baze University's Modern Infrastructure, Academic Achievements

The Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy has commended Baze University for its modern infrastructure, academic achievements, and strong reputation for high standards in teaching, research, and innovation, during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara, FNIM, FHEPAN.

The visit by a delegation from the U.S. Embassy, was aimed at strengthening academic cooperation, expanding research opportunities, and deepening public diplomacy engagement between the United States Mission in Nigeria and Baze University.

Members of the U.S. Embassy delegation included Raisa Dukas, Public Diplomacy Officer; Grace Lamon, American Center Director; Folashade Adebayo, Country Education Specialist; Adediran Adegoke, Public Engagement Specialist; and Blessing Abbah, Established Opinion Leader Coordinator.

Receiving the delegation, the Baze University management team comprised the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Dr. Atiku Saleh; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Osita Agbu; the Registrar, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi; alongside other principal officers and senior academics of the University.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Shu’ara expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that enhance academic excellence, research innovation, and capacity building. She noted that Baze University remains focused on its vision of becoming a leading institution in Africa through collaboration with reputable international partners, including the United States Mission in Nigeria.

Speaking during the visit, Raisa Dukas, Public Diplomacy Officer, commended the University’s modern facilities, academic milestones, and reputation for high standards. She reiterated the U.S. Mission’s commitment to supporting Nigerian higher education institutions through public diplomacy initiatives and academic exchange programmes.

Discussions during the engagement focused on key U.S. Embassy public diplomacy programmes and opportunities available to Baze University. These included the Fulbright Programme, which offers faculty exchanges, research scholarships, and academic partnerships; the English Language Fellows Programme, which supports language instruction and professional development through U.S. English teaching specialists; access to the U.S. Embassy’s e-Library USA, providing digital academic resources, journals, e-books, and research databases; as well as other exchange opportunities such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, EducationUSA initiatives, and student mobility pathways for graduate studies in the United States.

The U.S. Embassy team thanked the University management for the warm reception despite the busy academic season and expressed admiration for the campus architecture and the University’s investments in quality teaching and learning environments.

In her closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor thanked the Public Diplomacy Section for the visit and reaffirmed Baze University’s readiness to deepen academic cooperation with the United States Mission. She expressed optimism that the discussions would translate into long-term and impactful partnerships that would benefit students, faculty, and the wider academic community.

Tpl. Alabi Qazeem Amuda, FNITP, RTP, popularly known as Alabi Ebo, has presented his book, Efforts Towards Urban and Regional Planning Optimum Practice in Kwara State, which chronicles the evolution of urban and regional planning practice and governance in the state.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Amuda is a veteran town planning professional with decades of experience in public service. He joined the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in 1989, became a Registered Town Planner in 1992, and was elevated to Fellow of the Institute in 2010.

His career included service as Secretary of the Kwara State Land Use and Allocation Committee from 1993 to 1999, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Town Planning and Development Authority between 2003 and 2007, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Kwara Chapter, from 2005 to 2007, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Housing from 2007 to 2011, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport from 2011 to 2016. He currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Ilorin Central Jummat Mosque.

The book examines planning laws, institutions, and physical development schemes implemented in Kwara State since its creation, while offering recommendations to strengthen physical planning and development control.

Amuda highlights the need for comprehensive physical development plans, improved planning laws, better implementation of the Land Use Act, stakeholder participation, adequate funding, strict compliance with planning permits by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and adherence to professional ethics and the National Building Code.

The book presentation, held at the Kwara State Library, Ilorin, attracted stakeholders from the built environment and public service sectors.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Theophilus O. Bamigboye (rtd.), former Military Administrator of Bauchi and Osun States, described urban planning as the backbone of development and warned against indiscriminate land-use changes. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) for ongoing urban renewal efforts in the state.

Arc. Mohammed Jimoh Faworaja, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, described the book as an invaluable professional resource and urged built-environment professionals to engage with its contents.

The Chief Launcher, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, National President of NACCIMA, represented by Mr. Soji Fagbemi of Lubcon, advised young professionals to emulate the author’s dedication to service.

The Rector of Kwara Polytechnic, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, pledged that copies of the book would be added to institutional libraries, while the reviewer, Tpl. Abdulfatai O. Anofi, described the work as a rare and comprehensive documentation of urban and regional planning efforts from the pre-colonial era to the present.

Dignitaries at the event included former and serving public officials, professionals from the built environment, community leaders, and members of various professional and social organizations. The Planning Committee was chaired by Tpl. Yinka Giwa, while Mrs. Ramat Akanni anchored the event.

PHOTOS: Dangote, Peter Obi, Zamfara Governor, Others Attend Datti Baba-Ahmed's Daughter's Wedding Fātihah at Baze University Mosque

The daughter of the Founder and Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, Tasnim Baba-Ahmed, has been joined in marriage to Sani Dangote Jr., son of the late Sani Dangote and nephew of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.

The wedding Fāṭiḥah was held on Friday at the Sultan Sa’ad Mosque, Baze University, Abuja, and the union was officiated by Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqary of the National Mosque, Abuja.

Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Aliko Dangote; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State; and Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation.

Other notable guests included Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education; Professor Ishaq Oloyede; Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, Chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi); and several other distinguished personalities.

Baze University Student wins Inaugural Nigerian Identity Journalism Award at 2025 Campus Journalism Awards

A student of the Mass Communication Department of Baze University, Ubel Albert Ekanem has won the maiden Nigerian Identity Journalism Award at the 7th Campus Journalism Awards (CJA) held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. The new category was introduced by Youths Digest in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) under its Nigerian Identity Project.

The award recognises young journalists whose work promotes the core values of the National Values Charter (NVC), which include integrity, patriotism, unity, peace and social responsibility. It was presented by the Director General of the NOA, Alhaji Lanre Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mrs. Blessing Oyem.

The Baze University student earned the honour with an article published in the Nigerian Tribune on October 1, 2025 titled "From Heritage to Hope: Nigeria’s Journey at 65." The piece, which highlighted the essence of the Nigerian Identity, was selected from 39 finalists shortlisted for the category.

Youths Digest and NOA said the new award is designed to encourage young journalists to use their platforms to promote value-driven storytelling and strengthen Nigeria’s shared identity.

At the ceremony, Usman Bashir Abubakar, a Law student from the University of Maiduguri, emerged Overall Campus Journalist of the Year after excelling in an article writing competition and competitive public speaking before an independent jury.

In his remarks, the Convener, Gidado Yushau Shuaib, described the awards as a national youth-driven movement committed to truth, accountability and transformational storytelling. He noted that the initiative has grown to a network of more than 3,000 campus journalists from over 100 tertiary institutions since its launch in 2018. He added that the 2025 edition attracted nearly 400 entries from over 80 institutions, bringing total submissions since inception to more than 2,500.

"You are the heartbeat of this movement," Shuaib told the finalists, praising young reporters who use their pens and cameras to challenge power and rewrite the story of the nation.

Over the years, the initiative has expanded beyond the awards to include the Campus Journalism Dialogue introduced in 2019 at Bayero University Kano and the online #CJDChat series, which has generated more than 1,000 engagements and over 100,000 impressions. The keynote address on the theme "AI and the Future of Journalism" was delivered by PRNigeria Publisher, Yushau A. Shuaib.

The 2025 ceremony drew commendations from dignitaries including representatives of the Minister of State for Education, the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Alhaji Ali M. Ali, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, and the Registrar of Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi.

Other notable guests included Amnesty International Country Director Isa Sanusi, Nigeria Customs Service Spokesperson DCC Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, Managing Director of News Central TV Kayode Akintemi, former Army spokesperson Brigadier General S. K. Usman (rtd), Editor in Chief of LEADERSHIP Newspapers Azubuike Ishiekwene, AANI General Secretary Dr Khalifa Mohammed mni, Chairman of Image Merchants Professor Sule Yau Sule, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media Abdulaziz and representatives from NOA, NIPR and NFIU.

Shuaib also acknowledged sponsors and partners including CISLAC, NNPC, Amnesty International, Voice of Nigeria, NOA, NEMA, the MacArthur Foundation, TETFund, NAN, Buffer Zone Initiative, CEOS Network Africa and Cutting Edge Communications.

"When we support their creativity and protect the space for them to thrive, we secure a stronger, more united and more prosperous Nigeria," he said, reaffirming the central role of young journalists in strengthening the country’s democracy.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD GCON, is set to serve as Chief Host of the 2025 CEO’s Network Africa (CNA) Awards & Gala Night, the annual event that recognises outstanding young leaders across Africa.

Scheduled for Sunday, 14th December 2025, at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NASS) Complex, the event will begin at 5pm. This year’s edition carries the theme “Driving Africa’s Resilient Reinvention,” reflecting CNA’s mission to spotlight transformative leaders and institutions contributing to a stronger, more adaptable continent in an era of rapid change.

Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), is expected to chair the occasion, while Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director General/CEO of Voice of Nigeria (VON), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. Distinguished figures from government, business, youth groups, and civil society will also deliver special remarks.

Since its inception, the CNA Awards & Gala Night has become one of Africa’s leading platforms for recognising young and emerging leaders. The 2025 edition will feature keynote speeches, high-level discussions, networking sessions, and awards presentations across categories celebrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and service.

Commenting ahead of the event, CNA Founder Mr. Alli-Bob Cinwon said: “This year’s theme captures the urgency and determination Africa needs. Young leaders are driving the continent’s reinvention, and hosting the event at the National Assembly Complex underscores our commitment to linking innovation with policy and sustainable change.”

Organizing Committee Chairman Mr. Abass Oroh added: “The 2025 edition highlights the resilience, creativity, and leadership that Africa needs at this pivotal moment. We are proud to honour individuals and institutions shaping the continent’s future.”

The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to sponsors for their support, notably the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Other sponsors include Evergreen Initiative, Solohan & Co, MTN, Bestiz Group, Momodu Media, The Singleton, The News Digest, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Lepton Group, and Razley Prints.

The CNA Awards & Gala Night continues to reinforce the network’s commitment to nurturing leadership, amplifying youth-driven impact, and championing a resilient and prosperous Africa.

The 6th edition of the Law Awards has once again spotlighted outstanding contributions across Nigeria’s legal community as top practitioners, institutions, students and advocates were honoured at a well-attended ceremony held in Abuja.

The event, dedicated to the memory of the late Colossus Lucius E. Nwosu, SAN, took place at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, drawing leading voices from the legal, political and public sectors. This year’s edition recorded over 100 nominees across 21 competitive categories, with more than 3,000 verified votes cast through a live digital voting system.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Organizing Committee reaffirmed its commitment to promoting merit, professionalism and impact within the legal profession. The 2025 edition featured Paul Harris SAN as Special Guest of Honour.

Dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Mr. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria (rtd) (represented by Effaobasi Okon Efut, Esq.); Hon. Omosede Igbinedion (represented by Hon. Osato Igbinedion, Esq.); and Senator Osita Izunaso (represented by Barr. Angelle Izunaso). Also present was Odinaka A. Agbarakwe, a member of the Organizing Committee, alongside several senior lawyers and industry stakeholders.

The ceremony was anchored by Mr. Imoudu Abbas Oroh and formally opened with remarks by the Founder and Convener, I.G. Nwosu, Esq., who traced the history of the awards and its mission to uphold the legacy of L.E. Nwosu, SAN, while celebrating excellence across the legal landscape.

In his closing remarks, Paul Harris, SAN, paid tribute to the late legal luminary, describing him as a towering figure in environmental justice. He referenced the historic Ogoni Land case as a testament to Nwosu’s enduring legacy. Harris also commended the organizers for introducing a Live Voting System, describing it as a pioneering effort in Nigerian award culture.

FULL LIST OF LAW AWARDS 2025 WINNERS

- L.E. Nwosu (SAN) Award Prize for Humanitarian of the Year – Phyllis J. Ajobere, Esq.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Afolabi Olayiwola, SAN
- Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Award for Legal Excellence – Jemimah Nerat Pam
- Justice Mary Odili Award for Amazon of the Year – Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN
- Justice Ejembi Eko Award for Most Promising Advocate – Ada Bristol-Alagbariya, Esq.
- Augustine Alegbeh (SAN) Best Partner of the Year – Funke Agbor
- Nyesom Wike Award Prize in Policy and Governance – Hon. Omosede Igbinedion
- Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma (SAN) Award for Orator of the Year – Emmanuella Daniel
- Prof. Agaba Award in Legal Writing – Esther Okuru, Esq.
- Law Firm of the Year – Ndukwe Nnawuche, SAN & Co
- O.J. Wada Award for Entrepreneur of the Year – Sophia Toyin Arowosegbe
- Bobo Ajudua Award for Entertainment Law – Amanda Uzoagba
- Award Prize in Activism and Advocacy – Inibehe Effiong
- Law Blog of the Year – LawPavilion
- Award Prize for Craftsmanship – Nicole Adehi
- Award Prize in Media – Isaac Olayiwola
- Award for Ideator of the Year – Mary Ogbe, Esq.
- Folarin “Falz” Falana Artiste of the Year – Jennifer “Kwin Jenfa” Ekwunife
- Award Prize in Clothing and Fashion – Sophia Toyin Arowosegbe
- Most Promising Law Student (NLS) – Makilolo Tamara-Brakemi
- Prada Uzodinma Most Promising Law Student (University) – Bello Eloghosa Jennifer

The 2025 edition further reinforced the Law Awards’ standing as one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for honouring exceptional work in law, governance, advocacy, media and social impact.

Organizers reiterated their commitment to upholding transparency, integrity and professional excellence, while preserving the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious legal minds, Lucius E. Nwosu, SAN.

The ceremony closed with renewed calls for sustained dedication to justice, accountability and national service.

Sam Obi Nominated for Technology & Innovation Award at 2025 CEOs Network Africa Gala

SimplifiedIQ Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sam Obi, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Technology and Innovation category at the 2025 CEOs Network Africa Gala & Dinner Night, following a record-breaking nomination round that saw over 15,000 entries from across the continent.

CEOs Network Africa prestigious ceremony scheduled for December 14, 2025, at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, NASS Complex, Abuja. The event is one of the continent’s most anticipated gatherings of top corporate leaders, innovators, policymakers, and emerging changemakers.

Obi, a leading figure in Africa’s assessment-technology ecosystem, has earned widespread recognition for his pioneering work in building the continent’s integrity infrastructure for assessments, certifications, and regulatory compliance. Through SimplifiedIQ, the Nigerian technology company he founded, Obi has developed intelligent, tamper-proof systems that modernize examinations, eliminate malpractice, automate assessment lifecycles, and enhance institutional credibility.

With over 15 years of experience in product leadership and UX strategy, he has led the development of solutions now deployed by schools, government agencies, professional bodies, and workforce institutions. His leadership has also driven major partnerships with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), SeamlessHR, and other organizations championing Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Alli-Bob Cinwon, Founder of CEOs Network Africa, said this year’s edition held under the theme “Driving Africa’s Resilient Reinvention” aims to celebrate the continent’s most transformative leaders.

“Africa stands at a defining moment, one marked by reinvention, resilience, and reimagination. This year’s gala celebrates leaders who are not just adapting to change but creating it. They are the bold thinkers shaping the next chapter of Africa’s story through innovation, governance, and social impact,” he noted.

The 2025 Gala Night is expected to draw top government officials, industry pioneers, and policy influencers as the network honours exceptional achievements in Agriculture and Sustainability, Beauty and Fashion, Break-out Startup, Finance, Governance, Real Estate, Social Impact, and more.

If selected as the winner, Obi would join a distinguished class of innovators driving Africa’s next phase of technological and institutional credibility.

Fourth-year students from the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Baze University, Abuja, recently undertook an educational study tour to the United Nations Office in Nigeria, gaining firsthand insight into global diplomacy, peacebuilding, and youth engagement.

The delegation was led by Associate Professor Christian Tsaro Dii, Study Tour Coordinator Dr Khalifa Mohammed mni, and Student Affairs Officer Musa Yelwa. The team arrived at the UN headquarters at 10:00 a.m. for a full-day learning session designed to connect classroom theory with real-world international practice. The students were drawn from IRD 409 United Nations and World Affairs and IRD 410 International Economic Relations.

Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by UN staff and taken through a well-structured programme that began with documentaries on the First and Second World Wars, including the rise of Adolf Hitler. These historical insights provided important context for discussions on global peace and security.

A major highlight of the visit was a comprehensive briefing on the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda, a UN framework that positions young people at the centre of conflict prevention and nation-building. Peacebuilding officers also outlined ongoing UN interventions in Nigeria, including pilot projects in Niger, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states.

Students participated in an engaging session with the UN Information Integrity Officer, who discussed cybersecurity, cybercrime, and the dangers of misinformation. The session highlighted the relevance of credible information in a digital age where false narratives can escalate tensions and undermine peace efforts.

Throughout the tour, students interacted with UN officials, asked questions on global governance and peace negotiations, and explored the responsibilities of young people in promoting security within their communities.

The visit reinforced their academic understanding of international relations while providing practical exposure to how the UN operates in peace and security initiatives. It also deepened their appreciation of the YPS Agenda, the importance of information integrity, and the lessons that past global conflicts hold for present-day peacebuilding.

Students described the experience as enriching and timely, especially as Nigeria explores more youth-led approaches to strengthening national unity.

The Department of International Relations and Diplomacy emphasized that the study tour reflects its commitment to producing graduates who understand and can apply global diplomatic principles. The visit demonstrated how international policies such as the YPS Agenda are implemented in Nigeria and how young people can contribute meaningfully to peace and development efforts.

The department expressed its intention to continue fostering such engagements and to encourage greater student participation in UN-led programmes that promote youth involvement in national development.

The Chairman of the Campus Journalism Awards (CJA) Committee, Samad Uthman, an award-winning digital investigations journalist, has announced the finalists for the 2025 edition of the annual awards organized by Youths Digest.

Since its inception in 2018, the Campus Journalism Awards has consistently recognized and celebrated excellence among Nigerian student journalists, with more than 2,500 entries recorded in its seven year history. The 2025 edition, which marks the seventh in the series, received more than 350 submissions from over 50 higher institutions across the country.

In a statement released on Friday, Uthman disclosed that the “Campus Print Magazine” category was dropped from this year’s awards after nominees in the category failed to meet the screening standards, which include clarity, language, originality, relevance, and depth.

He explained that this year’s edition will feature 15 categories, with the listed finalists earning their spots through a rigorous screening and evaluation process.

“The finalists demonstrated exceptional storytelling, creativity, and journalistic integrity,” Uthman said. “Their works reflect the evolving standards of campus journalism and its growing impact on national conversations. We are impressed
by the level of uniqueness in their stories.”

Gidado Yushau Shuaib, the Founder of the Campus Journalism Awards and Dialogue, commended the committee for its transparency and thoroughness in the selection process.

He also announced the introduction of a special recognition, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Award, which will honor finalists whose entries best project Nigeria’s image, unity, and national values.

“The NOA Award is designed to celebrate student journalists whose works promote patriotism, national identity, and positive storytelling about Nigeria,” Shuaib stated.

“I sincerely thank the committee members for their painstaking efforts in reviewing and selecting the most deserving finalists from hundreds of entries. Our mission remains to nurture ethical, courageous, and socially responsible journalists who will shape the future of the Nigerian media landscape.”

The organisers stated that all finalists will be contacted via email with details of the award ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Below is the official list of CJA 2025 Finalists and their respective institutions.
 
Upcoming Writer
Ubel Albert Ekanem
Baze University Abuja
From Heritage to Hope – Nigeria’s Journey at 65

Egiganya Jo-Madugu
Nile University of Nigeria
That Attack on NYSC Members and Vigilantes’ Excess

Fatima Musa Muhammad
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
Fixing Nigeria’s Housing Crisis with Government Muscle

Photojournalist
Shalom Ore-ofe Oyero
University of Jos
Until They’re Home Again

Bello Saifnasr Ajibade
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Societal Beliefs, Structural Failure Drives Children Out of School in Sokoto Community

Sanni Abdullahi
Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin
Grand Style Celebration of Ilorin 2025 Durbar

Investigative Journalist
Lukman Abdulmalik
Bayero University Kano
Residents Suffer as Kano Healthcare Board Abuses Public Procurement Law, Awards Bogus Contracts

Shereefdeen Ahmad
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
In Sokoto, Rural Dwellers Left Behind as Health Facilities Rot

Taiwo Fatola
Osun State University Osogbo
Wired for Wellness or Winging It? The Truth Behind AI-Powered Blood Pressure Monitors

News Report Category
Muheeb Mashood
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Students Decry Inconsistent NELFUND Loan Disbursements, Interests

Igwe Ugochukwu Michael (Elint Eerie)
Federal University of Technology Owerri
Terror in FUTO Hostels: Students Live in Fear of Campus Robbers

Adetunji Oluwafemi
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife
“From 487 to 678” — Mysterious Surge in Number of Ballot Papers Raises Doubts in Faculty of Law

Editor Category
Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho
Al-Hikmah University Ilorin
Nigerian Broadcast Academy Students Worried About Bleak Future

Dauda Musbau
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
UDUS — Nigerian University Locked in a Spell of Open Defecation

Muhammad Habibat Sani
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Campus Censorship on the Rise: Nigeria Student Journalists Face Intimidation for Reporting Truth

Syndicate Category
Sale Rusulana Shehu
Borno State University
Killing of Northerners Must End

Umar Rabi Ummi
Al-Hikmah University Ilorin
Between University Dreams and Life’s Reality

Features
Usman Bashir Abubakar
University of Maiduguri
This Initiative is Leading Transitional Justice for Conflict Survivors in North East Nigeria

Mashood Motola Muheeb
Usmanu Danfodiyo University
Poverty, Hunger Driving Sokoto Children Out of School

Abdullahi Salihu Sidi
Federal University Kashere
The Single Mothers Rising Children Under Boko Haram’s Shades of Terror

Pen Press
Pen Press UDUS

Digest Press, UDUS

Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU)

Sports Category
Adetunji Oluwafemi
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife
Inside OAU: The Dilapidated State of Sport Facilities

Umar Maryam Ayomide
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Bench by Culture: The Struggles of Female Sports Enthusiasts in Northern Nigeria

Peter Adeyemo
University of Ibadan (UI)
The Rise of Hall Football Leagues in UI

Gender Reporting
Raheem Anifa
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Female Campus Journalists Share Stories of Survival, Amidst Gender Stereotype

Miracle Akubuo
Federal Polytechnic Offa
“School Like Hell”: The Untold Struggles of Nigeria’s Student Mothers

Iretomiwa Balogun
University of Lagos
Femicide Denials Raise Concerns With Increased Cases in 2024

Fact Check
Miracle Akubuo
Federal Polytechnic Offa
Ivory Coast on Fire: How Malign Actors Coordinated Online Coup That Never Happened

Iretomiwa Balogun
University of Lagos
Exposing Social Media Claim That Any Liquid Can Make Pregnancy Test Strip Turn Positive

Ifeyinwa Susan Francis
Federal University of Port Harcourt
False Endorsement, Fake Urgency Used to Sell Unproven Prostatitis Drugs

Social Media
Sebiotimo Abdullateef Ayomide
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Umar Rabi Ummi
Al-Hikmah University

Abdulaziz Faiza
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Books (Authors)
Umar Farouk Bala
Nile University

Diplomacy and Digital Innovation
Olusola Oyedele Oladeji
Kwara State University Malete

THE LONER
Entertainment Writer
Egungwu Chukwuka Benjamin
Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Ijebu-Igbo
How 300 Pages Of Rage Birthed My Movie, Penance — Director Awal Abdulfatai

Bilkisu Ahmed Shekarau
Nile University of Nigeria
The Problem with Nigerian Films

Fatima Abubakar Ikram
Afe Babalola University
When Nigerian Music Stopped Making Sense

Broadcaster Category
Ojegbola Mercy Deborah
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

Oyerinde Najeebat Oyewumi
Kwara State University

Gaddafi Yusuf Saleh
A.M.T Massive College, Kano State

CEOs Network Africa Receives Over 15,000 Nominations, Unveils 136 Finalists for Prestigious 2025 Gala Night in Abuja

The CEOs Network Africa has announced 136 finalists across 17 categories for its highly anticipated Gala & Dinner Night 2025, following an impressive 15,000 nominations from across the continent.

The prestigious event is scheduled to take place on December 14, 2025, at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, NASS Complex, Abuja.

Awards Committee Chairman, Barr. Chimdi Neliaku, expressed profound admiration for the extraordinary quality of entries received:

“We received over 15,000 nominations from across Nigeria and the African continent—an overwhelming testament to the depth of talent, innovation, and leadership emerging in our youth. The richness and diversity of these submissions made the selection process exceptionally challenging.

Every nomination told a compelling story of resilience, creativity, and impact. Narrowing down to just 132 finalists required weeks of rigorous evaluation, tough debates, and difficult decisions. We were consistently inspired, often moved, and ultimately humbled by the caliber of young leaders stepping forward to shape Africa’s future.

The awards will recognize outstanding achievements in Agriculture and Sustainability, Beauty and Fashion, Break-out Startup, Creativity and Arts, Entrepreneur of the Year, Finance, Sport and Wellness, Hospitality, Solohan Lawyer of the Year, Music and Entertainment, Online Community, Online Personality/Influencer of the Year, Politics and Governance, Real Estate, Social Impact, Technology and Innovation, Visual Art and Media.

The annual celebration brings together Africa’s leading innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to honor excellence, collaboration, and visionary leadership across sectors.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Driving Africa’s Resilient Reinvention,” Alli-Bob Cinwon, Founder of CEOs Network Africa, described the awards as a reflection of the continent’s defining moment.

“Africa stands at a defining moment, one marked by reinvention, resilience, and reimagination. This year’s gala celebrates leaders who are not just adapting to change but creating it. They are the bold thinkers shaping the next chapter of Africa’s story through innovation, governance, and social impact,” Cinwon said.

Co-founder Barrister Omojo Wada added that the overwhelming number of entries demonstrates the rising tide of youthful leadership on the continent.

“Every nomination tells a story of courage, creativity, and relentless pursuit of progress. The response reflects a growing movement of young Africans committed to transforming systems and inspiring a new generation of leadership,” Wada remarked.

The 2025 Gala Night will attract distinguished guests, including top government officials, industry pioneers, and policy influencers who exemplify the spirit of reinvention. The night will celebrate the continent’s brightest minds who are redefining what it means to lead, build, and thrive in modern Africa.

BAZE UNIVERSITY GRADUATES FIRST SET OF PHD STUDENTS, HONOURS SENEGALESE PRESIDENT AT 12TH CONVOCATION

Baze University has graduated its first set of doctoral students during its 12th Convocation Ceremony held in Abuja. The event also featured the conferment of an honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science (Honoris Causa) on the President of Senegal, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contribution to the advancement of education and democracy in Africa.

President Faye, who was represented by the Senegalese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended Baze University for its role in promoting quality education and cross-border academic collaboration on the continent.

In her convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University described the graduating students as ambassadors of integrity, creativity and excellence who had faced challenges, embraced learning, and demonstrated discipline and character in line with the university’s values. She congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain resourceful, committed and honest in all their pursuits, adding that the certificates they had earned would open doors of opportunity both within and outside Nigeria.

This year’s ceremony produced a total of 972 graduates, comprising 647 undergraduates, 33 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, 276 Master’s degree holders and 16 doctoral graduates, marking the first time the institution would be awarding PhD degrees since its establishment.

Among those recognised for outstanding academic achievement were Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye, who graduated with an LL.M in Law, and Loveth Abiere Ugele, who obtained an M.Sc in International Relations and Diplomacy, both of whom emerged as Best Overall Graduating Students in the postgraduate category.

The occasion also witnessed the naming of the university’s School of Postgraduate Studies after the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, who delivered the commencement address. President Bio commended Baze University for its commitment to academic excellence and for nurturing a new generation of leaders and innovators across Africa.

Baze University continues to consolidate its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected private institutions and a centre of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The university offers a wide range of postgraduate courses, including LL.M Law; M.Eng Civil, Computer, Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, and Petroleum and Gas Engineering; M.Sc Accounting; M.Sc Animal and Environmental Science; M.Sc Architecture; M.Sc Chemistry; M.Sc Civil Engineering; M.Sc Clinical Psychology; M.Sc Computer Science; M.Sc Developmental Psychology; M.Sc Economics; M.Sc International Relations and Diplomacy; M.Sc Management; M.Sc Mass Communication; M.Sc Microbiology; M.Sc Parasitology; M.Sc Public Administration; M.Sc Quantity Surveying (Project Management); M.Sc Security, Leadership and Society; M.Sc Sociology; and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Postgraduate Diploma programmes are offered in Mass Communication, Accounting, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, International Relations and Diplomacy, Law, Management, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Psychology, Public Administration, and Sociology and Anthropology. Doctoral programmes available include Ph.D Accounting, Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, International Relations and Diplomacy, Law, Management, Mass Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Psychology, Public Administration, Quantity Surveying, and Sociology and Anthropology.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s robust complement of staff drawn from all parts of Nigeria and the diaspora, noting that Baze University blends industry expertise with academic excellence. The Faculty of Law, she said, has fourteen professorial-level staff, including four Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), while the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy counts among its staff three Ambassadors, two retired Army Generals and several former Federal Permanent Secretaries. The College of Medicine and Health Sciences, she added, is staffed by experienced clinicians and consultants who contribute to both teaching and professional practice.

Since its establishment, Baze University has graduated over 3,900 students, excluding the 2025 cohort, and currently has over 4,200 registered students. The university operates ten faculties, including Law, Management and Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computing and IT, Engineering, and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. It has secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission and nine professional regulatory bodies covering disciplines such as Engineering, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Architecture, Radiography, and Estate Management.

Students from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences were also recognised for their role in the design and construction of the Baze University Hospital and its laboratories, as well as their ongoing work in the development of the School of Postgraduate Studies.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded by reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and character formation, noting that the graduation of the first set of PhD students is a clear demonstration of Baze University’s promise to ensure timely completion of programmes and the production of graduates who will contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

An Encounter to Remember: Reflections on the Emir of Ilorin at 30 Years on the Throne

By Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman

“Assalamu Alaikum, sho wa daada Oloun yo wa pelu re?” (“Peace be upon you, may Almighty Allah be with you.”) Those were the first words I heard from Mai Martaba, the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, during an unexpected yet unforgettable encounter.

It was during the Big Sallah celebration. My team from the SAS Foundation had gone to pay the traditional homage to the Emir, as we often do. Unknown to me, my team lead in Kwara had placed a call following a request from Mai Martaba, who wished to speak directly with me. Within moments, I was on the phone with one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers, a man who, for three decades, has embodied grace, wisdom, and leadership.

In his calm and fatherly tone, the Emir prayed for me, my darling wife Maryam, our children, and my entire family. He reminded me of the importance of staying connected to home, saying, “Never stay too long away from Ilorin; home is where your roots, your people, and your purpose lie.” Those words struck deeply. Here was the 11th Emir of Ilorin, a custodian of our culture and faith, taking a personal interest in my well-being.

His Royal Highness ascended the throne in 1995 following the demise of his uncle, Mallam Aliyu AbdulKadir. Before then, he had built an illustrious career in the judiciary, serving as Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. He relinquished that position to answer the call of destiny to lead the good people of Ilorin and Kwara State.

Born on April 22, 1940, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari’s life reflects discipline, intellect, and purpose. His education began at the Native Authority School in 1953, then continued at Offa Grammar School, Oakham School, and City Westminster College in England. He studied Law at Middle Temple School and the University of London before completing his training at the Nigerian Law School in 1971.

His professional path took him across Nigeria, first as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General in the old Gongola State, and later as a High Court Judge in Bauchi. In 1978, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal, where he served with distinction until his ascension to the throne.

Beyond his résumé, the Emir is admired for his humility, compassion, and devotion to peace. As Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council and one of the most respected monarchs in Northern Nigeria, he has been a stabilizing force in times of change. His reign continues to inspire unity and progress within and beyond Ilorin.

My brief encounter with him rekindled in me a renewed sense of duty to give back to the community that raised me. Despite my professional journey across continents, from Russia, where I earned a degree in Computer and Informatics at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, to the United States, where I completed a Master’s in Computer Science at Maharishi International University, Ilorin has always remained home.

Even though I have lived and worked far from home with global corporations, including Fortune 500 companies in the United States, my heart remains connected to my city and its people. The Ilorin community continues to fill me with pride and a sense of belonging. It reminds me that no matter where life takes us, we remain Dahiri Ilorin, sons and daughters of a heritage built on faith, learning, and leadership.

Inspired by that heritage, I founded the Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman (SAS) Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women, youth, and children in Ilorin and beyond. Through the Foundation, we strive to complement the Emir’s vision of a progressive, self-reliant, and united community.

During Ramadan, for instance, we reached over 1,000 families, providing essential food items to ease the burden of fasting. The initiative culminated in a visit to the Emir’s palace, where His Royal Highness, with characteristic warmth, expressed his appreciation and encouraged us to continue the good work. Although I could not attend personally, I was deeply moved when he described me as “a shining example of Ilorin’s promising future.” Those words became both an honour and a responsibility.

Guided by that inspiration, we launched the Project Tutored initiative in Ilorin, a three-week intensive summer school program in partnership with international NGOs, Evergreen Initiative and SheBuildLives. Held between July 28 and August 17, 2025, the project trained over 100 students from underserved communities, offering academic reinforcement, vocational skills, and essential learning tools.

The programme featured classes in digital literacy, leadership, career sensitization, sports, financial literacy, and soft skills. Vocational workshops in shoemaking, beadwork, tie-and-dye, and soap production empowered young people with practical skills for self-reliance.

These efforts, though modest, are deeply rooted in the Emir’s teachings and philosophy of service, education, and faith. His Royal Highness has always emphasized that true progress begins with individual commitment to community. Over the last three decades, he has championed peace, promoted interfaith harmony, and preserved Ilorin’s unique cultural identity as a melting pot of Yoruba, Fulani, Hausa, and Nupe influences.

As the Emir of Ilorin marks 30 years on the throne, we celebrate not just his reign but the enduring values he represents: unity, justice, and compassion. His leadership has transcended generations, nurturing a sense of belonging among all who trace their roots to the Ilorin Emirate.

For me, that brief but profound encounter remains a lasting source of pride and inspiration. The Emir’s words continue to echo in my heart, reminding me to stay grounded, serve humanity, and always find my way back home.

May Almighty Allah continue to grant His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, good health, wisdom, and many more fruitful years on the throne. Long live the Emir of Ilorin. Long live the Ilorin Emirate.

Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman is a Global IT Leader and Founder of the SAS Foundation. He writes from North Carolina, United States.

SAS Foundation Congratulates Emir of Ilorin on 30 Years of Exemplary Leadership and Service 

The Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman (SAS) Foundation joins millions of indigenes of Ilorin Emirate, Kwarans, and Nigerians across the world in congratulating Mai Martaba, the 11th Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the remarkable occasion of his 30th anniversary on the throne.

In a statement signed by the Founder and Chairman of the SAS Foundation, Engr. Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman, the Foundation described the Emir’s three decades of leadership as a shining example of wisdom, unity, and service to humanity.

According to the statement, the Emir’s reign since 1995 has been marked by peace, progress, and inclusiveness —values that have strengthened Ilorin’s cultural heritage and positioned it as a symbol of harmony among diverse ethnic and religious groups.

“Under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Ilorin has continued to stand tall as a beacon of faith, learning, and integrity. The Emir’s humility, intellect, and fatherly guidance have inspired generations to pursue excellence while staying true to the values that define our community,” Saleeman said.

The Foundation commended the Emir for his unwavering commitment to education, youth empowerment, and interfaith harmony, noting that his leadership has provided both moral and cultural direction to indigenes of Ilorin at home and in the diaspora.

“The SAS Foundation draws great inspiration from His Royal Highness’s philosophy of service and community development. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that reflect his vision of a self-reliant, progressive, and peaceful Ilorin Emirate,” the statement added.

As the Emir celebrates this historic milestone, the Foundation prayed for continued health, wisdom, and divine guidance for His Royal Highness.

“May Almighty Allah continue to bless Mai Martaba, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu-Gambari, CFR, with strength and wisdom to lead the Ilorin Emirate to even greater heights,” the statement concluded.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Sierra Leone President Speak at Baze University's 12th Convocation

Baze University, one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, held its 12th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at its main campus in Abuja, marking another milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.

The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS; United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda; as well as ambassadors, envoys, royal fathers, heads of MDAs, senior military officers, private industry leaders, and other distinguished guests.

In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, congratulated the graduating class and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and character development. She emphasized the institution’s diverse and inclusive learning environment as a foundation for holistic education and national development.

This year’s convocation was historic, as Baze University graduated its first-ever cohort of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates. In total, 972 students received degrees, comprising 647 undergraduates, 33 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 276 Master’s graduates, and 16 doctoral recipients.

Delivering the convocation address, President Julius Maada Bio praised Baze University’s contribution to nurturing knowledge and leadership, describing it as “where knowledge meets nationhood.” He also commended the university for naming its postgraduate school in his honour, the Julius Maada Bio Postgraduate School.

The Chancellor and Founder of Baze University, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree on the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The award was received on his behalf by Senegal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, who conveyed President Faye’s appreciation to the university.

A special highlight of the ceremony was a video message from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, who served as Chairperson of the event. Commending the university’s vision, she urged graduates to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.

“Your motto, Learn to Live, is powerful,” she said. “Learning is not just about passing exams; it’s about preparing to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.”

The event also celebrated outstanding academic performances. Mustapha Habib, from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, emerged as the Best Overall Graduating Student with a CGPA of 3.93 on a 4.0 scale. In the postgraduate category, Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye (LL.M, Faculty of Law) and Loveth Abiere Ugele (M.Sc, International Relations and Diplomacy) both achieved perfect CGPAs of 5.0, earning the joint Best Master’s Graduate award.

With the successful hosting of its 12th Convocation, Baze University reaffirmed its status as a premier institution driving academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, while deepening collaboration among academia, government, industry, and traditional institutions.

Baze University is honoured to welcome His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to Abuja for our 12th Convocation Ceremony.

His Excellency arrived this evening and will deliver a keynote address while engaging with top African business leaders and academics on fostering education, leadership, and sustainable development across the continent. 🌍🎓

We are proud to host this distinguished leader as we celebrate another milestone in academic excellence and innovation.

#LifeinBazeUni ✨

22 STUDENTS BAG FIRST CLASS AS BABA-AHMED UNIVERSITY KANO HOLDS MAIDEN CONVOCATION

Baba-Ahmed University Kano has held its maiden convocation ceremony, marking a major milestone for the young institution as it graduated a total of 177 students from its Faculty of Science and Computing and Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.

The university, founded by economist and education investor Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, who is also the founder and Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, celebrated this first convocation as a symbol of academic growth and institutional maturity.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Idris Tanko, announced that 22 students earned First Class Honours, 57 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, 65 with Second Class Lower, 32 with Third Class, and one student received a Pass degree.

He disclosed that the two best graduating students, both female, Amina Anna Kabir and Nwachukwu Esther Kelechi, achieved an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97 out of 5.00. Professor Tanko added that 19 of the 22 First Class graduates were women, describing it as a testament to the growing academic excellence and leadership of female students.

“Ladies are the overall champions,” he declared, commending their outstanding performance. He further announced that some of the First-Class graduates would be offered Graduate Assistant positions in line with the university’s goal of developing its own academic talents.

The ceremony also witnessed the conferment of Baba-Ahmed University’s first honorary doctorate degree, the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa, on Ustaz Ahmad Sulaiman Ibrahim, a renowned Qur’anic scholar, for his exceptional contribution to Islamic scholarship.

Baba-Ahmed University currently offers eleven-degree programmes including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Biochemistry, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, and International Relations.

Professor Tanko reaffirmed the university’s vision to promote excellence, professionalism, and service as drivers of Nigeria’s economic and technological transformation. Drawing inspiration from its sister institution, Baze University, he emphasized that Baba-Ahmed University is dedicated to producing graduates who embody both character and competence, equipped to meet global standards.

The convocation ceremony also featured a keynote address by Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, OON, former Minister of Education, who represented the Chancellor, His Highness Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero, OFR. Speaking on the theme “Enhancing Access to Tertiary Education in Nigeria: The Private University Option,” she underscored the critical role of private universities in national development.

“As Nigeria moves toward a knowledge-driven economy, higher education must be inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. Private universities are not competitors to public ones; they are partners in progress, complementing national efforts to build an educated and empowered citizenry,” she said.

She described education as a strategic investment in human capital and the most powerful tool for societal transformation.

The Vice-Chancellor also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Alhaji Muftahu Baba-Ahmed, a member of the Baba-Ahmed family who passed away in Medina in September 2025, praying for the repose of his soul.

The event drew dignitaries from academia, government, and the private sector, marking a significant beginning for the institution’s journey toward academic excellence and societal impact.