The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has called on Nigerians to emulate the selflessness and integrity of the late Justice Muhammadu Uwais in order to advance national development.
Fagbemi, (SAN), made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a special prayer held in honour of the late jurist by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS).
The Minister of Justice commended the late Uwais for living a life of honour and distinction, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire generations.
“Uwais has lived a very fulfilled life, his legacies are many when you talk of integrity, hard work, self restraint, respect for others, no matter how young you may be.
“He did not use his position to amass wealth. No anti-graft agency ran after him after his tenure in office.
“The family he left behind and Nigerians should uphold his legacies because the work he did still speaks for him.
“I pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings no matter how slight or big,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Haruna Uwais, eldest son of the late jurist, expressed gratitude for his father’s life and called on Nigerians to keep praying for the family and the country.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grants Baba al-Janah Firdaus. We hope to carry forward the values he instilled in us and preserve his legacy,” he said.
The National Chief Imam of AIS, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, who delivered a lecture titled “The Essence of Life” described Uwais as a detribalised Nigerian who used his position to uplift humanity.
“Justice Uwais used his position to help humanity. He affected lives and you can see the testimonies here today.
“He came at a time when no one recognised or believed in us (AIS).
“Baba trusted in our mission, even, He believed in the work we are doing and supported us and brought all his friends into the organisation.
“We are always conscious of what we do because people make reference to us that those are Uwais’ children and that’s why we have to be careful with what we do,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special prayer was attended by legal luminaries, Islamic scholars, judges, politicians, and members of civil society.
Justice Muhammadu Uwais passed away on June 6.
He was born on June 12, 1936, and served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria between 1995 and 2006 when he retired.
After retirement, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to lead the Electoral Reform Committee, where he played a pivotal role in improving Nigeria’s electoral system. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Rev. Canon Ugochukwu Ndukuba of Basilica of Grace, Abuja Diocese of the Anglican Communion and leaders from different backgrounds have called on youth to participate more in the politics and governance process in Nigeria.
They made the call at a symposium on youth involvement in politics organised by the church on Friday.
The event with the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation: The Role of Youth in Politics”, brought together students and youths from diverse backgrounds.
According to the cleric and other stakeholders who served as resource persons at the symposium, youth involvement in Nigerian politics is crucial for them to have a voice in shaping their future.
Ndukuba said when youth are involved in leadership roles, they would be in a better position to advocate for policies and programmes that address unique needs and challenges faced by young people.
“We are celebrating our father’s week and alongside the politicians among us, we decided to organize this symposium to educate young people to be part of partisan politics.
“This is to expose them to what happens within the political space of our nation, and to encourage them to have political mentors to enable them to get prepared for political leadership.
“Interestingly, some of these political leaders happened to be staunch members of the Anglican communion and they are to share their experiences for our youth to get inspired for leadership.
“ As Christian youths, we also urged them to imbibe the virtues of selfless service as they prepare to be part of partisan politics
“The spirit of leadership is actually given by the Holy Spirit of God, and if you don’t have the spirit of God, you cannot be a God-fearing leader”, he said.
Sen.Nkechi Nwaogu said the Not-too-young to run’ law has offered opportunities for young Nigerians, and urged youths to shun the negative notion of politics being a dirty game, and get involved in active politics.
According to her, the act of engaging in politics itself is not dirty, but the individuals involved may be influenced by personal ambition and selfish interests.
“You see, the negative aspect of not getting involved in politics is that the wrong people you do not want to lead you will be the ones making decisions that will affect everybody.
“I want to encourage the youth to come on board, to begin to sanitise the political space and the society
“Some of the youths keep saying they don’t understand politics; start with one issue you care about, there must be something that is bothering you, you don’t have to be master of it all.
“It is about understanding issues, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring your community is represented with integrity.
“Say no to political apathy and say yes to building the future you want,If you are not at the table, you will be on the menu”, she said..
Similarly, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former Minister of State for Education ,urged aspiring young leaders to invest in character and capacity building in order to become responsible and accountable leaders.
According to him, it is imperative that youths with political ambitions subject themselves to mentorship by experienced and selfless political leaders.
“For you to have good governance, those who are coming to govern must have a good value system because you will have the values you portray in every office.
The mind must be to serve, to give, and I encourage youth to be useful, against being useless, because if you are not useful you will be useless.
“Those of you who are interested in partisan politics, you must prove that you can be useful to society, so that you can be recommended for service” he said.
The Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the book “Empowering Tomorrow”,a masterpiece on youth empowerment with focus on leadership and fight against corruption in Nigerian society.
The 13-chapter book is authored by Sen. Frank Ibezim, who represented Imo North Senatorial District in the 9th Senate.
According to the author, the book is to encourage youth to take active roles in shaping their future and the future of their nation.
Ibezim said that the spate of moral decadence among young people today was largely due to the failure of government and parents.
“My advice to the youth is that they must not fail themselves because the government and their parents have failed in their roles.
“ They must stand up and take charge of their future, as they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today because the future starts now”, he said.
Other speakers at the event include Sen.Ugochukwu Uba and Mrs Debrah Ogazuma, among others (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Agricultural Agenda Nigeria Initiative (AANI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on the Government and stakeholders to prioritise investments in agriculture, rural infrastructure, research, and extension services.
Ephraim Audu, National President of AANI, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday as the country marked Democracy Day.
Audu stated that agriculture was essential for inclusive growth, youth employment, and national prosperity, values that democracy should uphold.
“As we mark this significant milestone in our nation’s history, we call on all stakeholders, including government at all levels, the organised private sector, civil society organisations, and development partners, to prioritise investments in agriculture, rural infrastructure, research, and extension services.
“Only through a united and sustained effort can we unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensure food security, economic diversification, and shared prosperity for all,” he said.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to a vision of Nigeria where every farmer would have the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive, explaining that when agriculture grew, Nigeria grew.
Audu, therefore, advised increased budgetary allocation to agriculture to meet and exceed the Maputo Declaration commitment of 10 per cent of the national budget, with a clear focus on smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
“Strengthen and digitise agricultural extension services to ensure farmers have real-time access to best practices, improved inputs, and climate-smart innovations across all geopolitical zones.
“Improve rural infrastructure by prioritising the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and efficiently connect farmers to markets.
“Promote access to affordable credit and inputs by expanding access to low-interest credit through farmer-friendly financial instruments, ensuring timely and transparent distribution of fertilizers, improved seeds, and agrochemicals.
“Invest in agro-tech and digital agriculture to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural systems and increase youth participation in agribusiness.
“Enact and enforce gender-inclusive land reform policies to secure land tenure and enable farmers, especially women and young people, to access, own, and invest in agricultural land without discrimination.
“Enhance climate resilience and environmental sustainability by developing and implementing a national climate-smart agriculture strategy that promotes sustainable land use, reforestation, and adaptation to climate change, especially in vulnerable regions.”
He also advocated fostering research, innovation, and agro-industrialization by strengthening research institutions and promoting partnerships with development organisations to drive value addition, local processing, and export diversification through agro-industrial clusters.
Audu said the policy recommendations, if implemented with political will and accountability, could reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector to feed its growing population, create millions of jobs, and build a more resilient and inclusive economy.
“As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to empowering rural communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security for every Nigerian.
“Today, we celebrate not only our nation’s milestones but also the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of more than 20 million registered smallholder farmers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, spanning 774 Local Government Areas.
“They are the backbone of our economy and the true custodians of our land.
“At AANI, we have committed resources and are set to empower and support up to 1,000 smallholder farmers nationwide as a deliberate action towards reducing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
“We stand ready to partner with relevant stakeholders to make this vision a reality.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AANI focuses on Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2, No Poverty and Zero Hunger, through smallholder farmer aggregation, women and youth empowerment, access to markets, and rural community development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
As President Bola Tinubu marks his second year in office, his administration has embarked on transformative reforms aimed at revitalising the Nigeria’s sports sector.
Tinubu, long hailed as a master strategist in the political arena, unveiled a sporting vision that seeks to turn passion into profit and athletes into assets.
Central to this vision is the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC), a strategic move designed to fast-track the development of a robust sports economy.
In October 2024, the President, in his usual bold innovative style, dissolved the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and transferred its functions to the newly revived NSC.
Malam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, both astute sports administrators with enviable track records, were subsequently appointed as Chairman and Director-General of the commission, respectively, with a mandate to steer the sporting ship to a podium finish.
Dikko, upon assuming duty at the NSC, emphasised the need for a holistic approach to sports development, moving beyond mere medal pursuits to fostering grassroots participation, talent identification, and infrastructural growth.
“We must change our mindset from the fixation of just competitions and winning medals and focus on our domestic sports development.
“When we set the foundation right, the results and the winning of medals will naturally come in a sustainable manner,” Dikko said.
Similarly, Olopade stressed the importance of professionalism and effective leadership in sports administration to get the country back on track.
“Sports cannot be run like other government activities because of its dynamic nature.
“Making the NSC oversee the administration of sports is a significant achievement,” he added.
President Tinubu as a mark of his commitment to increase investment in sports and make the sector a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has set down a marker.
In a clear departure from the past, the 2025 federal budget allocated over ₦94 billion to the sports sector, marking a 227% increase from the previous year.
These funds are earmarked for the rehabilitation of key facilities, including the National Stadium in Lagos, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, and Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with plans to transform them into world-class sports cities through public-private partnerships.
The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu while commenting on the budget, commended the Tinubu-led administration for increasing the budget from N29 billion to over N94 billion.
“The President of Federal Republic of Nigeria has tripled the budget of the sports from N29,082,369,979:00 in 2024 to N94,947,006,325:00 in 2025.
“The leap in the expenditure framework represent 227 per cent increment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hereby commended for the giant strides in the budgetary allocations to the sports sector.
“It is our hope and belief that, the increment in budgetary allocation would mark a turning point in the development, administration and management of sports activities in Nigeria,” Amadu said.
To further drive President Tinubu’s vision for a vibrant sports economy in line with international best practices, the NSC inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) to serve as the blueprint for this transformation.
Under RHINSE, the NSC aims to position sports as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, targeting a 3 per cent contribution and the creation of at least three million jobs across the sports value chain by 2029.
Dikko said that the vision includes the establishment of an Anti-Doping Laboratory to enhance Nigeria’s standing in international sports and generate foreign exchange.
Both Dikko and Olopade have reiterated that the NSC will continue to partner with the private sector to achieve its lofty goals, as government alone cannot do it.
To this end, the NSC initiated partnerships with corporate entities like MTN Nigeria, among others.
These collaborations aim to boost sponsorship opportunities, enhance athlete support, and create a sustainable sports ecosystem.
The leadership of the NSC has articulated a vision for a comprehensive sports development model that prioritises grassroots engagement, talent identification, and infrastructural enhancement.
This approach seeks to build a sustainable sports economy that not only produces champions but also contributes to national development through job creation and economic diversification.
Stakeholders say President Tinubu’s second year in office has heralded a new era for Nigeria’s sports sector.
They, however, stressed that to fully achieve these goals, all hands must be on deck, and the private sector must be fully involved, as Nigeria undoubtedly has abundant talents but has continued to struggle administratively to harness and transform the sector.
Harrison Jalla, Chairman of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, while assessing President Tinubu’s scorecard in the sector, commended him for increased funding for sports.
“On funding, President Tinubu did excellently well, he is arguably the best thing to have happened to Nigerian sports in terms of funding,’’ he said.
The ex-international, however urged the President to immediately constitute a board for the NSC in order to make its operations constitutional.
“To give legal backing to the activities of the National Sports Commission, President Tinubu must, without further delay, inaugurate the National Sports Commission Board in consonance with the National Sports Commission Establishment Act 2023.
“The National Sports Commission remains a defective structure without a functional Board, and all its activities currently lack the force of law,’’ he said.
Legendary former Green Eagles captain and sports administrator, Segun Odegbami at a recent public lecture identified the power of sports as a strong force that can change the world in all ramifications.
He therefore urged the Federal Government to continue to explore the endless possibilities in the power of sports as a social and economic driver.
As President Tinubu enters the second half of his term, stakeholders are of the view that Nigeria’s sports sector finally has a fighting chance to fulfill its potential.
But the journey from ambition to achievement will require political will, private sector participation and institutional discipline. (NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), says efforts are being made to rebrand the Nigerian sports sector to make it attractive for investors.
Dikko spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the executive board meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) consisting of all the heads of sports federations in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised to draw a framework and clean the system, which in turn will attract investors.
“We see the sports federation presidents as our operational officers; they are the ones on the field, and are the ones driving the individual sports, as well as the ones driving the vision that we are working on.
“So, we have to align our thoughts and our vision to align with what we are trying to do in line with the mandate President Bola Tinubu has given us; so, we have to explain that to them so that they can understand it.
“You have to clean the system up; put it in the right perspective and make sure that it is attractive to the big supporters, investors and everybody to get there.
“So, we have to put that framework together; that is why we said we are resetting, refocusing and relaunching.
“As the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, myself and the Director General are invited to be part of it.”
According to Dikko, Tinubu is keen on seeing sports contribute to the economy.
“Tinubu is very intentional sports development; he believes sports should be a key driver of the economy; it should be a platform that will create opportunities, create jobs, create social impact and increase our security.
“If sports is working, security will improve because the young ones will get something to do; so, he is very intentional about it and therefore, he feels that the best way to do it is to go in this direction.
“We have a clear plan of how to do it but it is not about bringing the money; it is about bringing the right money.
“We will focus on making things better, reset our thinking to be more domestic, and relaunch our sports to make it more positive.
“When we do that, then you can see part of our key pillars to get the private sector involved.”
Dikko said that the president had his target for instituting the NSC, as he was keen on removing obstacles to sports development in the country.
“The president is very bold and very deliberate in whatever he does and has technically removed sports from all the bureaucratic complaints and issues, and put it directly on his table.
“You can see the drive going forward; everybody is appreciating that process; everybody is seeing the direction he is going, and that is why you can see the whole industry is calm; everybody is focusing on their assignment.
“The last Sports Festival is a testament to what can be achieved if everybody is working together; everybody is happy about it because it is a huge success.
“That is how we want to see our sports being week in week out; we should be having a weekly sports festival; of course, all sports happening across the country and creating jobs.
“That is the kind of support the President has given to us; that is the kind of vision he wants us to do, and we have to do it,”Dikko said.
President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, in his remarks, tasked the sports federations to take up the challenge and ensure that Nigeria became one of countries to be reckoned with in sports.
“I am so glad that it is a joint meeting between the Nigerian Olympic Committee, all the national federations, Olympic sports and the Chairman and the DG of the National Sports Commission.
“So, we met to rub our minds, to discuss issues of mutual understanding, because we have to collaborate with one another; we have to work together in the interest of our country.
” I am happy that a lot of the national federations asked questions, clarification were made, advice was given, and the chairman and the DG were able to answer all the questions to the happiness of everybody.
“We also discussed issues about the upcoming games like the Islamic Games in Riyadh, the Youth Games in Angola, the School Games in Algeria, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and even the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“We are ready to make sure that Nigeria shines in all the games that we are going to attend.”
Gumel said that funding had always been a serious challenge to the country’s participations at international events but that the new era of sports might be different from previous administrations.
“Yeah, funding issue is a challenge, but the National Sports Commission and the government is doing their best, and we are going to the private sector again, to ensure that the private sector give us their support.
“This will enable us to go for the qualifications, and then, we can attend the games proper, so that we can make our country proud,” Gumel said.
No fewer than 28 sports federations including Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Nigeria Archery Federation, Nigeria Wresting Federation, Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Basketball Federation attended the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Calls for lowering voter age and rejecting e-voting on Wednesday in Abuja dominated the maiden edition of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)-Democracy Radio secondary school debate.
Students from Africa Community School, Asokoro and Intelligence Quotient Academy, who emerged winners, made the call at the debate, organised to mark Nigeria’s 26th anniversary of unbroken democracy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the topic of the debate was “Is E-Voting the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy/Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16 years.”
Miss Khadijah Matawale, a student of Intelligence Quotient Academy, said that every citizen had the right to life, freedom of speech and movement, and should be given the right to vote.
Matawale described voting as a process of electing leaders in a democratic setting by citizens, arguing that teenagers at the age of 16 are equally citizens.
According to her, if the aged have the right mindset to vote and have a say in what is going in government, teenagers at age 16 should also be allowed to vote.
“If everybody, irrespective of age or experience, is affected by bad governance, why can’t voting age be reduced to accommodate those of 16 years of age?
“In countries like Australia, Cuba and Brazil, they allow teenagers, 16 and 17 years of age to vote; why can’t that be implemented in Nigeria?” she queried.
On her part, Miss Oluwadamilola Wright of Africa Community School, argued that though technology looked like the way forward, there were lots of constraints.
Wright said that transparency could not be assured, as operators of the system were those appointed by people in power, thus making it difficult to be sure if the output was the will of the people or government officials.
She also stated that electronic systems could be very expensive to acquire and operate.
In his own contribution, Master Ogbodo Kelvin, of Government Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, argued that e-voting was the future of Nigeria’s electoral system and across the world.
Kelvin noted that the world was changing in terms of technological advancement and that e-voting would ensure empowerment, transparency and reduction in electoral fraud.
“We’re in a world where climate change is affecting us a lot. We will consume a lot of parts with manual voting but with e-voting, it will reduce the use of paper; we are conscious of our plight; it is democracy with a conscience,” he said.
However, Miss Oluwapamilerinayo Abobarin, an SS II student of Treasure Homes International Schools, argued that voting should be done by adult citizens alone.
Abobarin said that it was risky to allow younger teenagers to vote in deciding t fate of a complex nation like Nigeria.
“A 16-year old is not emotionally stable. Science shows that the part of the brain responsible for decision-making is not yet developed until mid-twenties.
“This is enough reason for us to see that a 16-year-old is not mature enough for such decision for the whole nation.
“They are still very dependent on their parents; they are easily influenced and manipulated by social media influencers, easy prey for cyber bullies and can be forced by someone in their neighbourhood to vote for a particular candidate.
“Imagine a 16-year-old becoming president of Nigeria, because the right to vote comes with the right to be voted for,” she said.
In an interview with NAN, the General-Manager of NILDS-Democracy Radio, Mrs Uju Nwachukwu, said that the initiative was centered around questions of interest to young people.
Nwachukwu said that following social media comments of young people after the 2023 elections, the debate was designed to propel new thinking among young people.
“What we are trying to do is more of awareness on governance and politics for younger people.
“At NILDS-Democracy Radio, our mandate is to bridge information gap between the governed and the government, and we are not leaving the younger generation.
“We want to get the younger generation talking; they are the younger demography that is most often over-looked; they will turn 18 in two years.
“At some point in time, they are going to be part of the system; so getting them involved now is a better strategy than waiting until that time where they express their discontent by other means like riots and protests.
“Getting them intellectually involved now, getting them to do research and understand things for themselves is the essence of this conversation,” she said.
Nwachukwu said that young people were very impressionable, as they could easily convince their peers to run with such ideas.
The general manager said that the debate would not be a one-off event but would be expanded to include university students. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), says it’s partnering with the Marine Platform Ltd. to domicile an Oil Capping Stack equipment in Nigeria.
Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, NOSDRA Director-General, said this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of a Technical Committee to oversee the installation and operation of the equipment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an oil capping stack is a specialised piece of equipment used to temporarily seal an oil well or other wells during a blowout, to control and prevent further oil and gas blowouts.
Woke said NOSRA, as an agency, is saddled with the responsibility of managing oil spillage in Nigeria.
He said that the domiciling of capping stack equipment in Nigeria was necessary to manage spillage.
He said that the equipment would help to reduce time wastage and cost of managing spillage.
“NOSDRA is open to any responsible government, government agencies, individuals or private companies that will add value to what we are doing in addressing oil spills.
“Having listened to the robust presentation and after proper scrutiny by our relevant technical department, we have come to a conclusion that your company has the capacity and the capability to add value to oil spill management.
“It is very obvious that this equipment will help in reducing response time, which is very key because if response time is reduced during blowouts, the gravity of damage will also reduce and it will save costs.
“So, we have no option but to buy into this equipment especially as research has shown that the closest capping stack to Nigeria is in Angola and South Africa,” he said.
Woke noted that with the equipment, oil blowouts would be easy to manage and the impact on the lives, properties and environment of host communities would be reduced.
He, however, called for the safe installation and operation of the equipment to avoid negative impacts on the environment.
The NOSDRA DG urged the oversight committee to put measures in place to ensure that the environment and people’s lives were not impacted negatively.
“One major assignment for the committee is to ensure human and environmental safety.
“Another is to mobilise the operators in the oil production value chain to buy into the usage of the equipment.
“This is because, if we get the partners to domicile this equipment here and the operators are not aware due to lack of proper mobilisation, then we have not done anything,” Woke said.
Dr Sola Oladipo, NOSDRA Director on Policy, Planning, Analysis and Research (PPRA), said that partnering the company was a proactive step toward managing oil spillages.
He urged operators and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to synergise to use the equipment to reduce damages caused by oil spillages.
Earlier, Mr George Chima, the General Manager and Business Development Strategist of Marine Platform Ltd., said the partnership with NOSDRA had proven Nigeria’s commitment to promoting safety and also protecting the environment.
“The capping stack being domicile is also going to promote investors’ confidence in coming into the Nigerian subsea sector and increase production.
“Having a capping stack for emergency responses cannot be overemphasised due to its numerous functionalities.
“One of the major functions of the equipment is to shut or isolate a well anytime a spill happens.
“It can also act as a diverter to the flow back from the wellhead.
“It can equally facilitate the injection of key fluids into the well-ball and facilitate chemical injection and monitoring of the critical well-ball parameters,” Chima said.
He added that with the equipment, response time to spillage would be reduced to less than 48 hours.
“The environment will be protected and the marine environment preserved from pollution,” the GM said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Chidi Opara
Since return to democracy, Nigeria has been confronted with multi-pronged security challenges.
In the North-East, the terrorist group, Boko Haram, has carried out a bloody campaign against western education.
Similarly, in the North-Central, farmers-herders clashes are rampant; in the North-West, bandits are on the rampage; in the South-East, the secessionist group, IPOB, is marauding; the security challenges are overwhelming.
The strain on national resources, human and material, is enormous; thereby, necessitating effective and urgent measures to stop the menace.
According to budget implementation report, the Federal Government disbursed a total of N1.03tn to boost the fight against insecurity and terrorism between January 2024 and June 2024.
For nearly two decades now, one state that has heavily borne the brunt of the problem is Borno; the birth place and operational base of Boko Haram.
Social and economic lives have been disrupted, making it imperative for practical steps to be taken to restore law and order in the region.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, assures that the military is equal to the task.
Oluyede, however, recognises the importance of good welfare package and motivation if the dream would be realised.
“The strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie in the weapons we place on the battlefield, but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them.’’
He spoke in Maiduguri during the COAS bi-annual conference while meeting with top-ranking army officers spearheading the onslaught against the insurgents.
“Accordingly, it behoves on everyone seated here to show exemplary leadership, to mentor and guide the next generation on the right path.
“We will play our role and there will come a time where it will be their turn to take the reins of leadership at every level.
“Hence, our action today will resonate in the future and our achievements will from the foundations of their beginning,” he said.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno aligns with Oluyede.
Recently, Zulum announced a donation of N300 million to support the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor made the announcement after attending the 2025 anti-terrorism military operation, Operation Desert Sanity II medal parade held in Njemena, Chad Republic.
Security analysts believe that improving motivation could help in stabilising the professional conduct of serving personnel on the battlefield, wounded soldiers and of course the families of those killed on active service.
Worthy of mention, Zulum has been consist in financially supporting the families of the military personnel killed on active service and the teeming soldiers who were wounded too while fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the state, as witnessed in the last one year more than ever before.
Observers say the governor’s legacies, especially in the provisions of operational logistics to military services, other security agencies and stakeholders in the state, remain unforgettable to many.
Zulum had on June 7 gifted a N100 million support to 88 wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes in the state.
The gift was handed over to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar in Maiduguri.
Of the hundred million, Zulum said each wounded soldier would receive N500,000, while N56 million would be distributed to the families of fallen heroes as a token.
About one N100 million naira was also gifted to the wounded soldiers and the families of the fallen heroes in December 2024 by the governor in Maiduguri.
Explaining how the narrative has suddenly changed in the ongoing resurgence operations, Abubakar, who was deeply engaged, said more than 100 terrorists, including 12 Boko Haram Commanders, had been neutralised within a week operation in Marte, Izge and Bitta communities of Borno.
Of course, the success was in connection with the use and application of COAS motivational techniques and the shower of Zulum’s incentives to the command’s wounded soldiers and the families of the deceased soldiers.
Zulum’s usual humility made him believe that his generosity alone could not heal the pains in the hearts of the wounded soldiers and the families of those killed in the battlefield.
To prove that, the governor further expressed his administration’s gratitude to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and the territorial integrity of the country.
Mr Dauda Iliya, Zulum’s spokesperson, said since the beginning of the security and post conflict recovery in the last one year, the governor had procured 110 vehicles and distributed some to Military, Police, NSCDC and CJTF for surveillance in urban and resettled communities.
Iliya said that the governor had also procured 500 motorcycles to enhance military security patrol in rural communities of Borno.
According to him, the state government has also procured assorted security gadgets, equipment and other logistics for security outfits.
“The governor graciously approved the recruitment of 1,250 Civilian JTF to strengthen local security and compliment the effort security agents prosecuting the counter insurgency incentives,” the spokesperson said.
Stakeholders say that the Zulum and Oluyede’s approach to ensure higher level of motivation and mentoring is yielding results than many think as witnessed previously in the overwhelming victory over the insurgents in the ongoing resurgence operations.
Worthy of recall, Oluyede had on May 23 ordered Commanding officers and soldiers to crush and clear terrorists without showing any mercy out of the Nigeria’s territory.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors to peace.
“Thus, I charge each and every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground,” COAS said.
He insisted that every strategic decision made at that conference must be adopted to achieve its set objectives.
In addition to that, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, also expressed happiness on how intelligence surveillance in Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region has been intensified with the procurement of Super Tucano aircraft.
The air chief happily announced further that the new aerial platforms had enabled night operations to target terrorists’ hideouts in the forest effectively.
Security experts say major actors in governmental affairs and other stakeholders have lessons to learn from Zulum’s approach.
“Zulum’s consistency in being transparent and generous with resources at his disposal in boosting the morale of troops as well as reaching out to wounded soldiers and the families of fallen heroes needs to be emulated,’’ a security expert said.
All in all, stakeholders say that Zulum’s approach could raise the spirits of serving personnel and motivate them to put in their best while facing the enemy of the state. (NANFeatures)
***If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
Carved out of Benue and Kwara States in 1991, Kogi is one of the youngest states of the federation.
As the case with the creation of other states, which dates back to the pre-civil war era, the creation of Kogi was meant to accelerate the development of the area.
In spite of its strategic location and the confluence region, Kogi remains one of the underdeveloped parts of the nation.
From its first Military Administrator, Danladi Zakari, to the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Kogi has always yearned for accelerated development in order to catch up with the rest of the country.
The return to democratic governance offered many states the opportunity to advance their developmental strides.
Unlike the military era under which the state was created, civilian administrations created an opportunity for the states to be led by indigenes who understand the developmental needs of their people; Kogi is not an exception.
On Nov. 11, 2023, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo succeeded Bello as the governor of Kogi.
Ododo, who contested on the platform of All Progressives Congress, defeated Alhaji Murtala Yakubu-Ajaka of Social Democratic Party.
Ododo inaugurates 105 cars donated to security agencies in the LGAs of the state
As Nigerians celebrate a watershed in their political history, the question remains: To what extent has democracy met the yearnings of the people of Kogi?
Analysts also ask: What are the failings of previously elected governments, and to what extent is the incumbent correcting those lapses in governance? Has Ododo truly fit the shoes left behind by his political benefactor, Bello?
Mr Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, says Ododo emerged at the helm of Kogi affairs at the right on time.
“Ododo’s emergence is timely and instrumental in driving key progress across the state; he came at the right time to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past administration.
“The ongoing infrastructure across the three senatorial districts and the administration’s fairness, transparency are all inclusive.
“His administration’s commitment to accountability seemingly blocked financial leakages, allowing public funds to be directed toward meaningful projects.
“His government has zero tolerance for corruption; state resources are now being directed towards projects that truly benefit the people.
“These include road construction, rehabilitation of schools, and improvements in healthcare as evidence of the government’s development agenda.
“These were obviously a renewed focus on human capital, education, and health,” he said.
The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Ashiwaju Idris, echoes the same view.
He explained that the N98.8 billion debts so far paid off.
The bill included loans that dated as far back as the regime of the Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and N50 billion bailout fund granted the administration of Captain Idris Wada.
As Nigerians celebrate return to democracy, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, says Kogi indigenes have every reason to celebrate with remarkable progress in healthcare, education and other key sectors.
Fanwo said some notable achievements of the governor included Health Insurance Scheme, Primary Healthcare Development, free medical services, disease prevention, and health promotion.
He said one major step towards driving economic growth initiated by the Kogi Government was the recent securing of a landmark partnership with Hunan Province, China.
According to him, the ultimate goal is to make Kogi the preferred investment destination in Nigeria.
“The partnership aims at enhancing development across key sectors, including agriculture, mining, and industrialisation.
“The collaboration, according to him, was formalised during a high-level visit by Gov. Ahmed Ododo to China.
“This is masterstroke that will change the investment narrative of Kogi.
“The partnership with Hunan will boost the state’s agricultural and solid mineral sectors while attracting foreign investments and advancing collaboration towards the realisation of the Ajaokuta Industrial Park.”
On health, the commissioner said that more than 220,000 Kogi residents were now benefiting from the state’s Health Insurance Scheme, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
He disclosed that the state government had invested over N7 billion in revitalising 88 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 21 Local Government Areas, aiming to elevate over 200 primary healthcare institutions to functional level-2 health facilities.
“Kogi’s healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformation.
“Ododo’s administration is remodelling over 200 PHCs across the state with most of the funding from state resources.
“These centres are strategically located to reach every community and ward, equipped with solar-powered water systems and staff quarters,” Fanwo said.
According to Fanwo, the BelloCare initiative supports pregnant women, children under five, and the poorest of the poor.
He stressed that Ododo’s commitment to healthcare had brought renewed hope to the residents of Kogi.
As the state right in the middle of the country, Kogi has had its fair share of security challenges faced by many parts of the country.
Some of the worst hit areas are: Yagba West, Yagba East Local Government Areas in the Kogi West Senatorial District and in Ofu and Dekina LGAs in the Kogi East Senatorial District of the state.
In response, the Ododo administration says it has done a lot to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Security Adviser to Ododo, said the strategies adopted by the government were working.
According to him, the state currently adjudged as the most peaceful in the North-Central.
Omodara pointed out that banditry was orchestrated by armed elements, consisting of natives and foreign elements that infiltrated the state from parts of the country using cattle routes that passed through the state.
“This group involves in highway banditry, rural banditry, kidnapping for ransom and cattle rustling.
“Kogi is home to diverse ethnic groups, and various disagreements among the groups often resulted in violent conflicts, especially over land, fish ponds and political power; the ethnic rivalry sometimes escalates into violent clashes that disrupt peace and stability.
“This has been well managed as there is no existing serious communal conflict in the state; the government made proactive measures through stakeholders, particularly traditional rulers in all communal cases.
“The recent incursion of bandits is cause by operations in the far North, pushing many of the fleeing bandits to the north central; but the Kogi Government, under the leadership of Ododo, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards criminality.
“The government has intensified security operations, engaged local hunters/ vigilantes, and collaborated with federal security agencies to dismantle these criminal networks.’’
Omodara added that in February 2024, Ododo established the Special Operations/Metropolitan Quick Response Squad (QRS) for the state capital, Lokoja
He equally said that the government procured over 50 brand new security vehicles for security agencies in the state and distributed another 105 branded Sienna & Sharon vehicles to the 21 LGA Vigilantes for easy patrols and monitoring.
“Again, 550 motorcycles, 2,500 bullet proof vests, 2,500 Non-Ballistic Helmets, Walkie-Talkie and 500 torchlights have been purchased and distributed to security agencies and hunter groups, to enhance policing efforts of the state in May 2024.
“In October 2024, the Federal Government’s approved Forward Operating Base, Abejukolo, and the Patrol Base in Bagana, both in Omala Local Government Area, received heavy deployment of troops to give “vista of hope” to the people of Kogi East in particular, and the state as a whole,” he said.
The 105 cars donated to security agencies in the LGAs of the state
He said that state government was also exploring alternatives to avert the breach of peace and security with the establishment of a strong intelligence outlets in the 239 wards of the state.
Omodara said Ododo had also directed and gazetted the employment of 2,752 personnel of Kogi Vigilante Service into the Kogi Civil Service Commission and recruitment of 1,050 hunters across the 21 LGAs with strong logistic support.
“We also have cooperation with neighbouring states in joint operations, engagement of youths in meaningful self-development and empowerment to reduce crime in the state.
“This, has led to several bandits being eliminated in several clearance operations, while the security agencies have continued to arrest criminal elements in the state, ” Omodara said.
Another area Kogi has made tremendous investment is in the education where Ododo recently ordered the release of N661 million to cover West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools across Kogi State on Oct. 29, 2024.
Mr Wemi Jones, the state Commissioner for Education, disclosed that the governor also approved the release of N145, 476,984 for the payment of Common Entrance and First School Leaving Certificate of 25,100 pupils in public primary schools.
“On February 4, Ododo also approved the sum of N215,220,000 for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for 30,000 students and an additional N181.7m for Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for 18,334 students in public schools, ” Jones said.
Ododo’s supporters say his administration has also done creditably in the area of infrastructure.
They point at the recent visit by President Bola Tinubu to the state, during which he inaugurated several projects to buttress their position.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated several projects executed by Ododo to mark his one year in office.
Some of the projects inaugurated on Jan. 28 were 9 km Zone 8-Zango Daji-Kaduna Junction Road and the 5.5 km Zone 8-Crusher Road.
Other projects are 350-bed hostels for both males and females at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), a demonstration farm, two new faculties at CUSTECH, and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) spread across the state.
Only recently, on June 2, the state governor inaugurated the construction of 7.2 Idah township roads.
Nonetheless, some critics say the governor has not done enough to deserve the accolades he is getting.
Some Kogi frontline opposition members want Ododo to be in control and more prudent with public funds by curbing the excessive powers of the those in charge of the state’s finances.
A human rights advocate, Mr Usman Okai, said it was unacceptable that an individual wields so much influence over public funds.
“Ododo must act swiftly to restore confidence in the state’s financial system.”
He also wants the government to urgently address the deteriorating state of education and the dwindling civil service workforce in the state.
Okai decried what he described as the neglect of primary and secondary schools across Kogi, describing them as dead and in desperately need of intervention.
“Some people have been working for over six years without receiving salaries.
“I challenge the state government to disclose the total number of workers and the wage bill for both state and local government employees to counter my claims,” he said.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Dr Patrick Adebola, wants the Ododo administration to focus more on agriculture since it is the main occupation of Kogi people.
More so, observers say the administration should also look at the solid minerals sub sector as a veritable means of industrialising the state.
While much still needs to be done, stakeholders say Ododo has creditably acquitted himself so far.(NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
TAJBank, Nigeria’s leading non-interest lender, has signed the completion agreement for the N20 billion second tranche of its N100 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond programme.
The Founder/Managing Director, of TAJBank, Mr Hamid Joda, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja
Joda said that the latest investment initiative sealed on Tuesday, was coming after about two years of the issuance of the first-ever N10 billion Sukuk bond on the Nigerian Exchange in 2023,.
According to him, it presents another opportunity for individuals and corporate investors to stake their funds in an ethical instrument with a competitive 20.5 per cent per annum return.
“Specifically, the new Mudarabah Sukuk bond of TAJBank has secured all necessary regulatory approvals.
“It is designed to offer a stable and ethical investment option to investors to participate in the bank’s profit-sharing ventures.
“It also underscores TAJBank’s commitment to expanding access to innovative financial solutions and promoting financial inclusion in the country,” he said.
According to him, the new Mudarabah Sukuk bond is open to all investors, both individuals and corporates.
He said that the goal was to provide a reliable source of extra income, accessible from the comfort of the subscribers’ homes.
The Chairman of TAJBank, Alhaji Tanko Gwamna, said that the offer would avail members of the public an investment opportunity that aligned with ethical financial principles.
“The offer of the new N20 billion Sukuk bond on the NGX will enable a wider range of investors to participate in our growth and benefit from our profit-sharing model,” the chairman said.
He further advised interested investors to contact their financial advisors or visit www.tajbank.com for more information on the Sukuk and the listing processes.
The Chief Executive Officer of the lead issuing house, AVA Capital Ltd, Mr Kayode Fadahunsi, said that the company was excited to be part of TAJBank’s success story in the non-interest banking industry.
“I want to assure investors that as was the case in the bank’s maiden Sukuk bond listing on the Exchange, the bank’s management will surpass expectations in this second outing,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the bank’s maiden N10 billion Sukuk bond on the NGX in February 2023 was over-subscribed by 115 per cent.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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