The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • EMBRACE: Ekiti’s Statewide Maternal Health Model Gains Ground as a Policy Blueprint for Nigeria

    EMBRACE: Ekiti’s Statewide Maternal Health Model Gains Ground as a Policy Blueprint for Nigeria

    In a major leap forward for Nigeria’s reproductive healthcare system, Ekiti State has launched a pioneering maternal health programme known as EMBRACE: Ekiti Maternal and Birth Response for Accessible Care and Equity. This transformative initiative, already gaining national and international acclaim, is the brainchild of Dr Samuel Oluwagbemiga Omotoso, Chief Medical Director of General Adeyinka Adebayo General Hospital, and Mrs Tolulope Funmilola Ojo, a maternal care specialist, demographer and sociologist.

    This program, developed in response to alarming rates of maternal mortality and the persistent lack of equitable healthcare in underserved regions, functioned as both a clinical intervention and a sociological movement. It emerged from earlier work under Ekiti State’s maternal health reform efforts, which garnered public recognition in 2021 for its transformative impact on communities. Notably, Ojo’s white paper, presented in March 2022 alongside those of other distinguished experts in public health, sociology, medicine, data analytics, and finance, was selected as one of the key contributions that helped shape the initiative’s direction.

    “We designed EMBRACE not as a conventional health project but as a structural response to social inequities in maternal care,” said Ojo. “We wanted a system that not only delivers services but is anchored in community ownership, local data, and human dignity.”

    Strategic Coverage Across Ekiti

    Operating across all 16 Local Government Areas, EMBRACE targets a population of over 3.2 million, with particular attention given to remote and high-risk rural communities. Through mobile outreach clinics, birth attendant training, infrastructure upgrades, and public education, the programme has directly impacted over 250,000 women of reproductive age in its inaugural year.

    Dr Omotoso noted, “Maternal health is the pulse of a functional society. If we fail there, we fail everywhere. EMBRACE is proof that change is possible when medical leadership partners with social science.”

    The Stories of Impact

    The results have been both measurable and emotional. Mrs Ronke Ajayi, a mother of two from Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, recalled: “Before now, I had to deliver my babies at home because the clinic was too far and under-equipped. But under EMBRACE, they brought a mobile clinic to our village. I delivered safely for the first time.”

    A similar sentiment is reechoed by Mrs Aina Olabisi: “For the first time in my life, I was visited by a doctor and nurse in my own village,” This 34-year-old mother of three in Ikole LGA said “They helped me understand the importance of attending the health centre for delivery. Before EMBRACE, we relied only on traditional birth attendants. Now, I feel safe.”

    In Aramoko-Ekiti, Mr Isaac Olaniyan, a middle aged father of two, praised the programme’s inclusivity. “They didn’t just care for pregnant women, they educated men too. Now I understand how to support my wife during pregnancy and childbirth.”

    What the Experts are Saying

    Speaking on the long-term impact, Dr Mahmoud Fathalla, a maternal health policy advisor at the World Health Organization (WHO) and father of the Safe Motherhood movement, remarked: “EMBRACE has set a powerful precedent for community-based maternal health. The combination of sociological insight with clinical expertise is what makes it uniquely scalable and sustainable.” In excitement, he further said: “What Ekiti State has achieved with EMBRACE is a remarkable blend of clinical care and sociocultural strategy. This initiative could, indeed, become a continental model.”

    “EMBRACE has become an important part of how we approach maternal health in Ekiti,” said Adebayo Ogundipe,a Director of Public Health in the state. “It builds directly on what we’ve learned from communities and uses that to shape services that actually work on the ground. That’s why we’re seeing real results.”

    The Nigerian Ministry of Health has described the programme as a “model of excellence in sub-national public health governance.” Dr Fatai Suleiman, Director of Reproductive Health at the Federal Ministry, praised its community-integrated design, stating, “This programme is replicable and we are exploring avenues to recommend its adoption in other states.”

    Adoption by Other States

    Many states like Adamawa, Osun, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger, have already adopted and adapted the programme. While some others are committed to adapting the EMBRACE framework. Hajiya Ahmed, Commissioner for Health in Kaduna State, confirmed: “We are adopting the EMBRACE model for Kaduna. The data-driven framework and focus on rural equity align with our goals. This could be a game-changer in the North. It’s the most coherent model for addressing rural maternal health we’ve seen in years. I would also strongly recommend it for other northern states.”

    In Borno State, Ibrahim Modibbo, a senior reproductive health adviser, expressed similar interest while addressing the press. “EMBRACE offers what we’ve been missing. It’s a participatory, evidence-based system.  We’re impressed by the results from Ekiti. I am proposing to our state cabinet that we adopt the EMBRACE model. This is the future of maternal care in underserved regions.”

    A Programme with a Future

    Dr Omotoso and Ojo, backed by a task force of healthcare workers, sociologists, and local leaders, developed EMBRACE following Ojo’s white paper delivered earlier in the year before government officials who adopted the initiative for the entire state. According to Ojo, “Our approach blends scientific research with local context. We don’t just want to focus on providing care; our goal is to empower communities to demand and sustain it.”

    Dr Omotoso added, “We are training midwives, upgrading facilities, and using mobile health teams to reach isolated populations. Our goal is a maternal mortality rate below 50 per 100,000—well ahead of national targets.”

    Supported by development partners including UNFPA, UNICEF, and USAID, EMBRACE is also slated for inclusion in global maternal health case study repositories.

    Ojo explained the vision moving forward: “This is more than a campaign. We are building a system. Our goal is for EMBRACE to outlive us and to become fully institutionalised and community-driven. We are happy with the outcome so far and we hope to achieve much more.”

    Dr Omotoso concurred: “Health equity is no longer a dream. With EMBRACE, we are making it a lived reality.” We believe that with structured monitoring, strong government backing, and community trust, Ekiti’s EMBRACE programme would continue to be a blueprint for lasting impact in maternal healthcare. It evidences the capacity of Nigerian states to deliver world-class public health solutions rooted in local leadership and global standards. We just have to start somewhere”.

    Ekiti State’s EMBRACE Initiative stands today not merely as a government programme, but as a beacon of innovation, a proof that Nigerian states can drive lasting public health transformation by blending science, compassion, and local knowledge.

  • How I started phonemart technologies – Nwankwo Reginald Ebere

    How I started phonemart technologies – Nwankwo Reginald Ebere

    Chairman of Regal Group of Companies, Chief Nwankwo Reginald Ebere, has been speaking on how he founded Phonemart Technologies, a company that has been reshaping  the Information and Communication Technology sector y in Nigeria.

    Phonemart Technologies, a thriving company that is delivering cutting-edge solutions to players in the ICT sector, is a  subsidiary under Regal Group of Companies, which Nwankwo Ebere proudly chairs

    The Phonemart Technologies chairman is a natural born  leader, a positive change agent and mobiliser of han capital, who from abinitio, set out to illuminate the lives of his people , changing their lives for good. 

    Born in Eluama Lokpaukwu in Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, to the family of Chief Isaac Nwankwo, the Phonemart Technologies chair has been from his formative years, standing out as a child destined for big things. 

    The Phonemart Technologies attended Uru Lokpaukwu Primary School where he passed his First School Leaving Certificate in flying colours and proceeded to the prestigious Ahaba Imenyi Secondary School, Isiukwuato LGA of Abia State, and passed his West African School Certificate creditably.

    Not satisfied with his academic accomplishment  Ebere gained admission to the Abia State University, Uturu and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc) in Accounting.

    Given his versatility, he backed up his accounting knowledge with yet another degree, this time in Law, earning LL.B at his alma mater, the Abia State University, Uturu.

    A leader of men,  the Phonemart Technologies boss  is a youth and community leader who  has impacted positively in his immediate community and beyond through his sterling leadership qualities.

    Chief Nwankwo founded Phonemart Technologies, an indigenous company that specializes in the sale of all kinds of Information and Communication Technology devices including mobile phones and computers.

    “The journey of Phonemart Technologies is that of starting small but we thank God that we are where we are today, with all the backup skills you deployed to get us going”, said Nwankwo Ebere

  • Osun State rolls out digital land & property e-Registry

    Three months after initiating its digital transformation project, the Osun State Government has officially confirmed that the Cadastra360 NG Digital Land & Property e-Registry System is now fully operational across the State.

    The Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning & Urban Development disclosed that thousands of historical land records have been digitised, while title verification can now be completed instantly through the State’s new online portal. The platform also integrates biometric authentication for authorised officers, GIS mapping for parcel boundaries, automated approval workflows, and real-time analytics for monitoring registry activities.

    Government officials report significant early improvements, including faster processing timelines, improved accuracy, and greater revenue accountability through automated billing and receipting. Banks, surveyors, legal firms, and citizens have already begun using the system to validate C of O numbers, check encumbrances, and file new applications.

    According to the Ministry, the deployment marks one of the most comprehensive digital upgrades ever executed within the State’s land sector. The government emphasised that the system was designed and delivered under the leadership of Ayoola Adetutu Oniyinde, Founder/CEO of Cadastra360 NG, who oversaw technical integration, data migration, and compliance with NDPR requirements.

    Officials reaffirmed their commitment to expanding digital services across other land-related processes, describing the system as “a major step toward transparency, efficiency, and modern land governance in Osun State.”

    DISCLAIMER

    This publication is subject to updates and revisions. Kindly note that the information herein may be modified or expanded over time to reflect new developments.

    May 22, 2023

  • The exquisite Lanez Akara collection by Odey creative Director of ‘Ankara Africa’

    The exquisite Lanez Akara collection by Odey creative Director of ‘Ankara Africa’

    Fashion possesses one of the most powerful marketing engines in the world. Brand designers, image makers, and media have a major influence on the identities, values, and beliefs of millions of people across all segments of society, and this, in turn, affects the pattern of consumption. And as a media organization, we are here to give to this assertion.

    Welcome to 2022, arguably the year of spring fashion. As a leader in fashion development and production, Mrs. Theresa Odey the Very innovative creative director of “ANKARA AFRICA” was set for the release of her highly anticipated collection “LANEZ ANKARA COLLECTION 2022”.  The fashion designer and entrepreneur who has established herself as one of the leading fashion icons in Nigeria created and delivered an unforgettable experience for her audience from the start of the event.

    Fashion is an exercise in imagination and beauty, therefore it’s exactly what the audience was expecting to see, and achieving it requires a lot more, and Ankara Africa delivered even much more with the LANEZ ANKARA COLLECTION on the night. As the evening unfolded the audience was thrilled by the beauty and imagination the designer expressed through her amazing craft in the collection. Each of the designs, garments, and accessories tells a unique story, a story which helped nailed the main goal of the collection and marketing strategy which is, achieving visibility and generating buzz, converting interest to sales, and enhancing customer loyalty.  

    Theresa Odey’s collection LANEZ ANKARA COLLECTION 2022 is an excellent example of an initiative that has been created and promoted through storytelling using Ankara design garments and other fashion accessories, and the feel and looks the collection will usher into the market where Ankara has attracted attention from all over the world.

    Read Also: “Houseoftuyi: Superb in knitted stitches and ankara infused shirts”

    Revealing the collection, Theresa wowed her Audience with her stunning display of creativity and styles, featuring some of the most beautiful models who adored the outfit in styles and glamour. The entire LANEZ ANKARA COLLECTION 2022 and its designs are unquestionably timeless, and an authentic body of work that will remain true to Theresa and her Brand core as a visionary designer with the nack for using local Ankara Fabric to bring satisfaction to her clients.

    As a leader in fashion development, Theresa shares her insider secret of defining, designing, producing, and marketing her fashion collection from start to finish. Knowing that a fashion collection is a curated series of garments and accessories that customers can wear together. Her journey has been one of constant reinvention, risk-taking, and of course, Nigerness all captured in the lushly detailed illustrations that chart the journey of quintessentially Nigeria fashion label ANKARA AFRICA.

    The LANEZ’s ANKARA COLLECTION 2022 caters to diverse tastes and occasions, offering a wide range of Ankara clothing designs that exude elegance and sophistication. Theresa uses versatile Ankara fabrics in her elegant creation thereby making the LANEZ ANKARA COLLECTION 2022 unique and excitingly distinctive. The designs in this year’s collection reflect the blend of African tradition and contemporary fashion techniques, and people.

    From the visual representation of the night, Theresa Odey effortlessly explained that the LANEZ COLLECTION 2022 is a movement that encircles universal silhouettes with an African touch to a creative class of women. This mix successfully translates into a heady mixture of Ankara-inspired print fabrics, colors, and trendy designs. Most of these unique items in the collection are known for telling people’s stories simply by their looks.

    Theresa Odey’s exquisite trademark Ankara Africa brand is known for integrating Ankara fabrics to create designs and various fashion Accessories. She has been at the cutting edge of high Ankara Fashion design since 2017. Her brand presented a collection of her outstanding designs on a fabulous night. The amazement of the Audience on the night is evident in the response and applause that greeted Theresa Odey when she appeared on stage to take a well-deserved bow.

  • Muda Luxe unveils “AFRO QUEEN 2022” collection

    Muda Luxe unveils “AFRO QUEEN 2022” collection

    • By, Kehinde Oluleye 

    Muda Luxe, a leading Nigerian clothing brand and a trailblazer in the African fashion industry, has recently released its highly anticipated collection titled “AFRO QUEEN 2022.” This remarkable collection demonstrates the brand’s unwavering commitment to preserving African culture and promoting diversity in the realm of fashion. Under the visionary leadership of CEO and creative director Oluyemisi Omolayo, Muda Luxe has become synonymous with bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary African fashion.

    In an era where African culture faces the risk of fading due to the pervasive influence of Westernization, the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage cannot be overstated. Muda Luxe recognizes this urgency and has taken on the noble responsibility of safeguarding African traditions. The brand understands that fashion plays a crucial role in cultural preservation, extending its efforts beyond clothing alone.

    In today’s increasingly globalized world, Westernization has left its mark on every facet of life, including fashion. Muda Luxe aims to address the issue of cultural exclusion by offering a broader range of clothing options to African individuals, both within their home countries and abroad. Challenging the norm of traditional styles, Muda Luxe seeks to empower Africans to embrace their heritage through African-inspired outfits that go beyond conventional fashion boundaries.

    The AFRO QUEEN collection represents a significant milestone for Muda Luxe, heralding a new era for the brand. Each piece in this collection has been meticulously crafted by local artisans who possess an innate understanding of African aesthetics and cultural significance. By skillfully blending traditional elements with contemporary designs, Muda Luxe celebrates the richness of African heritage while embracing the spirit of modernity.

    Read Also: Muda Luxe presents debut collection ‘Simbi’

    The AFRO QUEEN collection by Muda Luxe goes beyond being a mere fashion statement; it is a joyous celebration of African culture and a resolute step towards cultural preservation. By offering a diverse range of clothing options that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of African traditions, Muda Luxe encourages individuals to embrace their heritage with pride. This collection serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the transformative power of fashion in shaping and preserving our collective identity.

    In conclusion, Muda Luxe’s “AFRO QUEEN 2022” collection stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to African culture and diversity in fashion. With each meticulously crafted piece, Muda Luxe showcases the vibrancy and richness of African heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. By empowering individuals to embrace their roots and express their identity through clothing, Muda Luxe reinforces the significance of cultural preservation and inspires a sense of pride among Africans around the world.. 

  • How Olubusayo contributed to Zenith Bank’s financial operations

    How Olubusayo contributed to Zenith Bank’s financial operations

    By Larry Anwansedo 

    In the complex environment of modern banking, maintaining accurate records, managing risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance are critical to operational stability. 

    At Zenith Bank, Mr. Oluwabusayo Mesioye contributed to improvements in financial processes, focusing on foreign currency reconciliation and financial control. 

    His efforts were acknowledged through bank awards in 2021 and 2022, reflecting documented enhancements in efficiency and compliance within the institution.

    His work in the bank’s Nostro account operations exemplifies both technical acumen and practical impact. 

    “Banking isn’t just about processing transactions; it’s about anticipating issues before they escalate,” Olubusayo explains. 

    When discrepancies arose in the Nostro ledger due to erroneous debits by a correspondent bank, he quickly identified the problem and secured the return of funds, averting a potential loss of funds. 

    Beyond crisis management, his process improvements reduced customers’ waiting time by 48 hours, demonstrating the direct impact of operational efficiency on client experience.

    Olubusayo’s influence extends to strategic financial planning. By enhancing forecasting accuracy, he contributed to a 12% improvement in financial performance assessments, enabling management to make more informed investment and capital decisions. 

    He also played a pivotal role in designing and implementing capital stress tests, which improved the bank’s risk management effectiveness by 15%. 

    “Sound financial operations aren’t just internal metrics; they’re the backbone of trust, stability, and sustainable growth,” he noted 

    Regulatory compliance is another area where his expertise has had tangible results. 

    Olubusayo directed the implementation of internal controls over financial reporting in line with SEC requirements, ensuring that the bank’s operations met the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. 

    “Regulations are not hurdles; they’re frameworks that guide responsible financial management,” he says. His contributions in optimizing financial infrastructure have strengthened not only the bank’s operational resilience but also its market standing.

    Olubusayo has been recognized for consistently contributing to operational excellence, with insights that translate into both risk reduction and efficiency gains. 

    By combining technical expertise with a strategic understanding of banking operations, he exemplifies a professional capable of driving meaningful, measurable improvements in financial processes.

    As financial institutions face increasing complexity, from global currency fluctuations to evolving regulatory expectations, Olubusayo’s work underscores the importance of expertise, foresight, and disciplined execution. 

    His story is a reminder that behind every stable banking system are individuals whose analytical skills and commitment to operational excellence safeguard both capital and customer trust.

  • The USSD Gambit: How Wave’s Omon Eni is engineering a low-tech coup in Nigeria’s crowded Fintech space

    The USSD Gambit: How Wave’s Omon Eni is engineering a low-tech coup in Nigeria’s crowded Fintech space

    In the high-stakes world of Nigerian fintech, venture capital often follows a predictable script: build a sleek, data-heavy mobile application aimed at the digitally native, urban millennial. It’s a strategy that has spawned unicorns but has also created a digital chasm, leaving one of the country’s most reliable consumer bases and its public sector workforce largely untapped.

    While others chase the app economy, fintech firm Wave is executing a quiet but powerful counter-strategy. At the heart of this manoeuvre is Omon Eni, a Product Manager whose work is a masterclass in pragmatic innovation. She is leading the charge to bank the unbanked and underbanked civil servants, not with complex algorithms, but with a technology many dismissed as archaic: USSD.

    “The market failure was obvious,” Eni stated in a recent interview, speaking with the measured precision of an engineer. “You have a segment with predictable income and a clear need for credit, yet they are almost entirely excluded from formal lending channels. The problem wasn’t their creditworthiness; it was the delivery mechanism. The industry built products for itself, not for the realities of a 55-year-old teacher in a semi-urban area.”

    This insight became the cornerstone of Wave’s product strategy. Recognising that low smartphone penetration and prohibitive data costs were insurmountable barriers for many, Eni championed the development of a USSD-based lending platform. This low-code solution, accessible by dialling a simple string of characters on any mobile phone, effectively bypasses the internet, the app store, and the need for digital fluency. It’s a move that has allowed Wave to tap into a market its app-focused competitors cannot reach.

    The results validate the strategy. In just six months, Wave’s platform has processed over ₦100 million in transactions, serving a rapidly growing user base of over 12,000 active customers. Many of these users are engaging with a formal financial product for the very first time, a significant milestone in a country where financial inclusion remains a critical economic goal.

    Oluwatimilehin, Wave’s CEO, emphasises that this traction is a direct result of Eni’s product leadership. “Product management isn’t just about shipping features; it’s about solving a core business problem. Omon’s methodology is rooted in deep-seated user empathy, but it’s executed with rigorous commercial and technical discipline,” he noted. “She will spend days in the field with our agent networks, gathering qualitative data, and then return to translate those human insights into a prioritised backlog that the engineering team can execute flawlessly. It’s that bridge between human-centred design and technical delivery where she excels.”

    Her influence is felt across the company’s product architecture, particularly in her push for robust offline capabilities. Tobi, a product designer on her team, remarked, “Omon’s design philosophy is built around resilience. She challenges us to build systems that assume failure—poor network, low battery, user error. It forces a level of simplicity and robustness into the product that ultimately creates a more trustworthy user experience.”

    As Wave eyes regional expansion, its USSD-first model serves as a powerful playbook for other emerging markets. Omon Eni’s work is a potent reminder that in the complex ecosystem of African fintech, sustainable growth may not come from the most advanced technology, but from the most accessible. She hasn’t just built a product; she’s engineered an access ramp.

  • Four killed, farmer escapes death as suspected herders attack Igangan community

    Four killed, farmer escapes death as suspected herders attack Igangan community

    No fewer than four persons were killed when suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked the Igangan community in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The midnight raid, which occurred on August 31, 2022, left four residents dead and several others injured, reigniting fears of renewed ethnic violence in the troubled agrarian community.

    Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the town around midnight, firing gunshots indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.

    Speaking with The Nation, an eyewitness, Tajudeen Oke, said the attackers arrived heavily armed and caught residents unawares.

    According to him, a local farmer, Abdulfatai Abdulrasaq, narrowly escaped death after the attackers invaded his residence and set it on fire.

    Oke said that Abdulrasaq’s house was among the first to be targeted in what appeared to be a coordinated strike.

    “It was like a war zone,” Oke recounted. “They burnt Abdulfatai’s house to ashes. He escaped through the back door, but four people in the house were not so lucky — they were shot and killed on the spot. The herders also looted shops and destroyed motorcycles. The whole community is still in shock.”

    He added that, “Among those killed were Abdulrasaq’s neighbour, Rasaq Adisa, a local trader, Amina Alabi, a mother of three who was trapped in her burning house, and Sikiru Bello, a 27-year-old motorcyclist who was reportedly shot while trying to flee the area.”

    According to him, residents said local vigilantes later recovered the victims’ bodies after the attackers had retreated.

    The attack is widely believed to be a reprisal by herders who were displaced from Igangan following a 2022 protest led by Yoruba rights activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

    In January 2022, Igboho had led hundreds of youths to the Igangan Town Hall, where he accused Fulani herders of masterminding killings, kidnappings, and farm destruction across Ibarapaland. 

    While addressing the crowd, he declared, “What is happening will not be limited to this place; we will drive out the Fulani from the entire Yorubaland. They want to be killing us. We will not accept this.”

    Following his seven-day eviction ultimatum, angry youths stormed Fulani settlements in the area, leading to violent clashes and the eviction of Seriki Fulani, Alhaji Salihu Abdulkadir, and his family. Abdulkadir, who later relocated to Kwara State, had reportedly vowed to avenge the attack on his people.

    The 2022 attack, coming after Igboho fled Nigeria following his declaration as wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS), has fueled suspicions that the herders returned to retaliate.

    Community leaders said the invaders struck three major neighborhoods — Ile Agbaa, Ile Alubata, and Ile Pamupamu — looting and setting houses ablaze. “Four people were killed in Ile Agbaa alone,” Oke said, “and several others sustained gunshot wounds.”

    According to Oke, Abdulrasaq, who lost his home, farmland, and stored harvests to the inferno, was left with nothing. “He kept saying everything he worked for was gone,” Oke recounted. “Abdulrasaq told us that if he hadn’t escaped through the back door, he would have died in the fire like his cousin.”

    The 2022 incident mirrors a similar attack that claimed at least 14 lives, destroyed properties, and left the town’s monarch, Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, homeless. Residents again accused the police of failing to respond to distress calls.

    “We kept calling the Divisional Police Officer, but help didn’t come until morning,” said Azeez Adelere-Saminu, Vice Chairman of the Igangan Community Development Association.

    Police authorities confirmed receiving reports of the renewed attack, saying investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

    Meanwhile, the tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stronger community policing and government intervention in Ibarapaland, a region that has become synonymous with deadly clashes between farmers and herders in Oyo State.

  • Kebbi Dep. Governor’s Certificate Saga: Putting the record straight

    Kebbi Dep. Governor’s Certificate Saga: Putting the record straight

    By Ikenna Agu

    According to former Premier of Northern Nigeria Sir Ahmadu Bello, “No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life”. This is exactly the position the opposition party in Kebbi State; the Peoples Democratic Party is trying to prove by flying a kite that the testimonial that was submitted to Independent National Electoral Commisision (INEC) in 2015 by the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida was fake.

    With the turn of events in the Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Birin Kebbi, the state capital, these purveyors of falsehood are stopping at nothing in spreading their stories.

    Recently, they went a step further by bringing some witnesses who had little or no knowledge of the issues on the table to testify against the incumbent Deputy Governor of the Kebbi State.

    An age long African saying that “Truth is one” tends to throw the camp of the opposition into turmoil as the witnesses and evidence being presented by the Deputy Governor shows that the allegations are dead on arrival.

    First to punch holes on the claims of the opposition are the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Schools Education as well as Director of Exams who tendered documents to prove attendance of the Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida in the mock examination of the Sultan Abubakar Teachers College.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Schools Education who was represented by Director Exams, Mustapha Idris Musa, informed the Tribunal that he was before them on behalf of his Permanent Secretary via tribunal subpoena.

    Musa further stated that the Court’s subpoena they received ordering them to produce a broad sheet used for the mock examination of 1979 of their College among other documents.

    He also told the court that one Zayanu Muhammad Umar that came to the court and presented himself as a Principal of Sultan Abubakar College was a Vice principal and not a Principal and at the time he came and allegedly falsely presented himself as a Principal, the genuine and substantive Principal Mustapha Abubakar was in the office and Zayanu came to Birnin kebbi without his boss knowledge or consent.

    The Principal Mustapha Abubakar who was in wheelchair, send Sani Abubakar Vice Principal Academic to represent him in case his attention is needed and also to inform the court to disregard whatever testimony given by Zayanu Muhammad Umar who was Vice Principal Admin and not Principal as he falsely presented himself.

    The Original Certificates of Umar Abubakar Tafida, which were presented to the tribunal includes, GCE O Level Private Nov/Dec 1981, National Diploma in Purchasing and Supply (Kaduna Polytechnic), Higher National Diploma in Purchasing and Supply (Kaduna Polytechnic) and Msc Transport, from Ogun State University.

    The legal team of the Deputy Governor led by Kehinde K. Elijah (SAN), also said that the subpoenaed witnesses’ documents tendered have shown that testimonial issued to the Deputy Governor and Mocks Result were properly issued.

    In furtherance of their nefarious activities, the opposition party also claimed that a classmate of the Deputy Governor, Aminullah Umar came to the tribunal and testified against him.

    But in quick reaction, Aminullah Umar said in a statement that he was shocked when he read in some manipulated reports sponsored by the opposition party in Kebbi state that he testified against the Deputy Governor.

    He said in both his written and oral testimonies, there was nowhere his statements went against the Deputy Governor.

    For the purpose of clarity, the testimonial in question was one of the documents he submitted to INEC when he contested the position of Deputy Governor in 2015 Governorship Election but was not attached at all in 2023 Election.

    The opposition, either by error or omission, has decided to misinform Kebbi people because the O’Level result the Deputy Governor attached to the form he submitted to INEC for 2023 Election had only his GCE O’Level Private Nov/ Dec 1981.

    Other results are OND and HND results from Kaduna Polytechnic and his Masters Degree results. What Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida is out to prove beyond reasonable doubt is that even the testimonial he didn’t attached in 2023 Governorship Election is genuine, and that the testimonial is just the evidence of attendance of the school in question.

    It is quite disturbing that the information the good people of Kebbi state are being fed with is that Deputy Governor submitted fake documents to INEC.

    The desperation being exhibited by the opposition party is unprecedented and capable of derailing the good work already started by the APC led government in the state.

    Remarkably, Kebbi residents have shown massive support to the incumbent government as they have been on the forefront of making sure that the ship of the state keeps sailing smoothly especially in the area of encouragement to the state government.

    It is pertinent to state here that since the current administration came on board, the menacing effect of bandits in the state have been put on check and the economy of the state has taken a positive turn. Education system in Kebbi state is current taking the lead in the whole of North West because of the programmes being implemented by the incumbent government.

    Analysts have said that the current media trial being faced by the Deputy Governor of the state may be borne out of the fact that with the way the APC led government is in a haste to develop the state, the opposition is already having the feeling that it may be difficult for them to win election in Kebbi state.

    It may interest the opposition party in the state to know that Umar Abubakar Tafida is not just a politician but also a patriotic citizen who has served this great nation in many capacities.

    He was former General Manager with Nigerian Ports Authority and a former Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2007 to 2011.

    Those who worked with him have confessed about the impeccability of his character, of which he has displayed within the shortest period he has been occupying the office of the Deputy Governorship position of the state. Kebbi Sate is a unique state in Nigeria.

    It takes people with the tact and discipline of Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida and the Governor Dr. Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu to pilot the affairs of such state. It will be wise for the opposition party, to follow the path of honour and play the politics of opposition without tarnishing image of people.

    Finally, as the tribunal is moving towards concluding their job, the People Democratic Party in Kebbi state should as a matter of urgency desist from any action or comment that could be pre-emptive as regards to the decision of the tribunal.

  • K3D couture founder Obot unveils first ever wedding dress collections

    K3D couture founder Obot unveils first ever wedding dress collections

    The bridal fashion industry is changing fast where Just a few years ago buying a wedding dress tended to involve trying on big gowns in traditional boutiques, there are now more choices than ever for Brides not just in the style of dress they can choose from but in the process they can undertake to find one. If you are getting married and don’t even know where to start, K3D Couture founder and creative director Faith Florence urges you to think back to the last time you felt amazing in a dress, and then think about why that dress made you feel great. 

    “The inspiration for this exclusive collection came spontaneously when I was working on a custom wedding dress for a friend last year. I wanted to give her a light and elegant dress that complemented the woman’s figure yet resembled the essence of our designs and Brand K3D couture. So the wedding collection felt like a continuation of our core designs Re-imagined in a wedding scenario.” This was an imaginative, creative depth of Faith Florence Emmanuel Obot and K3D couture that gave birth to this very exciting collection named “RKNA COLLECTIONS” This collection was inspired by all the fashion moments you can create during the most exciting days of your life. Faith Florence stated in an interview. “I wanted to offer a collection of accessible and affordable pieces, in a range of styles that both myself and my friends want to wear for all the events surrounding a wedding.” 

    Bridal ready-to-wear attire has become increasingly popular as it gives brides the option to purchase a designer ensemble for a fraction of the price. That’s why Faith Florence’s newest collection RKNA COLLECTIONS makes fashion enthusiasts excited at the launch. The Dresses feature looks ranging from mini to midi dresses and separates, plus a scope of styles that are perfect for wedding occasions and beyond. RKNA COLLECTIONS is full of pieces and designs we expect to see in many bridal wardrobes. The RKNA COLLECTIONS highlights Faith’s signature tailoring and modern aesthetic designs and includes everything from floor-length gowns to mini blazer dresses. The most exciting part though is the collab is completely affordable.

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    Faith Florence Emmanuel Obot disclosed that creating her first bridal collection RKNA COLLECTION has felt like such a natural extension for the brand K3D couture because most brides almost expect that their wedding Dress is going to be uncomfortable with boning zips and buttons clinching them into place, she changed their perception with RKNA collections with gowns designed that emphasizes a more structured, supportive look but stays true to our values of comfort first. There is often that question of what feels modern in the designs of wedding gowns. RKNA COLLECTIONS is a clear reflection of the answer, modern is looking like the most beautiful version of yourself. 

    All RKNA COLLECTIONS shows how Faith her Brand and her Team worked tirelessly on each of the incredible gowns as each dress features intricate detailing specifically inspired by the timeless designer known and loved by all for her creative and innovative sense.