The Nation Newspaper

Category: Discourse

  • Tinubu, 2027 and Buhari’s sad death

    Tinubu, 2027 and Buhari’s sad death

    By Tunde Rahman

    As if blessed with clairvoyance or possibly having a premonition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s imminent death, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, seemed to have stirred up the debate around the former President’s political strength and likely impact on the 2027 election, even in death.

    On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, just four days before Buhari’s death, the former SGF claimed President Bola Tinubu did not make Buhari president in 2015. He was speaking at the public presentation of a book, titled “According to the President: Lessons From A Presidential Spokesman’s Experience,” written by Mallam Garba Shehu, Spokesman to the late Buhari.

    In his keynote address at the book launch, Mustapha argued that the former President’s fame was never in doubt and that he had already had over 12 million votes in his kitty before the 2015 election. “The merger of the legacy parties merely contributed three million votes to his victory at the 2015 presidential election,” he noted.

    To speak of the true motive behind such a claim or whether the 12 million votes endured would only be conjectural. Yet, it begs the question: If Buhari had always had a guaranteed bloc of 12 million votes, and the alliance partners contributed only three million votes, many would wonder why those massive votes didn’t make him President in 2003, 2007, and 2011 until President Tinubu and others teamed up with him to form an alliance that produced the all–conquering All Progressives Congress.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s re-election will stabilise Nigeria, says Babayemi

    This might have been akin to dissipating energy on a matter that would have been merely academic if the late President himself had not often acknowledged President Tinubu’s help in his ascent to the exalted office. Last March 29, in a telephone call to the President on his 73rd birthday, Buhari rejoiced with him and thanked Tinubu effusively for his contributions to his emergence as President in 2015.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the former SGF’s assertion provides a valuable insight into assessing the potential influence the former President’s death may have on the 2027 election.

    Former President Buhari lived a remarkable life by every measure, and his departure in a blaze of glory was no less extraordinary. President Tinubu accorded him a historic state burial. In the wake of Buhari’s demise on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital, President Tinubu declared seven days of national mourning and ordered the nation’s flag flown at half-staff. The President was on hand to receive Buhari’s body as it arrived in Katsina from the United Kingdom. Just as significant, the Federal Government declared a public holiday on Tuesday, July 15, when Buhari’s remains were buried in his Daura hometown in Katsina State.

    President Tinubu led dignitaries, including President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of the Niger Republic, Ali Lamine Zeine, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President of the Niger Republic, Issoufou Mahamadou, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, many Nigerian governors and business leaders, to escort the late President’s remains on the long drive to Daura. They witnessed as the former President was laid to rest.

    No honour would be too much for that late patriot, civil war hero, distinguished army general, and former President, who stood for the Talakawas. Many Nigerians respected Buhari for living a Spartan life and standing for truth and justice, values that earned him the sobriquet “Mai Gaskiya.”

    How will President Buhari’s death impact the politics of the 2027 election and President Tinubu’s re-election, with the opposition swirling around him, baying for blood? It is yet unclear. Indeed, in the run-up to the 2027 election, some analysts liken former President Buhari’s death to a double-edged sword that can cut both ways. They contend that the impact of his demise on the 2027 election can swing for and against President Tinubu.

    Those who think his passing may chip away at the President’s re-election plans contend that Buhari remained a true and consistent ally of Tinubu till death and that the partnership between the two, built on mutual trust and respect, had remained strong until Buhari’s passing. Buhari never spoke against Tinubu or his administration while alive. The former President reportedly commended Tinubu for having the courage to make bold decisions about the economy, which he had found difficult to implement.

    There was nothing to suggest that Buhari would not have backed Tinubu in 2027 if he were still alive, given that he had consistently emphasised his indebtedness to the APC, which provided the platform that enabled him to become President, and Tinubu, who assisted him on his presidential journey.

    Perhaps realising this Tinubu-Buhari connection, opposition political figures, particularly members of the so-called coalition-African Democratic Congress, including politicians from the North who still regard themselves as Buharists or Buhari Boys, desperately sought to outdo each other in a bid to earn cheap political capital, using Buhari’s death as fodder.

    Barely a day after Buhari’s death was announced, former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, arrived in Katsina to position himself as a foremost Buhari ally and the inheritor of his political dynasty. Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi also arrived in Daura, fully draped in a turban, as a traditional chief of the town, to gain an advantage for the coalition.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar organised a grand entry into Daura on Tuesday, the day of Buhari’s burial. A motley crowd of his supporters cheered him at the airport, but it was all of no moment, rather gaudy for the sombre event. For effect, some of the opposition figures headed for Buhari’s graveside last Wednesday to pray for the repose of his soul.

    Buhari’s death appears to have opened up the leadership space in the North. And no political leader in the North today commands that extraordinary following as Buhari. With his passing, a rat race has ensued for leadership supremacy. This situation somewhat plays to President Tinubu’s advantage, despite the suggestion that it may hurt him politically. Indeed, this is by no means glossing over the huge void and the pains that the statesman’s death has left.

    President Tinubu has taken the proper steps to give the former president a befitting burial. In other to further immortalize his name, he named the University of Maiduguri in Borno State after Buhari. The President did all that for a leader who served the country resolutely and a political ally who stood by the spirit and letter of their convictions.

    In my view, all the President needs to do now and do strongly is seize the momentum, galvanise the rump of the Congress for Progressives Change elements that believe in him and those of other alliance partners in the North and South of the country, and assume full leadership of the Tinubu-Buhari alliance that produced the APC and produced Buhari and himself as presidents.

    •Rahman is Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties.

  • Farooq Kperogi’s false claims on Buhari: A moral, legal reckoning

    Farooq Kperogi’s false claims on Buhari: A moral, legal reckoning

    By Bukola Oyeniyi

    Although Nigeria just witnessed a change of leadership and the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one “columnist” has been busy peddling falsehoods and toxic commentary around these events. Dr. Farooq Kperogi – a professor of journalism turned social media provocateur – recently retracted a blatantly baseless claim about the Buhari family and offered a public apology. As one of the many Nigerians he maligned and insulted for challenging his story, I find his belated mea culpa insufficient. This public statement serves as a strong condemnation of Dr. Kperogi’s erstwhile positions on President Buhari’s death and the false information he spread about the collapse of Buhari’s marriage. It addresses both the moral outrage and potential legal ramifications of his actions.

    A Pattern of Sensational Misinformation

    Farooq Kperogi is no stranger to controversial claims. For years, he relished his role as one of Buhari’s “fiercest critics”, penning biting columns and social media posts. Even in debunking wild conspiracy theories, he often did so with a poisonous twist. A telling example came in 2018 at the height of the absurd “Jibril from Sudan” rumor (the claim that Buhari had died and been replaced by a body double). Kperogi ostensibly dismissed the tale as “implausible absurdity,” yet still seized the moment to ridicule Buhari on the world stage, agreeing with a student’s sneering quip that “while your president certainly isn’t a clone, he sure is a clown”. Such flippant disdain for the truth – mixing fact with personal invective – has become a hallmark of Kperogi’s commentary.

    Fast forward to 2025, and Kperogi’s penchant for sensationalism only grew worse. In the immediate aftermath of President Buhari’s death in July, Kperogi decided to weigh in on how Nigerians should react. He argued in one commentary that Nigerians were grappling with “whether it offends decency to celebrate his death… and whether Nigerians should forgive his betrayal of the country”, calling his own views “slightly unconventional”. Indeed, unconventional is an understatement. While Kperogi professed that he personally found no value in rejoicing at anyone’s demise – citing the inevitability of death to all – he also disturbingly rationalized the public celebration of Buhari’s death under certain conditions. He mused that had Buhari died while still inflicting “harsh policies” on the populace, “it would be justified… if people that were being crushed under the weight of his ineptitude and insouciance exulted”. In other words, he effectively endorsed the idea of dancing on a leader’s grave if the timing fit his narrative of comeuppance. Such a ghoulish stance offends basic decency.

    Even when Kperogi attempted to sound high-minded by urging restraint, he did so only selectively. Publicly, he admonished people “to resist the temptation to mock the dead,” noting that “we diminish ourselves when we rejoice in another’s demise”. He wrote that Buhari’s death evoked in him “an inexplicable sense of loss” despite their deep differences. Yet in the same breath, he took it upon himself to pronounce that Buhari’s legacy of “betrayal” was “both unforgivable and inerasable” by Nigerians – essentially decreeing that the late President’s “offenses to the Nigerian state” put him beyond any human forgiveness. This contradiction reveals Kperogi’s hypocrisy: he appealed for solemnity and compassion on one hand, but on the other hand he fanned the flames of animosity by insisting that Buhari was beyond redemption even in death. Such posturing was nothing more than vindictiveness dressed up as moral analysis.

    The False Divorce Claim: Irresponsible and Hurtful

    Kperogi’s worst transgression came on July 16, 2025, when he published a scandalous claim on his verified Facebook page that struck at the heart of Buhari’s family. With an air of absolute certainty, he declared that Nigeria’s former First Lady Aisha Buhari had been “divorced from the late President Muhammadu Buhari before his death.” According to Kperogi, this was not rumor but fact – information from an unimpeachable source, he insisted. He even alleged that Aisha had reverted to her maiden name (Aisha Halilu) well before President Buhari passed away. To bolster this story, Kperogi pointed to circumstantial “evidence” that, in hindsight, was both flimsy and intrusive: he noted that the First Lady hadn’t accompanied Buhari to his hometown Daura upon retirement, that Buhari lived alone in Kaduna afterward, and that when he fell ill, “she reportedly hesitated [to go to London to care for him] because she was no longer his wife.” She only went in his final days “after intense persuasion,” Kperogi wrote. He further insinuated that “during this period of mourning, she seems understandably conflicted about her role” – a snide suggestion that her grief was somehow less legitimate because of an alleged marital rift.

    These assertions were invasive, reckless, and deeply hurtful. Kperogi was broadcasting intimate allegations about a private marriage – something clearly beyond the realm of public interest – as if they were gospel truth. He did so without any official documentation, without a single on-record confirmation, and without giving Mrs. Buhari the basic courtesy of responding. In effect, he treated a sensitive family matter as fodder for Facebook gossip, at a time when the woman in question was freshly mourning her husband.

    Unsurprisingly, this salacious post went viral, spreading like wildfire across social media and even making its way into some online news outlets. And just as unsurprisingly, it drew sharp backlash. Many Nigerians immediately questioned the veracity of Kperogi’s claim – myself included. We asked: Where is the evidence? Why should we trust this single-source story? Rather than pause and reflect, Dr. Kperogi doubled down. Those of us who dared to challenge him were met not with reasoned explanation, but with derision and insults. He dismissed skeptics as ignorant or blind, effectively insulting our intelligence by implying we “didn’t pay close enough attention” to notice the things he claimed to see. It was an astonishing display of hubris. Instead of a responsible journalist’s healthy skepticism, Kperogi exhibited a propagandist’s certainty – and an egotist’s intolerance for dissent.

    Crucially, the people who actually knew the facts were quick to refute Kperogi’s story. Alhaji Sani Zorro, a former aide to Mrs. Buhari, reached out directly and publicly debunked the divorce claim, conveying the former First Lady’s strong denial. According to Zorro – and confirmed by Aisha’s own account – her marriage was intact until President Buhari’s final breath. She never divorced him. In fact, she was by his side in his last moments, and she fully retained her identity as his wife. She even stood grief-stricken at Buhari’s burial in Daura, receiving condolences from dignitaries – an image that utterly contradicts Kperogi’s insinuation that she had “reverted” to some detached role. The notion that her presence during his illness was “merely cosmetic,” as Kperogi offensively suggested, is patently false.

    Ethical Violations and Moral Outrage

    Kperogi’s conduct in this episode represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics and a breach of basic decency. As a self-proclaimed professor of journalism, he should know that the first obligation of journalism is truth and accuracy – “avoiding the dissemination of false information.” He also should know that “a journalist should respect the privacy of individuals and their families unless it affects public interest.” There was zero public interest served by exposing (or inventing) alleged marital strife between Aisha and her husband. It was salacious private gossip, plain and simple. By broadcasting it without proof, Kperogi violated both the accuracy and privacy tenets of his profession. In the NUJ Code of Ethics, journalists are warned explicitly to avoid sensationalism, libel, and unwarranted invasions of privacy. Kperogi trampled all of these principles.

    Even by his own admission, this was a profound lapse of judgment. In his apology, Kperogi confessed: “I shouldn’t have shared it publicly. Period. Doing so violated every moral and ethical principle I cherish and uphold.” Indeed it did. It is telling that he calls it “one of the worst and cruelest lapses of judgment I have ever committed” – a striking concession from someone who has built a career on being judgmental toward others. He acknowledged that the hurt caused by his disclosure far outweighed any supposed “truth” the information contained. That hurt was immense: Mrs. Buhari was reportedly deeply pained by the public airing of this falsehood, as would any widow who suddenly sees gossip mongers questioning the integrity of her marriage in her moment of grief. Kperogi admits he did “not intend to harm” her, but harm her he did.

    What makes this saga even more galling is the sheer hypocrisy on Kperogi’s part. This is a man who, just days prior, was preaching about empathy and “the importance of compassion in public discourse” upon Buhari’s passing. He urged that “today is not a moment for bitterness… but an occasion for solemn reflection, for empathy with his grieving family.” Yet Kperogi failed to extend even a shred of that empathy to the grieving widow herself. Instead of solemn reflection, he engaged in rash speculation. Instead of affording the family privacy and respect, he splashed their personal affairs on Facebook. It is a moral failing of the highest order that, while Aisha Buhari was still in mourning clothes, Kperogi chose to propagate a narrative that her marriage had broken down – a narrative she never wanted public, and which she vehemently denies.

    By doing so, Kperogi showed callous disregard for the dignity of the dead and the feelings of the living. As one legal commentator noted, “the death of a leader is a moment for dignity, prayer, and restraint – not unverified gossip or salacious speculation.” Kperogi’s actions violated those cultural and ethical sensibilities, effectively politicizing a personal tragedy and undermining the cohesion of the Buhari family at the worst possible time. Even if not punishable by law, this behavior breaches the sacred trust that should exist between a public commentator and the public. It is simply indecent.

    Arrogance and Insults in Lieu of Accountability

    From a moral standpoint, it is not just the lie itself that offends, but the arrogance with which Kperogi carried it. When confronted with questions and contrary facts, a responsible scholar or journalist would show humility – or at least caution – in the face of possible error. Kperogi did the opposite: he dug in. He treated the absence of evidence as evidence in itself, essentially telling the world, “Trust me, I know this to be true, and if you don’t see it, you’re blind.” Such smug certainty is the enemy of truth. It also revealed a startling contempt for his audience. Those of us who pointed out holes in his story were not engaged or rebutted civilly; we were ridiculed and summarily dismissed. Kperogi heaped scorn and personal insults on anyone who challenged him – a tactic that is as unprofessional as it is unbecoming.

    This kind of bullying behavior betrayed Kperogi’s lack of good faith. It suggested that his goal was never to enlighten, but to impose a narrative at all costs – even at the cost of his credibility and our civility. By lashing out at critics instead of answering their legitimate concerns, he lost any moral high ground he might have claimed as a truth-teller. In hindsight, his combative posture hints that he might have sensed his story was built on shaky ground, yet pride and ego wouldn’t let him concede. He preferred to suppress dissent through intimidation. This is utterly unacceptable. No intellectual – and certainly no professor – should conduct discourse in that manner. It is a violation of the principle of fairness and impartiality, which calls on journalists to “provide a right of reply to individuals who are the subject of critical reporting.” Kperogi afforded Aisha no such right of reply, and he spat on the feedback offered by others. In doing so, he showed “academic irresponsibility,” abusing his platform for what can only be described as character assassination.

    To Dr. Kperogi, I say this: an apology to Aisha Buhari was the least you could do. But beyond Aisha, you also owe apologies to the many Nigerians you maligned when they rightly questioned you. Your Facebook post did not just hurt the former First Lady; it insulted the intelligence of the public and the integrity of discourse. The “needless and deeply regrettable hurt” you caused, by your own admission, extends to all who care about truth in our public sphere. Those insults you hurled in defense of a lie – they will not be forgotten. True accountability would require you to acknowledge that we, the people who called you out, were right to be skeptical, and that you were wrong to be so caustically dismissive.

    Legal Implications: Falsehood Is Not Without Consequence

    Beyond the glaring ethical issues, Kperogi’s conduct may well have legal repercussions – a point he would be wise to heed. In Nigeria, reputation is protected by law, even for public figures and even in death to some extent. Spreading a false story that the former First Lady was secretly divorced touches on defamation, privacy, and possibly other torts. Let us be clear: defamation occurs when someone publishes a false statement to a third party that harms another’s reputation. By broadcasting that “Aisha and Buhari had divorced” – a claim which was never confirmed and now appears false – Kperogi absolutely met the first two elements of defamation (falsehood, publication) and very likely the third. This accusation painted Mrs. Buhari in a negative light, implying she misrepresented her status and perhaps suggesting disloyalty or personal failure. Right-thinking members of society could indeed think less of her if they believed she abandoned her husband or lied about her marriage. In fact, accusing Aisha Buhari of misrepresenting her relationship with her husband “may amount to defamation by implication (innuendo)”, as one legal analysis noted, causing “reputational injury to her and the Buhari family.”

    It’s true that under common law, one cannot defame the dead – but Aisha Buhari is very much alive, and her own reputation is at stake. Nigerian law (as well as Islamic law applicable in the North) recognizes the rights of a spouse and family not to have their honor unjustly tarnished. If a false claim like this causes people to scorn or ridicule her, it is actionable. Let’s not forget, Mrs. Buhari has shown willingness in the past to defend her reputation through the courts – for instance, she once sued a sitting governor for defamatory statements, underscoring that she does not take such attacks lightly. Kperogi could very well have been facing a lawsuit for libel or slander here.

    Another angle is the tort of injurious falsehood. This is similar to defamation but focuses on false statements made maliciously that cause damage to a person’s interests (particularly economic or relational interests). By alleging that Aisha “was no longer Buhari’s wife” and implying she had to be begged to care for him while he was dying, Kperogi’s post clearly had the tendency to cause public contempt for her. It painted her as someone who might have deserted her ailing husband – a damaging insinuation that could hurt her public image and opportunities. If proven that he made these claims with reckless disregard for the truth (which he effectively admitted), that edges into malice. Under the law, a malicious falsehood that impugns someone’s title or status (in this case her status as legitimate wife and widow) is grounds for a civil action. In plain terms, he wronged her in a way that the law recognizes and can remedy.

    Moreover, given the context, we should consider the cultural and religious gravity of Kperogi’s lie. President Buhari and Aisha were Muslims married under Islamic law. In Islam (and under Shari’ah as observed in Northern Nigeria), falsely accusing a woman of improper marital conduct or claiming she is divorced without evidence is extremely serious – it can be deemed “qadhf” (false accusation), which is considered sinful and in some cases criminal. Importantly, the burden of proof is on the accuser to prove a divorce in such matters. Kperogi had no proof whatsoever. His public claim violated not only civil norms but potentially religious ones, amounting to a form of slander in the community’s eyes. This deepens the offense because he was not just commenting on a political figure; he was trampling on personal status issues governed by both law and faith.

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    Kperogi should also remember that freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences. Nigeria’s legal system (including our cybercrime laws and Penal Code) does provide for penalties against spreading false information that harms others. As the Western Post aptly put it, “platform holders have a duty to verify facts, especially when speaking on sensitive private matters like death, divorce, or legacy.” When that duty is flouted, there may be legal reckoning. If Mrs. Buhari had chosen to sue, Kperogi could have faced a rigorous court battle to defend his actions – a battle he would likely lose, given that truth is the primary defense in defamation and he had none to offer. In the end, he saved himself from this by retracting the claim and apologizing. But the fact remains: what he did was potentially libelous. As the saying goes, no one is above the law – “not even columnists with global platforms like Kperogi.”

    Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Integrity

    Farooq Kperogi’s handling of this episode has been a masterclass in irresponsibility, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms to discourage such behavior in our public discourse. He spread a hurtful falsehood about a family at their lowest moment, defended it with unprofessional ferocity, and only backtracked when the weight of evidence (and public anger) left him no choice. While his apology to Mrs. Buhari was necessary and appropriate, it does not erase the damage done – to the Buhari family, to those he insulted, and to the standards of journalism he professes to uphold.

    From a moral perspective, Kperogi’s actions were shameful. They violated the basic human decency we owe to one another, especially in times of grief. No pundit or professor should ever forget their humanity in pursuit of a scoop or a “well-sourced” story. Kperogi did, and in doing so he lost a great deal of respect and credibility. He chose gossip over compassion, ego over truth, and malice over humility. That is a stain on his integrity that an apology alone cannot wash away.

    From a legal perspective, his actions were playing with fire. The “reckless commentary” he engaged in carried “legal danger” – exposing him to potential defamation claims and other liabilities. He would do well to remember that in the eyes of the law, reputations are not fair game for casual speculation. There are consequences for spreading lies, and he narrowly avoided learning about them in court. This incident should serve as a warning to all commentators: rumor-mongering can get you sued, and being a scholar or social media celebrity will not shield you from accountability.

    Moving forward, I urge Dr. Kperogi to reflect deeply on the ethical duties of his platform. He owes not just Aisha Buhari, but the public at large, a commitment to do better. If he truly “cherishes and upholds” moral and ethical principles as he claimed in his apology, let him demonstrate that by exercising caution, compassion, and professionalism in all future commentary. Let him also extend apologies to the individuals he insulted along the way – because a truly contrite person makes amends not only to the powerful figure they wronged, but also to the ordinary people whose only “crime” was speaking truth to him.

    Finally, to my fellow Nigerians: let this episode strengthen our resolve to hold public figures accountable. Misinformation is a cancer in our society, and it is especially pernicious when spread by those who should know better. We must continue to challenge false claims and demand evidence, no matter who is making the claim. Whether it’s a WhatsApp rumor or a professor’s Facebook post, a lie is a lie, and it must be confronted. Farooq Kperogi’s falsehoods have been exposed and retracted, but the lesson lingers: Integrity matters. Truth matters. And those who abuse their influence to peddle lies and insult our collective intelligence must be called out, without fear or favor.

    In the end, “commentary is not immunity,” as one observer noted. Freedom of expression carries responsibility. Dr. Kperogi has learned this the hard way. May this be the last time he – or anyone in our commentariat – wilfully violates the sacred trust of the public. Nigeria deserves better from its intellectuals and journalists. And when they fall short, we will not hesitate to condemn it in unambiguous terms.

    Sources:

    •Sahara Reporters – “Aisha Buhari Was Divorced From Late President Buhari Before His Death – Farooq Kperogi”

    •TVC News – “Kperogi Retracts Buhari Divorce Claim, Apologises To Aisha Buhari”

    •Politics Digest – “Why I Won’t Celebrate President Buhari’s Death — Farooq Kperogi”

    •Farooq Kperogi (Notes From Atlanta) – “Celebrating Buhari’s Death Vs Forgiving Him”

    •Farooq Kperogi (Notes From Atlanta) – “Apology to Aisha Buhari”

    •Western Post – “Farooq Kperogi, divorce allegations, and the Aisha Buhari controversy: The legal danger of reckless commentary”

    •Farooq Kperogi (Notes From Atlanta, 2018) – “Buhari: Not a Clone but a Clown”

    •Oyeniyi  is an Associate Professor at the Missouri State University. He can be reached by email at BukolaOyeniyi@missouristate.edu

  • Boost for NOA’s war against salt, hypertension

    Boost for NOA’s war against salt, hypertension

    ● Agency gets strategic partners

    There is boost for the health awareness campaign of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Bayelsa State. The agency got a buy-in from a privately-run organisation to take the initiative into underserved communities in the Southsouth state.

    The strategic alliance was sealed by NOA Directorate in  Bayelsa with a team from “I Care Save A Soul Initiative” during a meetingin Yenagoa, the state capital.

    I Care Save A Soul Initiative is a non-governmental organisation with interest in public health education, especially in rural areas.

    Both organisations resolved to step up grassroots health campaign focused on reducing excessive salt intake and combating the deadly rise of hypertension in the state.

    Leader of the NGO team – Ambassador Princess Elizabeth, has an urgent and direct message – the battle against high blood pressure must start at the community level.

    “This is a rescue mission and we are here to carry out the task of global health, beginning with local hearts. The people in these communities deserve to know what is killing them silently,” Elizabeth stated.

    She  stood in for her Executive Director at the Yenagoa meeting.

    Hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer,” has become one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges. Many Nigerians suffer in silence, unaware of the long-term damage high blood pressure causes to the heart, kidneys, brain, and blood vessels.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 38 per cent of adults in Nigeria live with elevated blood pressure, often undiagnosed or poorly managed. This makes the country one with the highest burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.

    A survey conducted in 2023 by the Nigerian Heart Foundation estimated that over 30 million Nigerians are currently hypertensive, a number that is expected to rise with increasing urbanisation and dietary changes.

    Residents of the oil-rich state, like other parts of the country are not been spared. In fact, its riverine and semi-rural communities face unique challenges – limited access to healthcare facilities, cultural dietary practices and poor awareness of chronic conditions like hypertension.

    One major culprit is salt. The WHO recommends no more than five grams  – roughly a teaspoon- of salt intake for an individual per day.

    However, studies have shown that the average Nigerian consumes between nine to 12 grams daily, more than double the safe limit.

    In the fishing communities of Bayelsa State, salt is not only a seasoning, it is a preservative. Dried fish, smoked meats and pickled vegetables are all heavily salted to extend shelf life in areas where refrigeration is a luxury.

    This overdependence on salt, combined with low awareness, creates a health time-bomb. Many residents don’t understand the link between their daily diets and the sudden rise in blood pressure, strokes, or heart failure.

    Mrs. Grace Olobio, State Director of NOA in Bayelsa, desribed the partnership as timely and urgent.

    She said: “One of the dangers of excessive salt intake is the risk of hypertension, which we are seeing more frequently in our communities.

    “We are proud to be a partner in this effort and will live up to expectations in sensitising and enlightening residents in the nine targeted communities”

    The NOA, as government’s agency responsible for public enlightenment, brings an extensive network of community mobilisation officers, town announcers and grassroots educators to the table in the strategic partnership.

    According to Mrs. Ndidiamaka Mumeya-Francis, deputy director, Programmes, the agency will not be limited to workshops or school talks.

    “Our strength is in local mobilisation. We will take this message to the markets, churches, fishing ports, and health centres—wherever the people are, that’s where we’ll be,” she explained.

    In the coming weeks, the campaign will be rolled out across nine pilot communities identified as high-risk zones due to poor health indicators and diet patterns.

    She listed the communities as Igbogene, Agudama, Otuasega, Okolobiri, Yenagoa, Oporoma, Kaiama, Azuzuama and Nembe.

    The partnership also includes training sessions for local community health workers and peer educators who will serve as frontline health ambassadors, guiding their neighbours on practical steps to reduce salt intake.

    Radio jingles, town hall meetings, religious sensitisation programmes, and door-to-door campaigns will complement the efforts. The aim is to spark conversations around diet, health, and prevention, particularly among women who prepare most of the meals in these households.

    In one of the participating communities, Igbogene, a 62-year-old Mama Ebifagha lost her husband to a stroke last year.

    “If someone had told us that salt could cause this kind of sickness, we would have been more careful,” she said while recounting her regret during a community sensitisation meeting

    The campaign is already igniting hope. Many community members who previously dismissed diet-related illnesses as “city problems” are beginning to understand how daily habits can lead to long-term health consequences.

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    The anticipated impact of the campaign is significant. The organisers hope to achieve at least a 20 per cent reduction in household salt consumption among the participating communities by the end of the project.

    The programme also aims to improve awareness about hypertension, empowering residents with the knowledge to seek early screening, adopt dietary changes, and manage lifestyle risks.

    For the “I Care Save A Soul Initiative,” this partnership is part of a broader agenda that envisions healthier communities across Nigeria, starting with education and prevention rather than cure.

    “We are not just telling people to use less salt. We are showing them why and how. This includes practical tips—using herbs and spices as alternatives, reading food labels, and understanding portion control,” Elizabeth said.

    Mrs. Olobio restated NOA’s commitment to escalating the campaign to other local government areas if the pilot phase yields measurable success. She also called on the state’s Ministry of Health to support the initiative with screening kits and community nurses.

    Local government chairpersons and traditional rulers are also expected to play crucial roles in legitimising the campaign, mobilising attendance at outreach programmes, and providing community halls or venues for awareness events.

    The challenge ahead is enormous, but the resolve is stronger. As the campaign kicks off, the focus is not only on reducing salt but on saving lives—one household at a time.

    For many in Bayelsa, this campaign is the first time they are hearing that something as simple as too much salt could be deadly. That, say campaign organisers, is where the change begins—with knowledge.

    Through this partnership, the  NOA and “I Care Save A Soul Initiative” are turning information into action. And as they move from community to community, the goal remains clear: a healthier Bayelsa, where people live longer, stronger, and better-informed lives.

  • With the Qatar Sanabil project, Sani deepens peace and healing in Kaduna

    With the Qatar Sanabil project, Sani deepens peace and healing in Kaduna

    By Ahmed Ibrahim Yusuf

    When history pens the renaissance of Kaduna State, it will not overlook the significance of July 21, 2025 — a date now etched in gold across the annals of restitution, leadership, and recovery. It was on this day that Governor Uba Sani, with solemn resolve and visible compassion, led the commissioning of Phase One of the Qatar Sanabil Project, distributing dignified homes to families who had endured the searing wrath of banditry. This event was not simply ceremonial. It was redemptive. It was, in its truest form, an act of healing — a moment when the distance between governance and humanity collapsed, and the powerful hand of leadership became a tender balm for wounded souls.

    Governor Uba Sani did not just unveil infrastructure; he unveiled justice with concrete, handed over compassion in the form of keys, and offered the gift of belonging to those whose lives had been defined by loss. Where once there was silence, sorrow, and displacement, now stand homes, symbols of resilience and monuments to the State’s refusal to forget its people. Under his administration, peace is no longer an elusive prayer whispered through tears; it is a living reality crafted through vision, strategy, and sacrifice.

    For more than a decade, Kaduna bore the brunt of violence that threatened to eviscerate its soul. Banditry, kidnappings, arson, and wanton killings stripped entire communities of their identity. Farms lay fallow. Markets were shuttered. Schools fell silent, and dreams lay scattered among ashes. The Kaduna–Abuja expressway, once a vital artery of commerce and connectivity, became synonymous with dread and death. Investors took flight, families scattered, and governance itself trembled under the weight of chaos.

    It was into this crucible of despair that Senator Uba Sani stepped on May 29, 2023. The task before him was Herculean. But he approached it not with fear or fanfare, but with the quiet, firm resolve of a man intimately acquainted with the pains and promise of his people. He understood that to restore Kaduna, he would need to be more than Governor. He would need to be a listener, a builder, a reconciler, and above all, a servant of justice.

    Governor Sani adopted a dual philosophy: a kinetic response to dismantle the architecture of violence, and a non-kinetic, people-centered model to rebuild the social fabric. His blueprint, shaped by consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, security operatives, and victims, culminated in what is now known as the Kaduna Peace Model — an inclusive framework that understands that peace is not imposed from above, but nurtured from within.

    He took his security masterplan directly to the top: the National Security Adviser, the Chiefs of Defence, and the Service Chiefs. He argued not just with facts, but with heart — for more Forward Operating Bases, better troop coordination, and a grassroots-informed approach. And they listened. Under his stewardship, the Kaduna–Abuja highway was reopened. The infamous rail corridor resumed operations. Farmers returned to their land. Markets, long closed, came back to life. And fear began to loosen its decades-old grip.

    But Governor Uba Sani knew that physical security was only half the battle. Restoration required not just the absence of violence, but the presence of dignity. Thus emerged his signature collaboration with Qatar Charity, resulting in the Qatar Sanabil Project. With two transformational arms — mass housing for the underserved and the creation of an economic city — the initiative is set to directly impact more than half a million vulnerable citizens. The symbolism could not be clearer: where bandits once sowed destruction, a new city of hope is being born.

    The partnership between Qatar Charity Foundation and the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani on the Qatar Sanabil Project reflects a shared vision for sustainable development, rooted in transparency, accountability, and impact. Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has been marked by integrity, inclusiveness, and a firm commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable. His administration’s focus on infrastructure, social investment, and economic empowerment has earned wide recognition, making Kaduna a reliable destination for international development partnerships.

    Qatar Charity, known for its global humanitarian footprint and dedication to transformative community projects, finds in Kaduna a partner equally committed to responsible governance and measurable outcomes. The Qatar Sanabil initiative, which aims to deliver 500,000 housing units and develop a model economic city, is a bold step towards alleviating poverty and restoring dignity through integrated housing, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

    This collaboration is underpinned by mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence. The Kaduna State Government offers a stable, transparent, and enabling environment — hallmarks of Governor Sani’s administration — while Qatar Charity brings expertise, resources, and a proven track record in large-scale humanitarian interventions. Together, they are setting a new benchmark for development partnerships in Africa.

    In essence, the Qatar Sanabil Project is more than a housing scheme — it is a symbol of visionary leadership and global solidarity. It embodies what can be achieved when integrity meets innovation, and when a government’s commitment to its people aligns with an international organisation’s mission to serve humanity.

    The commissioning of Phase One of the project was particularly poignant. The beneficiaries were families who had lost husbands, fathers, mothers, and children to the cruel arithmetic of banditry. But they were no longer just statistics. That day, they were seen, honoured, and uplifted. Governor Sani’s words rang with gravity: “Shelter is not merely physical. It is emotional, psychological, and spiritual. It is the bedrock of human dignity.”

    This vision extends beyond housing. Alongside the homes, his administration distributed empowerment tools — cargo bikes, tricycles, grinding machines, salon kits, and welding equipment — so that widows, youth, and the unemployed could stand with renewed self-worth. A school, a health clinic, and a skills acquisition center were inaugurated — all pillars of a future that refuses to be haunted by its past.

     This wasn’t a showcase; it was a statement. A declaration that under Uba Sani, Kaduna would never again be a theatre of forgotten tragedies. It would be a place of restored faith, reclaimed purpose, and relentless progress.

     President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, echoed this sentiment. “Under your stewardship,” he said to the Governor, “Kaduna is transforming from an epicenter of violent attacks to a model of stability and peace. You are wiping the tears of victims, reconciling communities, and giving everyone a sense of belonging.” These were not platitudes. They were earned affirmations: testimonies to a leadership that has not only confronted pain, but transformed it.

    The success of Kaduna’s peace strategy lies in its nuance. It recognises that justice must be served, but also that healing must be offered. Through a carefully crafted Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) programme, bandits who laid down their arms were given a chance to choose peace. In the difficult terrain of Giwa, Chikun, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari and Kagarko, some of the most notorious insurgents surrendered and embraced reintegration. Their surrender was not a capitulation to government power, but a recognition that peace, when honestly brokered, is more powerful than violence.

     This initiative was never about appeasement, nor about turning a blind eye to past crimes. It was, in its finest form, about giving peace a face, a home, and a future. Dr. James Kanyip, Kaduna’s Commissioner for Internal Security, rightly defended this strategy: “The peace process itself is within the confines of the rule of law. The entire constitution is about guaranteeing peace and welfare. If that peace is attained through a constitutionally sound peace process, why not?”

    Governor Uba Sani understood that peace must be durable. To that end, he signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill, repealing the older 2018 version, and allowing private sector involvement in financing security. This wasn’t just legal housekeeping; it was a strategic stroke to anchor progress in sustainable funding and multi-sectoral collaboration.

    Beyond very close collaborations with the nation’s Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies, Governor Uba Sani revitalised the Kaduna Vigilante Service, recruiting and training thousands of new personnel and arming them with equipment and purpose. And perhaps most importantly, he restored confidence among citizens, allowing security to become a shared civic responsibility. His regular security briefings with community leaders helped decentralise the security conversation, making every citizen a stakeholder in peace.

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    Governor Sani’s leadership is not merely institutional; it is deeply human. His voice trembled with emotion as he addressed victims and survivors, not as a politician speaking to constituents, but as a brother speaking to his own. “You are not forgotten. You are our heroes,” he told them. “We do not merely give you homes; we return dreams to the dreamers.”

    Such sentiments are not common in politics. But neither is Governor Uba Sani. He has chosen a path not of convenience, but of conscience — one that trades applause for action, popularity for purpose, and power for service.

    His approach to governance carries the weight of empathy and the urgency of justice. It reminds us that governance, at its noblest, is not about control or ccontroversies. It is about love — love made visible in policies, buildings, laws, and lives transformed. His is a government with a soul. A leadership that listens, learns, and lifts.

    This is why Kaduna under Uba Sani is not merely recovering; it is rising. Rising from the ashes of war. From the trauma of displacement. From the silence of mourning. It is rising with dignity, innovation, and unshakable faith in the possibility of peace.

     Governor Uba Sani has declared that the Phase One of the Qatar Sanabil Project is only the beginning. More homes will be built. More lives will be uplifted. More peace will be brokered, not through the barrel of a gun, but through the patient, firm, and principled hand of leadership. The Qatar Sanabil Project will continue, as will multiple other social housing and investment initiatives aimed at economic inclusion and human development.

    And in all of it, his guiding star remains constant: the welfare, safety, and dignity of the people of Kaduna State.

    So when the future looks back upon this time, let it not speak only of the violence that once reigned. Let it tell of a people who refused to surrender their humanity to hatred. Let it tell of leaders who chose integrity over indifference. Let it tell of Uba Sani — a Governor who met crisis not with cold calculations, but with warm resolve. Let it say of him: “He did not govern from above. He stood with his people, heart to heart, hand-in-hand.”

    Let it be remembered that in Kaduna’s hour of need, love found form in policy, healing found shape in homes, and peace was built not merely with mortar, but with moral clarity. Through powerful acts of restitution, Governor Uba Sani is not just rebuilding Kaduna — he is redeeming its soul.

    •Ahmed Ibrahim Yusuf, a Freelance Journalist, Writes From Barnawa, Kaduna

  • Investment drive and Abiodun’s takes-home from BRICS Summit

    Investment drive and Abiodun’s takes-home from BRICS Summit

    • By Femi Ogbonnikan

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was a key figure in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage that attended the recent BRIC Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    Nigeria’s engagement as a BRICS Partner country, and potential future full membership, is a strategic move aimed at diversifying its foreign relations and economic partnerships.

    Nigeria officially became a Partner Country in January 2025. President Tinubu’s invitation to the Summit was at the instance of Brazil’s President, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, signifies Nigeria’s growing importance on the global stage. Not only that the presence afforded Nigeria a voice in discussions among major emerging economies, it also provided opportunity to contribute to shaping a multi-polar world order. President Tinubu used the platform to call for a re-evaluation of the current global governance structure and the financial and healthcare systems, urging greater equity and inclusion for low-income and emerging economies, particularly in Africa. This enhances Nigeria’s international recognition and diplomatic voice.

    On the sidelines of the summit, President Tinubu held a crucial bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva. His discussions at the summit and bilateral meetings specifically centred on Agriculture, including livestock development, environment and climate action, renewable energy options, mining and natural resources exploration opportunities, among others.

    Overall, there was a commitment to tackle and remove bottlenecks hindering the actualisation of existing Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and agreements, particularly in agriculture, aiming to streamline and fast-track processes. So, the key take homes included discussions on establishing direct air links between Nigeria and Brazil to boost tourism and business, enhancing bilateral trade and reciprocal investment, and accelerating cooperation in energy transition, science, technology, innovation, and space observation.

    Brazil’s President Lula reportedly directed Brazilian agricultural institutions and companies to invest heavily in Nigeria.

    And, of course, the action governor, Prince Abiodun, didn’t sit at the Summit and bilateral discussions as a passive participant in global decision-making. With Brazil’s enthusiasm, focusing on strategic sectors like agriculture, energy, and technology, he seized the opportunity to woo Brazilian investors into Ogun State, urging them to consider investing in Olokoola Liqueified Natural Gas (LNG), livestock, mining, tourism, power plant, and others.

    He specifically invited them (investors) from Brazil to partner with the Ogun State to set up a fertilizer plant at the Olokoola Liquefied Natural Gas Project. The governor stated that the State was ready for investment opportunities in oil and gas, livestock, mining, agriculture, power plant development, renewable energy, tourism, technical and vocational training for youths, among others.

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    This was in furtherance of the investment drive of the administration for the rapid development of the state.

    Abiodun described Ogun State as investor-friendly and one of the most developed states in Nigeria, adding that Olokola has the deepest sea port in the country.

    He said: “We have a region in our state that is the deepest sea port in Nigeria, called the Olokoola region, where there is an Olokoola gas project in the offing. This place has been identified as the right location to have a fertilizer plant. So, we welcome partners from Brazil to set up a fertilizer plant with us in Ogun State.”

    Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who also spoke at the event, described Ogun as one of the most industrialized states in Nigeria.

    “There’s a lot that already exists in terms of the backbone for industries, which is why Ogun is very industrialized. It is one of the most industrialized states in Nigeria,” Tuggar said.

    Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, stressed that Nigeria was on the right track in terms of growth, inflation, and external positioning.

    On his own part, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Yemi Cardoso, said that Nigeria’s financial system had been stabilized since the present administration came on board.

    He stated: “In Nigeria today, we have stability in our financial system. We have a very tight monitoring system that ensures that inflation is gradually beginning to trend downward. The significance is that the foundation for growth is being established.”

    Nigeria’s gradual shift in alliance promises to be of immense benefits to Nigeria. Though some analysts believe it may strain our relationship with the US, UK and other Western economies, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, reiterated that Nigeria, as a Partner Country, will enjoy all the economic benefits of being a member without the political liabilities that might come with full membership.

    According to him, these benefits will include expanded trade opportunities, improved access to concessional loans through the New Development Bank (NDB), and collaboration on infrastructure, technology transfer, and climate adaptation.

    There is public skepticism that Western powers might view this deepening alignment with BRICS as a strategic shift away from their influence. Most public affairs commentators argued that historically, Nigeria had benefited from significant development aid, technical assistance, and security cooperation like counter-terrorism efforts, military training, arms deals) from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. They believe that a perceived shift in alliance could lead to a reduction or re-evaluation of these partnerships. For example, if Western nations feel Nigeria is moving closer to Russia or China, they might reduce intelligence sharing or military support.

    Additionally, they noted that Nigeria still relies heavily on FDI from Western countries and that any perceived instability in its foreign policy direction could make some Western investors hesitant.

    While the New Development Bank (NDB) offers alternative financing, a significant portion of BRICS investments, particularly from China, has been linked to concerns about debt sustainability in some developing countries. Nigeria has therefore been advised to exercise extreme caution to ensure transparency and favourable terms for any loans acquired, avoiding debt traps that could compromise its sovereignty or economic future.

    However, Tuggar has consistently countered the argument, stating that joining BRICS is not a bloc against any other country and that Nigeria intends to maintain a balanced foreign policy.

    To truly benefit from BRICS, Nigeria needs strong negotiation capabilities, policy consistency, and the institutional capacity to implement agreements and projects effectively.

    Nigeria’s historical challenges with policy reversals, institutional fragility, slow project implementation, and corruption have been identified as limiting factor that hinder its ability to fully leverage BRICS opportunities, regardless of the bloc’s intentions.

    While the new engagement with BRICS offers compelling opportunities for economic diversification, development finance, and increased global influence, the key issue for Nigeria is to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign policy, ensure its national interests are paramount in all engagements, and strengthen its internal governance and economic frameworks to maximize benefits while mitigating the risks.

    •Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital

  • Akpabio – Eno: A collaboration for unity, growth, development of Akwa Ibom

    Akpabio – Eno: A collaboration for unity, growth, development of Akwa Ibom

    • By Justina Emem Akpan

    The recent political collaboration between the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, marked by Akpabio’s symbolic handover of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership structure in Akwa Ibom State to Eno on July 11, 2025, represents a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.

    This event, following Governor Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on June 6, 2025, carries significant implications for the unity, growth, the strength of the APC, as well as the broader development trajectory of Akwa Ibom State.

    Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the APC, after being elected in 2023 on the PDP platform, ended the PDP’s 26-year dominance in Akwa Ibom, a state long considered a PDP stronghold.

    This move was not merely a personal political shift but a strategic realignment involving key stakeholders, including Eno’s deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, members of the state executive council, federal and state lawmakers, and local government chairpersons.

     The defection was formalized at a high-profile ceremony at the Government House in Uyo, attended by prominent APC figures, including governors from Lagos, Cross River, Delta, and Edo, signaling its national significance.

    Eno’s decision was framed as a response to the need for Akwa Ibom to align with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to secure developmental benefits, particularly the long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport project.

    This pragmatic approach underscores a broader trend in Nigerian politics where state leaders seek alignment with the ruling party to access federal resources and influence.

    Akpabio, a former PDP governor of Akwa Ibom (2007–2015) who defected to the APC in 2018, has long advocated for linking Akwa Ibom to the “national power grid” to enhance its political and economic relevance. Governor Eno’s defection fulfills this vision, positioning Akwa Ibom as a key player in APC’s national strategy.

    The handover of the APC structure to Governor Eno, symbolized by the presentation of the party’s broom at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, was a strategic move by Senator Akpabio to consolidate the party’s influence in Akwa Ibom.

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     Akpabio declared that Governor Eno as the new political leader of the APC in the state, emphasizing that this was a “merger, not an acquisition,” to foster unity rather than division.

    The broom, a symbol of sweeping away poverty, underdevelopment, and disunity, encapsulated the aspirational narrative of this collaboration.

    This act was not only a formal transfer of leadership but also a public endorsement of Eno’s leadership style, which Akpabio described as inclusive, peaceful, and aligned with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu.

     The stakeholders’ meeting, the first since Eno’s defection, saw unanimous support for both Tinubu and Eno for second terms in 2027, reflecting a unified front within the state’s APC structure.

    This endorsement signals a deliberate effort to project stability and cohesion, critical for the APC’s growth in a state historically dominated by the opposition.

    The collaboration between Akpabio and Eno has profound implications for the APC’s unity in Akwa Ibom.

    Akpabio’s call for party members to shun divisive tendencies and embrace Eno’s leadership aims to bridge the gap between legacy APC members and new defectors. However, tensions exist, as evidenced by a petition from some APC stakeholders opposing automatic tickets for incumbent lawmakers, fearing marginalization of loyal members who supported Akpabio during his own defection in 2018.

    These stakeholders expressed concerns that Eno’s influence might undermine Akpabio’s legacy, highlighting a potential “cold war” between old and new members.

    But Akpabio’s emphasis on a merger rather than an acquisition seeks to mitigate these tensions by advocating for inclusivity and sacrifice from both sides. He urged ward leaders to avoid imposing barriers on new members, fostering an open and welcoming party structure.

    The presence of high-profile APC figures, including eight governors and then APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, at Eno’s reception into the party, underscores the national leadership’s commitment to harmonizing these factions.

    Akpabio’s role as a unifying figure, leveraging his position as Senate President and his historical influence in Akwa Ibom politics, is crucial in navigating these internal dynamics.

    This collaboration also strengthens the APC’s unity by aligning state and federal interests. Akpabio’s vision of connecting Akwa Ibom to the national power grid is reinforced by Eno’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s re-election, creating a cohesive political strategy that transcends local rivalries. The symbolic and practical integration of Eno’s leadership into the APC framework positions the party to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially reducing the rancour that has characterized past elections in the state.

    An indisputable fact is that Governor Eno’s defection significantly bolsters the APC’s growth and strength in Akwa Ibom. The state’s transition from a PDP stronghold to an APC-led government expands the party’s footprint in the South-South region, a historically challenging area for the APC. The defection of Governor Eno, along with his deputy, state executive council members, and local government leaders, brings a substantial political structure into the APC, enhancing its grassroots mobilization capacity. This mass movement is likely to attract additional defectors, further consolidating the APC’s dominance in the state.

    The endorsement of Tinubu and Eno for second terms by APC stakeholders signals a strategic focus on continuity and stability, which could strengthen the party’s electoral prospects. Akpabio’s influence as Senate President and his ability to secure federal support for Akwa Ibom’s development priorities, has seen many appointments of Akwa Ibom indigenes into influential posts in recent time and it has considerably enhanced the APC’s appeal to voters seeking tangible benefits from alignment with the federal government. Moreover, Governor Eno’s inclusive governance, exemplified by initiatives like building lodges for local government chairmen and empowering over 500 people with N250 million in grants, thereby positioning the APC as a party committed to grassroots development.

    This new political collaboration between Akpabio and Eno has significant implications for Akwa Ibom’s development. The alignment with the APC-led federal government is expected to unlock federal support, positioning Akwa Ibom to realize long-standing aspirations. President Tinubu’s assurance, via Vice President Kashim Shettima, of delivering democratic dividends to Akwa Ibom underscores this potential.

    Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, focusing on agricultural growth, economic diversification, and tourism, resonates with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda, creating a synergy that could attract federal investments. Initiatives like the overhaul of airport facilities (N1.19 billion investment) and the development of a shopping city to boost tourism demonstrate Eno’s proactive approach to the development of the state, which Akpabio has praised as visionary. Moreover, the political stability fostered by this collaboration could create a conducive environment for investment and development. Akpabio’s emphasis on unity and Eno’s inclusive governance approach, which has earned him widespread support, reduce the risk of disgruntled politicians stirring up disagreements and rancour that have historically been the bane of in many states. Also, the involvement of traditional rulers, political leaders, and grassroots stakeholders in the defection and handover events further solidifies this unified approach, ensuring broad-based support for development initiatives.

    From all indication, the collaboration between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, symbolized by the handover of the APC structure, marks a transformative moment for Akwa Ibom’s political and developmental landscape. It strengthens the APC’s unity and growth by integrating a significant political structure into the party, enhancing its electoral prospects and influence in the South-South region. For Akwa Ibom, this alignment with the federal government promises accelerated development while fostering political stability through inclusive governance.

    However, the success of this collaboration hinges on navigating internal party tensions and maintaining public trust. By prioritizing unity, equitable integration of party members, and tangible developmental outcomes, Akpabio and Eno can solidify the APC’s dominance in Akwa Ibom and position the state as a model of progress under the APC’s banner. This strategic partnership not only reshapes Akwa Ibom’s political dynamics but also sets a precedent for state-federal collaboration in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

    • Ms Justina Emem Akpan, a development economist and good governance advocate, writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

  • Oborevwori: Leveraging education for sustainable development

    Oborevwori: Leveraging education for sustainable development

    By George Etakibuebu

    On July 4, 2025, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, approved the extension of the retirement age for associate professors in state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years, a decision articulated by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, as a strategic and compassionate move to strengthen the academic workforce and align with federal policy. The policy which extends a 2012 federal law previously domesticated for Delta State University (DELSU) to all state universities, reflects the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to leveraging education for sustainable development.

    By retaining experienced academics, the state aims to enhance its academic quality, foster mentorship, and drive institutional growth, thus aligning seamlessly with the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

    The Honourable Commissioner described the extension as a timely and strategic decision rooted in the need to bolster Delta State’s higher education system. That the policy aligns with a 2012 federal amendment that set the retirement age for academic staff in the professorial cadre at 70, while non-academic staff retire at 65 is highly commendable. For clarity, the policy which had been initially domesticated for only DELSU, Abraka, has now received the approval of Governor Oborevwori to extend to all other state-owned universities, including Southern Delta University (Ozoro), Dennis Osadebay University (Asaba), and University of Delta (Agbor). Prof. Tonukari further explained that retaining the senior academics leverages their experience to mentor younger lecturers, strengthen postgraduate programs, and enhance academic excellence.

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    This move, certainly, will address the evolving needs of Delta’s university system, which has seen significant expansion. The rationale is multifaceted. First, it addresses the shortage of experienced faculty in Delta’s rapidly growing tertiary institutions. With the establishment of new universities and campuses, such as the Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe, the demand for qualified academics has surged. Therefore, retaining professors ensures a robust academic workforce capable of meeting accreditation requirements and sustaining quality education. 

    Second, it fosters mentorship, allowing seasoned academics to guide younger lecturers in research, teaching, and administrative roles, thereby building a sustainable academic ecosystem. Third, it aligns with an existing federal policy, thus ensuring consistency and positioning Delta as a leader in educational reform.

    An important thing to note is the fact that this decision was not just merely administrative but an essentially compassionate act which recognizes the value of senior academics’ contributions to the state’s development. What is more, this policy also responds to global trends in higher education, where experienced faculty are retained to maintain institutional stability and competitiveness. By keeping professors in service longer, Delta can tap into their expertise to drive research and innovation – a critical components of a knowledge-based economy. As correctly argued by the Honourable Commissioner, the extension must not be viewed from the myopic prism of limiting opportunities for younger academics, no. On the contrary, the state’s expansion of tertiary institutions has created over 600 academic and non-academic jobs since 2023, ensuring ample opportunities for new entrants.

    The question that engages the mind is what are the possible immediate advantages of this policy? The immediate benefits of this policy are significant and directly support the M.O.R.E Agenda’s pillars. Under Meaningful Development, through this policy, the state will experience enhanced academic quality and mentorship. No doubt, retaining professors ensures continuity in high-quality teaching and research. Senior academics bring decades of expertise, which is crucial for developing robust postgraduate programs. As Prof. Tonukari rightly noted, Delta’s universities are witnessing a rise in strong postgraduate programs, largely due to the contributions of experienced faculty. This strengthens institutions like DELSU, which aim to become globally competitive in research and teaching. By mentoring younger lecturers, professors help build a pipeline of skilled academics, ensuring long-term academic excellence. This aligns with the M.O.R.E agenda’s focus on Meaningful Development through education as a catalyst for socio-economic growth.

    In terms of Opportunities for All, the policy will directly ensure institutional growth and accreditation. The expansion of Delta’s tertiary institutions, including new campuses and programs, requires experienced faculty to meet National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation standards. Retaining professors ensures that institutions like Southern Delta University and Dennis Osadebay University can sustain their growth trajectories. And as revealed by the Honourable Commissioner that since 2023 over 600 staff have been employed across Delta’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, this is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all. The presence of senior academics, therefore, supports curriculum development and program accreditation, enhancing the state’s reputation as an educational hub.

    Under the Realistic Reforms pillar, the fact that it aligns with a Federal Government Policy makes it a policy that is well thought out and realistic. By extending the retirement age, Delta aligns with federal standards, streamlining its higher education policies. This reform ensures that state universities remain competitive with federal institutions, attracting top talents and fostering collaboration. Tonukari emphasized that this move is a realistic reform, building on the 2012 federal law and adapting it to Delta’s unique needs. It also demonstrates Oborevwori’s commitment to governance that is responsive to both state and national priorities.

    Stability in academic leadership is sure to engender Enhanced Peace and Security which is the last crucial pillar of the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor Oborevwori administration.  Experienced professors provide stability in university governance, reducing disruptions caused by faculty shortages. This stability supports a conducive learning environment, which indirectly contributes to peace and security by ensuring that educational institutions function smoothly. The M.O.R.E Agenda prioritizes enhanced peace and security, and a stable academic system supports this by fostering an educated and productively engaged populace.

    There is no gain saying the fact that the policy has long-term benefits as it positions Delta State as a leader in educational and economic development, aligning with the M.O.R.E Agenda’s vision for sustainable growth. By retaining professors, Delta is investing in a sustainable academic ecosystem. Mentorship programs will produce a new generation of academics equipped with advanced research and teaching skills. This is particularly crucial for fields like science, technology, and medicine, where Delta’s universities, such as the Delta State University of Science and Technology, are expanding. The policy ensures that knowledge transfer continues, positioning Delta as a hub for innovation and research.

    Retaining experienced faculty supports the development of skilled graduates who can contribute to Delta’s economy in sectors like agriculture, technology, and healthcare. For instance, the new Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, will benefit from senior academics who can mentor students and drive research. This aligns with Oborevwori’s vision of leveraging education to create jobs and boost the state’s GDP.

    One thing that we not not lose focus of is tha fact that Delta’s universities aim to achieve global repute in research, teaching, and entrepreneurship. Retaining professors ensures that institutions can compete internationally by producing high-impact research and fostering innovation. Tonukari stated this much when he said during his interaction with newsmen that senior academics are key to building postgraduate programs that meet global standards, positioning Delta’s graduates to excel in a competitive global economy. This supports the M.O.R.E Agenda’s focus on realistic reforms that produce long-lasting results. The policy complements Oborevwori’s youth empowerment initiatives, such as the recruitment of 3,000 teaching and non-teaching staff and bursary payments to over 60,000 students. By ensuring that experienced professors mentor younger academics, the policy creates a ripple effect, empowering youth through quality education and job opportunities. A robust education system contributes to social cohesion by providing equitable access to opportunities. The policy supports Delta’s multi-ethnic society by ensuring that universities serve all communities, aligning with Oborevwori’s commitment to unity and fairness. This will foster peace and security, a key component of the M.O.R.E Agenda, by reducing disparities and promoting inclusive growth.

    • Etakibuebu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.

  • Afe Babalola University: A flourishing empire of note

    Afe Babalola University: A flourishing empire of note

    By Tunde Olofintila

    The Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, Ojo Cantonment, Lagos, Brigadier-General Jerry IB Manjang, has described the increasingly famous Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, as a successful and flourishing empire.

    Manjang who led a 51-man team of Officers and Students of the College to ABUAD yesterday in continuation of the College’s “environmental research visit to some selected states of the federation” predicated his position on what the university’s Founder & Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has made of the university in quality and functional education, healthcare delivery, human capacity development, employment and food security  within the university’s 15 years of its existence.

    The One-Star General said that with what he saw during the tour of the university,  Babalola has impacted many people in different callings in Nigeria and humanity in general.

    His words: “After touring the serene campus, the ABUAD Enterprise Farms, the  Independent Power Plant, the Industrial Park and the ultra-modern 400-bed Multi- System Hospital which has been endorsed by leading Healthcare Stakeholders as “the most well-equipped Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa”, we saw the excellent work you have been doing to ensure human capital development and food security”.

    He added: “With the way the students we met on our way related with us, I have seen the good works the university has been doing in the lives of our youths.

    “For me, I have watched you from afar. But today, I am sitting next to you. Your life has imparted many in Nigeria and humanity in general. You are here to receive us personally. I Never expected that. I am highly delighted by your uncommon humility”.

    Commenting on Babalola’s contributions to Human Capital Development, he said: “In the area of Human Capital Development, I saw what you are doing to empower and liberate Nigerian youths. You do not only train them, but you also provide them with accommodation. You also feed them free.

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    “And at the end of their training, you give them starter packs and seed money to start their own Agri-businesses. It is my opinion that whoever benefits from your youth empowerment programme and is not liberated, has a problem”.

    Manjang’s position was corroborated by two of his junior colleagues: Major M. Hamji and Major WE Abanji.

    According to Hamji: “Aare Afe Babalola has taught all of us a big lesson on what we can do to ensure job creation, how to eradicate poverty and optimize security not only in Ekiti State, but also in the country at large.

    According to him, if there is one Afe Babalola in each of the country’s other five geo-political zones, there would be no unemployment or poverty in Nigeria as everyone would be gainfully employed with no time for frivolities or criminalities.

    Abanji, in a voice suggestive that she has already become a student of Afe Babalola’s Youth Empowerment Programme and Agri-business said she is enthusiastically looking forward to starting her own Green Farm in the nearest future.

    Responding, Babalola, who thanked Manjang and his team for visiting his university, wondered why people should be queuing for rice, beans and other palliatives in a country blessed with good arable land and supportive climate for anybody to grow food and feed himself, sell leftovers or give to others.

    He pleaded with those giving out food items and particularly those queuing up to receive them not to turn the country into a country of beggars amid plenty.

    Waxing biblical, the former Pro Chancellor & Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, counselled that Nigerians owe it a duty to God to work so that they could eat, adding that “a person who does not work does not deserve to eat”.

    On the place of quality and functional education in the life of a people, he said: “Education is critically important to all of us. Once one has quality education, he/she is made, and it is bye-bye to tribalism, hunger, unemployment, bigotry and extremism”.

    He commended the Nigerian Army for its well-known discipline which he confirmed he saw first-hand when he was conferred with the Honourary Degree of the elite Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, in 2016

    He words: “When I arrived Kaduna, I was surprised to see a “battalion” of fully dressed Military Officers waiting to receive me at the Kaduna Airport.  They ushered us to the Reception Hall of the Airport and they insisted that I and my team must eat before we proceeded to the Academy.  I told them I had had breakfast before leaving home.  But the leader of the team insisted that we must eat because that was the order from his Superior Officer. 

    “As we were going to the NDA, the entire road was lined with fully dressed military men.  When we got to the Main Building of the NDA, we were ushered into the office of the Commandant who, together with other leaders of the Academy, received us very warmly. 

    “During the Convocation and Award ceremony, I was pleasantly surprised that the hall was not only very quiet, but also nobody left his seat throughout the duration of the Convocation ceremony.  To me, that was the peak of orderliness and discipline. 

    “Before the 2016 NDA Convocation, I believed that my university, ABUAD, was the epitome of order, orderliness and discipline.  As a matter of fact, some people used to taunt us that our university is more of a military institution. But with what I saw in Kaduna that day, I gave, and I still give kudos to the military for its discipline. And we are taking after that here in our university”.

    According to him, people are not doing well because they lack discipline, but the Nigerian Army is the master of discipline.

    He hoped that one day, the level of discipline in the Nigerian Army will be embraced by the populace, adding that “the day the level of discipline in the Nigerian Army and ABUAD goes round Nigeria, there will be no problems anymore”.

    In her welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, recalled how the university navigated its way from a modest beginning when Academic works commenced on Monday, January 4, 2010, to a university of global acclaim which was recently ranked on June 18, 2025 by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as No.84 in the world, No. 3 in Africa and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

    • Olofintila is ABUAD’s Director of Corporate Affairs

  • Clicks, code and control: How journalism is being strangled

    Clicks, code and control: How journalism is being strangled

    By Tarik Toros

    Across the world, fundamental moral values, the principles that have provided social cohesion for centuries, are being systematically undermined.

    Yet historical patterns suggest that societies eventually return to tested values and shared principles. Periods of instability have, at times, strengthened the long-term commitment to coexistence, justice and democratic order.

    Social norms and ideological landscapes evolve. But certain principles remain constant.

    When individuals give their word, they are expected to keep it. Consistency between actions and statements reflects personal integrity. Dignity and respect remain essential for building trust, both at the individual and institutional levels.

    In contrast, betrayal, manipulation, cruelty, racism and hatred erode not only personal relationships but also the foundations of public life. These values, or the lack thereof, shape states and their governance.

    This raises a critical question: What response is appropriate when these principles are deliberately distorted, weaponized or sacrificed to entrench power structures?

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    In many societies, dissent is misdirected toward convenient targets, while systemic abuses by those in authority are met with silence. This dynamic reflects neither genuine opposition nor democratic engagement, but rather complicity.

    Throughout history, regardless of a nation’s governing system, one constant remains: Power holders inevitably fear public mobilization. They deploy police, intelligence services and legal mechanisms to suppress opposition. They manipulate public narratives through state-aligned media.

    Yet, despite these efforts, complete control remains elusive.

    When public concern reaches critical mass, even authoritarian leaders are forced to react. They simulate dialogue, promise reforms, adjust legislation when necessary, all designed to contain dissent without relinquishing control.

    At times, internal tensions compel governments to sacrifice scapegoats, symbolic gestures to deflect pressure while maintaining strategic direction. The broader objective remains unchanged.

    This dynamic was captured by Turkish author Ahmet Altan in a 2009 speech delivered in Leipzig: “Like all living beings, humans are violent.”

    But we have two qualities that set us apart. First, we add our minds and our awareness to this violence, turning nature’s innocent cruelty into something darker, something sinful. Second, we carry a force that stands in direct opposition to this. We have a drive to protect the weak and stand against injustice.

    We call this force conscience. Our whole life, our whole identity, our entire being, they are shaped by one simple question: “Which part of us do we choose to nurture?”

    The integrity of both individuals and societies depends less on rhetoric and more on the consistent choice to develop this protective, ethical dimension. That choice is not singular, it recurs daily, shaping governance, institutions and public life.

    The erosion of democratic principles today coincides with the rapid transformation of digital spaces, particularly the internet.

    For many journalists, the internet remains the last viable space for free expression, a platform to circulate information and hold power to account.

    In an environment where traditional public squares are surveilled or suppressed, a single social media post can surpass physical demonstrations in reach and influence.

    Digital platforms offer immediacy, expansive dissemination and measurable public response. This explains why authoritarian regimes increasingly seek to control online spaces. The internet that defined global connectivity over the last three decades is rapidly disappearing.

    Traditional search engines are being replaced by AI-powered tools. Algorithms now regulate visibility, determining what content is amplified and what effectively vanishes from public discourse. Numerous journalists and independent publishers report a similar pattern: “My posts once reached hundreds of thousands. Now I’m lucky to reach a thousand.”

    This is not merely anecdotal. It signals a structural threat to press freedom and democracy. The decline in organic traffic undermines independent media revenues, limiting the production of investigative reporting. As resources dwindle, critical stories go untold, weakening the pillars of democratic accountability.

    AI technologies exacerbate this crisis by extracting and reproducing content from news outlets without attribution. Traffic, visibility and financial benefits flow disproportionately to large technology firms such as Google rather than to the journalists generating original work.

    The impact is visible even among major news organizations. The UK’s Mail Online recently reported a 50 percent drop in site traffic. For smaller, independent news platforms, particularly those exposing corruption or abuse, the consequences are existential.

    While Google and Meta have established licensing agreements with some major media entities, smaller outlets, often those reporting at the grassroots or uncovering local injustices, are excluded from these arrangements. Their digital reach diminishes, and their financial sustainability deteriorates.

    This situation demands coordinated response strategies.

    Journalists, media organizations and advocates must collaborate to develop protective frameworks that ensure the survival of independent journalism.

    Collective action, shared resources and sustained support mechanisms are essential to prevent small, critical voices from disappearing entirely from the media landscape. At present, such efforts remain fragmented and insufficient.

    Without intervention, the internet risks becoming an ecosystem dominated by homogenized, algorithm-driven content, a reality incompatible with press freedom and democratic resilience.

    But despite these trends, I still believe this:

    Humanity has always found a way back to core values, though the path is rarely linear and often painful. Conscience remains the noblest rebellion we have ever formed against cruelty, against injustice, against the darker parts of human nature. And what separates us from the animals isn’t just reason, it’s how we choose to use it.

    That choice, to protect, to speak, to resist, is still ours to make.

    ·             This article was first published in www.turkishminute.com

  • Ahmad Aliyu: Leading Sokoto with focus, empathy

    Ahmad Aliyu: Leading Sokoto with focus, empathy

    By Louis Achi

    In setting sail as the seventh democratically elected governor of Sokoto State, youthful Dr. Ahmad Aliyu apparently identified across-board infrastructure revamp, education renaissance, strict budgeting and circumspect development planning as ‘weapon-grade’ tools with which to change Sokoto’s development story.

    With a laser-sharp focus, he simply ‘weaponized’ these critical governance imperatives and this enabled him, within just two years on the saddle, to transform his state and send a very clear signal to both friends and foes that Sokoto State indeed means business.

    These dimensions of course closely synergise with his 9-point smart agenda which captured his compact with expectant folks of the Seat of the Caliphate. The elements of his 9-point smart agenda include – education, health, water, agriculture, security, youth empowerment, local government autonomy, religious affairs, and economy.

    And it must be noted at the outset that Governor Aliyu achieved these significant development milestones in Sokoto State – the focus of this essay – without borrowing a kobo.

    First, some clarifications. Whereas a development plan delivers a vision, a matching budget provides the operational framework for its realization. The transition from a plan to a budget involves the deployment of often complex control machinery. Interestingly, this is Governor Ahmad’s forte.

    In governance, budgeting guarantees orderly development. It’s no secret that governance without sound targeted budgeting will definitely translate into jumbled development – if there is any development at all.

    Like budgeting, planning is crucial to state, national and even organisational governance. Without good planning, development, assumed to be the ultimate goal of quality governance, becomes a mirage. The primary reason for planning is to take care of the future. In effect, planning is deciding in advance what to do, how to do it, when to do it, who is to do it, why do it, and how much resources are to be used.

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    In circumspectly executing these intricate governance gameplan, Governor Ahmad Aliyu stands head and shoulders above most of his peers – that is the governors’ class of 2023.

    Governor Aliyu correctly realized quite early that infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as roads, bridges, clean water and electricity, creates jobs, boosts business and more. As he is wont, he embarked on very aggressive infrastructural development across board in the state.

    According to Hon. Isah Sadeeq Achida, the State APC Chairman, one of the most notable accomplishments of Governor Ahmad’s administration – what he described as “a remarkable and people-centered performance” that has positively impacted all sectors of the state – is the construction of an extensive network of roads across all the 23 local government areas of the state. He stated that both urban and rural communities have benefitted from new roads and the rehabilitation of existing ones, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth.

    Further according to a clearly elated Hon. Achida, “In just two years, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has ensured that no local government area is left behind. Our communities are now better connected, and the ease of movement has significantly improved for farmers, traders, and other residents.”

    In the health sector, the APC chairman noted that the administration has undertaken the construction and rehabilitation of numerous health facilities. These efforts, he said, have improved access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.

    Water supply also featured prominently in the governor’s development agenda. Hon. Achida revealed the government constructed modern water works in the headquarters of all 23 local government areas, explaining this has eased the burden of water scarcity and improved sanitation across the state.

    He also highlighted education and religious infrastructure were also highlighted in the scorecard, disclosing that several schools have been built or rehabilitated to provide a more conducive learning environment for students. In addition, congregational mosques in various parts of the state have received attention, which is in line with the administration’s commitment to promoting religious and moral values.

    It’s not disputable that Sokoto is a conservative society. Thinking out of the box in a highly conservative milieu surely presents its challenges but doing otherwise will surely diminish the best of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s efforts. The youthful governor has taken up this challenge because he recognizes that the 21st Century can only align with progressive thinkers and not slackers.

    But while a happy Achida spoke in generalities, more specific data would serve to underlie the scope, sweep and depth of Governor Aliyu’s remarkable achievements just within two years of assuming executive office as the boss.

    It’s noteworthy that beyond Sokoto metropolis, Governor Aliyu’s administration has prioritized rural road connectivity quite aware that the majority of Sokoto State’s populace reside in rural areas. Strategic rural roads, such as the Huchi-Gidan Kamba-Lugu junction, Wurno-Kwargaba-Sabongari, and Goronyo-Kirare roads, have been rehabilitated to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

    In total, the Department of Rural Feeder Roads has constructed and rehabilitated approximately 101.65 kilometers of rural feeder roads across the state, including the 3.6-kilometer Tangaza-Zabarmawar Yahaya Town road and the 4-kilometer Dingyadi-Rumbuki road in Bodinga Local Government Area. These projects have improved access to markets, boosted agricultural productivity, and enhanced social interactions in rural communities.

    The perennial water scarcity in Sokoto was also a key focus area. Residents of the state were subjected to acute shortages and reliance on expensive, often unsafe, water sources. But Governor Aliyu would have none of that. His administration has so far made significant strides in addressing the challenge through a ₦14.1 billion water project aimed at reviving and completing six township water schemes.

    These were water schemes initiated by the administration of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko but ignored between 2015 and 2023. The water schemes are located in Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo, and Ruga Liman and have a combined capacity of 40 million gallons of water per day.

    To the joy of the people, on June 23, Aliyu commissioned the Old Airport Water Scheme, which would guarantee some three million gallons of water daily. This marks a significant milestone in the governor’s determined efforts to end water scarcity in the state. Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Aliyu described the project as “promise fulfilled.”

    He clarified his administration inherited a collapsed water supply system in the state powered by obsolete equipment and absence of treatment chemicals. To address these issues, Aliyu said that his government replaced outdated equipment, secured alternative power sources for the state water board, and ensured a steady supply of clean water to Sokoto and its environs. There is more.

    Sokoto State’s 2025 budget of “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability,” notching N526,882,142,484.39 is already consolidating achievements of the 2024 budget. The Sokoto State 2025 budget has a recurrent expenditure of N176,295,602,130.14 billion and a whopping N349,386,540,354.25 billion for capital expenditure, a 34:66 percent recurrent to capital ratio. As in the 2024 budget which gave education over 30 per cent, next year’s budget also unapologetically prioritises education.

    According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the State, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, “Some key areas of focus for the 2025 budget include: Education: with 25% allocation; devoting substantial portion of the state’s budget to education is a significant commitment to improving the sector. This move will help address infrastructural deficits, fund educational programs, and ensure the effective delivery of teaching and learning.

    “By surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15-20%, the administration is demonstrating its priority for education, which is critical to achieving sustainable development.”

    From the basic to tertiary levels in the state, the governor’s premium on education is obvious from the re-accreditation of several courses in its tertiary institutions and the massive construction of schools, renovation of dilapidated buildings, provision of furniture, and instructional materials, the prompt payment of examination fees for students writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, and the payment of outstanding scholarships for students undergoing various degree programmes.

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision for educational transformation is mirrored in various specific interventions. His APC-led administration has prioritized education as a cornerstone of societal progress.

    A significant highlight of his tenure is the intervention for 88 Sokoto State medical students affected by the crisis in Sudan. Rather than allowing these future healthcare professionals to languish in uncertainty, his administration facilitated their transfer to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Medical College, ensuring their education remained uninterrupted. This bold initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to nurturing human capital and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.

    Moreover, the government has invested heavily in educational infrastructure and teacher training programmes. By creating enabling environment for both students and educators, the administration is building foundation for a more enlightened and competitive youth population in Sokoto State.

    It is no secret that over 800,000 children in the state have been enrolled into basic education schools, marking a drastic increase in the number of enrolments into public primary schools and attributes the increased enrolment to the efforts of the state governor to improve education infrastructure across the state.

    A deserving recipient of ‘The SUN Governor of the Year,” the newspaper’s Board of Editors succinctly summarized Governor Aliyu’s development trajectory: “You came to office as governor in 2023 with a 9-Point Smart Agenda designed to lift Sokoto to higher grounds. Your target was to install the right infrastructure that can spur visible and measurable improvements in the key social and economic areas, like education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, security, youth empowerment, local government autonomy and religious affairs. In less than two years of your assumption of office, you have changed the narrative in Sokoto, having done much towards the transformation of the state.

    Indeed, Sokoto State means business guided by a leader who governs with focus and empathy.