The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Lawan congratulates new national chairman of APC Yilwatda

    Lawan congratulates new national chairman of APC Yilwatda

    Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Friday congratulated the newly elected national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

    Lawan, in a statement in Abuja, expressed confidence that under Yilwatda’s leadership, the party would continue to champion policies that “uplift the marginalised, strengthen our democracy, and propel our nation towards sustainable prosperity.”

    The statement reads in part, “It is with immense pride and unyielding optimism that I extend my warmest congratulations to Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his well-deserved election as the National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), during Thursday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    “In this moment of our nation’s political existence, Professor Yilwatda’s ascent to this esteemed position embodies the spirit of purposeful and focused leadership that defines the APC’s commitment to progress and unity.

    “As a distinguished academic, a passionate advocate for good governance, and a stalwart of our beloved party, Professor Yilwatda brings a wealth of intellectual rigour and practical insights to steer the APC towards greater heights.

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    “Under his guidance, I am confident that the APC will continue to champion policies that uplift the marginalized, strengthen our democracy, and propel our nation towards sustainable prosperity.

    “Let me also acknowledge the contributions of our former National Chairman, the former Governor of Kano state, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, whose tenure was marked by steadfast leadership and a deep commitment to advancing party cohesion and electoral success. I commend him for his service with the utmost respect and gratitude.

    “Similarly, I must express my appreciation to the former Acting National Chairman, Hon. Ali Dalori, whose steady hand during the brief transitional period ensured that our party remained focused. His interim role was handled with great efficiency, and we are all better for it.

    “As we embrace this new phase, let us rally behind Prof. Yilwatda and work together to build on the solid foundations laid by his distinguished predecessors.

    “The APC’s future is bright, and I am confident that with collaborative spirit and renewed vigour, we will achieve even greater heights for our beloved country.”

  • EU, Fed Govt demand domestic funding to address malnutrition in North West, North East 

    EU, Fed Govt demand domestic funding to address malnutrition in North West, North East 

    The European Union (EU) and the Federal Government have called for ramping up of domestic funding to address the growing crises of malnutrition in the North-East and North-West regions.

    They also demanded the provision of relief materials for displaced victims in Benue State.

    The EU noted that while issues like climate change and displacement are worsening the crises in the regions, the reduction in funding from international donors is a major source of concern, hence the need to look inwards for more funding support.

    Addressing a joint press briefing at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot commended the unwavering commitment of the ministry towards the most vulnerable in the country and collaborating with the EU.

    The envoy noted that the EU remains Nigeria’s reliable partner, especially at a time when most international donors are reducing their funding. 

    Mignot said: “The EU is a special partner to Nigeria, especially in a fast-evolving world where partnerships are being reviewed. We are a reliable partner; a partner that keeps its commitments.”

    He explained that the EU is partnering with Nigeria to harness the many opportunities it has for development and prosperity through the Global Gateway Strategy, in particular, offering long-term solutions and supporting long-term developments across the country. 

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    “We are also here when it comes to emergency situations like the one we are discussing today; emergency situations where humanitarian aid is necessary because lives are at stake. The EU has brought about €37 million already for humanitarian assistance this year, and is considering a top-up,” he added.

    Concerning the need to ramp up domestic funding for humanitarian purposes, Amb. Mignot said: “There is a lot of stretch globally on humanitarian assistance. There are many competing crises like in Sudan, the Sahel, Gaza, and others. Therefore, it is difficult to count on additional support from the international community.

    “This means that mobilisation is necessary in Nigeria to raise more domestic support from all sources – federal government, state governments, private sector – to address the needs and prevent a shortage and break in the supply of the therapeutic foods for hundreds of children which might die if we don’t treat them with these therapeutic foods because they are acutely malnourished. In addition, these therapeutic foods are in part produced in Nigeria.

    “This is a call for action. We have distribution networks in place with extremely competent implementing partners. This is a call for action to the public and private sector in Nigeria to come and bring the most needed resources because this cannot wait and has to be done now.”

    Highlighting the EU’s interventions in Benue State for displaced victims and the malnutrition crisis in the North-East and North-West, Amb. Mignot disclosed that the EU has rolled out the Supporting Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI) and Social and Economic Participation of Returnees, as well as the Support to Internally Displaced Persons and  Host Population in North-East Nigeria (SIDPIN) programmes.

    He said: “In Makurdi, we launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), which helped to operate the needs assessment to efficiently build the response for the victims. We are now coming up with two more supports: one in terms of immediate humanitarian action of € 0.5million through our humanitarian office. In the longer term, we are coming with durable solutions in livelihoods, housing, to help the reintegration of these IDPs through a project called SIDPIN, which was initially designed to cover Kano, Yobe and Adamawa, but we have extended it to cover Benue State with a €1 million support for durable solutions.”

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwata commended the efforts and support of the EU to Nigeria. 

    The minister said: “We generously and profoundly appreciate the EU for its contributions to our country, ensuring that all vulnerable persons in the country are all taken care of. We are hopeful that the commitment of the EU and other donor partners and commitment from the federal government will ensure that we receive and give life to our kids.

    “We will work together, hand-in-glove, to ensure that we rescue every soul that needs to be saved in Nigeria. Thank you for your contribution and the money you have given us. This funding will go, in no small way, to saving more lives and reviving more people.

    “This intervention is timely; it is coming at the best time that Nigeria needs it, especially in Benue where livelihood was lost, buildings were destroyed, lives were lost, 810 kids are out of school, and we have over 200 kids within our IDP camp in that community at the risk of malnutrition also. We also have over 100 businesses that have been terminated in those communities and several things that we need to respond to.

    “The Ministry is working on an anticipatory response plan, so that for all these challenges, we can h​ave a basket that can help respond timely to these issues. We are trying to look at getting anticipatory response funds into the budget, so that it could respond to needs linked to malnutrition and support to displaced communities, and also response plans for disasters that are anticipated and unanticipated.”

    Chief Field Services and Emergency, UNICEF Nigeria, Judith Leveillee said: “We are gathered because we have a common understanding that more can be done to ensure that all malnourished children, about 3.5m, who need quality treatment, get it. More needs to be done. We found that nutrition service centres are overstretched.”

  • North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has described President Bola Tinubu as a listening and responsive leader, following the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the ruling party.

    The Forum commended President Tinubu for demonstrating fairness, political will, and a deep sense of justice in resolving what he described as a long-standing leadership imbalance in the party.

    “We sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for listening to our calls. His decision has proven beyond any doubt that he is a listening President—one who respects party members and values equity.

    “He has again demonstrated sound political judgment,” the Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said.

    In a statement by Zazzaga on Thursday, shortly after the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified Yilwatda’s appointment at its meeting in Abuja, the Forum said the development was the result of over two years of sustained advocacy by stakeholders from the region.

    “This is a major milestone for the North-Central APC Forum and all stakeholders in the region. For more than two years, we consistently demanded that the position of National Chairman be returned to the North-Central in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.

    “Today, that demand has finally been met,” Zazzaga said.

    According to the Forum, the group’s agitation for fairness was rooted in principle and carried out with dignity and resolve. “Our struggle was guided by the ideals of equity and party cohesion

    “In the process, we went to court, organised protests, issued public statements, and wrote open letters. Despite the initial setbacks, we never wavered. We remained respectful of party structures while pushing for what was right,” Zazzaga noted.

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    He further acknowledged the roles of the APC NEC and other party leaders in supporting the eventual resolution, saying, “We are grateful to all stakeholders, especially NEC members, for their understanding and commitment to fairness.

    “This decision will further energise the North-Central to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our great party.”

    Reaffirming the Forum’s political commitment, Zazzaga said the North-Central would stand solidly behind the APC in future elections, including the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027.

    “We have made a promise and we intend to keep it. President Tinubu and the APC should have no worries about the North-Central. We are fully aligned and committed. Our earlier pledge to deliver six million votes in 2027 remains firmly on course,” he said.

    On Yilwatda’s appointment, the Forum expressed strong confidence in his leadership credentials.

    “Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a man of excellence, integrity, and competence. From his service in academia to his work with INEC and as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, he has shown the capacity to lead and transform institutions. We are confident that he will move the APC to greater heights,” Zazzaga assured.

    The Forum pledged full support to the new National Chairman and called on all party faithful to unite behind his leadership to ensure continued growth and stability within the APC.

  • North faces internal siege from corruption, illiteracy, failed leadership — Gwadabe

    North faces internal siege from corruption, illiteracy, failed leadership — Gwadabe

    Former Military Governor and Chairman of the New Vision Development Initiative (NEVDI), Col. Lawan Gwadabe (rtd), has raised concern over what he described as an internal siege facing Northern Nigeria, driven by decades of poor leadership, corruption, mediocrity, and widespread illiteracy.

    Speaking during a press briefing in Kaduna to announce activities marking the 30th memorial of General Hassan Usman Katsina, Gwadabe warned that the region may “collapse under the weight of its own dysfunction” if urgent reforms are not undertaken.

    Gwadabe, a former political detainee during the Abacha regime, lamented that the North is confronting existential threats that are largely self-inflicted.

    According to him, “The North is facing existential threats, and we must admit that these threats are self-inflicted. It is the result of decades of corruption, leadership failure, mass illiteracy, and abandonment of the values that held us together.”

    He attributed the region’s decline to the departure from the values of integrity, discipline, and patriotism championed by the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, who served as Military Governor of Northern Nigeria and later as Chief of Army Staff.

    “If we had built upon the moral and leadership legacy of Gen. Hassan Katsina, the North would not be trapped in today’s hopeless cycle of banditry, poverty, and political paralysis,” Gwadabe declared.

    He described the late General as a symbol of responsible governance and a rare bridge-builder who governed Northern Nigeria with compassion, fairness and strategic foresight.

    “Gen. Hassan didn’t rule with propaganda or division. He ruled with empathy, and left behind a generation of leaders who understood service. What have we done with that legacy?” Gwadabe queried.

    The NEVDI Chairman lamented that leadership in the North today has become transactional, self-serving and exploitative, especially towards the vulnerable population.

    “Everywhere you turn, insecurity, street children, out-of-school youth, poverty and yet we have the highest number of elected officials. We are choking ourselves with failure.”

    Gwadabe, who once served under Gen. Hassan, said the upcoming Second Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina National Leadership Conference would offer an opportunity to interrogate how far the region has strayed and what can be done to salvage it.

    He hailed the Federal Government’s establishment of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, but warned that without political sincerity, it could become “another vehicle for patronage, not progress.”

    “Gen. Hassan saw education as a leveller. He would never have tolerated the mass neglect of children we now normalize across the North,” Gwadabe added.

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    He urged younger leaders and politicians in the region to reconnect with history, stressing that General Hassan remained a moral compass for decades after retirement often consulted by presidents, governors, and traditional rulers.

    “Thirty years after his death, Gen. Hassan still commands reverence. Not because he was rich or loud, but because he lived and led with honour. Can we say the same about today’s leaders?” he asked.

    Gwadabe insisted that Northern Nigeria must urgently return to a value-driven leadership model or risk becoming “a permanent burden on the Nigerian federation.”

    He concluded: “This memorial is not just a tribute, it is a wake-up call. We must revive the legacy of service above self, or history will not forgive us.”

  • Buhari: Dujima Adamawa pens emotional tribute to late ex-president

    Buhari: Dujima Adamawa pens emotional tribute to late ex-president

    In a deeply emotional tribute, Alhaji Musa Halilu, Chairman of Tilt Group of Companies Ltd., mourned the passing of his in-law, former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he honoured as a father figure, mentor, and guiding light who profoundly shaped his life over the past three decades.

    Halilu, also known as the Dujima Adamawa, reflected on the significant influence Buhari had, not only on the nation of Nigeria but also on his own personal development. 

    He recounted how the late president’s unwavering principles, disciplined approach, and remarkable humility resonated throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on his character and values.

    In his heartfelt tribute, titled “A Tribute to a Father, Mentor and Leader, Late President Muhammadu Buhari,” Halilu expressed that Buhari’s impact extended far beyond political spheres; he served as a foundational pillar in his life. This relationship had shaped Halilu’s moral compass and provided guidance for more than 30 years.

    “It is with a heavy heart and immense gratitude that I write this tribute to Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose presence in my life transcended political roles and national authority,” Halilu stated. “To me, he was more than a President; he was a father figure, a mentor, and the guiding light who molded my character over three decades.”

    Reflecting on the privilege of growing up under Buhari’s mentorship, Halilu noted, “From my earliest interactions with him, I was struck by his calm strength and unwavering principles. He led by example, commanding respect not through loud declarations but through the integrity of his character.”

    “For three decades, Buhari instilled invaluable lessons that defined leadership for Halilu. “He taught me the essence of discipline, impressing upon me the importance of consistently doing what is right, even when it is challenging. He emphasized that trustworthiness is paramount, one’s word must always be one’s bond, and loyalty to the truth is non-negotiable. He also demonstrated humility; success should be carried with grace, and one should lead without arrogance, regardless of how far one ascends. Most crucially, he instilled in me the concept of selflessness, that serving others, especially one’s country, is the highest calling a person can embrace.”

    Halilu also shared a personal connection, highlighting that the late former president was his brother-in-law, married to his sister, Aisha Buhari. He praised Buhari’s exemplary leadership, emphasizing how his calm demeanor, unwavering integrity, and principled governance left a lasting impression. These were not merely lessons; they were virtues he consistently lived out, observable day after day, year after year, not in grand gestures, but in the persistent commitment of a man dedicated entirely to the betterment of Nigeria.

    “It was a thrilling experience to be part of his political journey, which culminated in his presidency, a journey I consider fortunate to have witnessed and participated in,” Halilu reflected. “He embodied democratic values, courage, and steadfast conviction.”

    To the world, Buhari was a Head of State and later a democratically elected President. To Halilu, however, he was “BABA,” a constant source of wisdom, guidance, and strength. “He corrected me when I wavered, offered guidance when I was uncertain, and inspired me to strive for greater achievements, not for selfish gain, but for the greater good of others,” he shared.

    In his concluding remarks, Halilu emphasized the enduring legacy of the late president, a legacy that remains deeply cherished by those who knew him intimately. “His legacy will undoubtedly be chronicled in history books, debated in policy circles, and celebrated by a grateful nation. But for me, it is profoundly personal,” Halilu stated. “As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived, one marked by courage, conviction, and an absolute devotion to Nigeria and the values that bind us together.”

    “Nagode Malam Musa, a sauka Lafiya,” were the last words spoken to him by President Buhari during Halilu’s visit to bid farewell on the 6th of July, 2025, while the late president lay in a hospital bed in London. “Rest in Aljannah Firdaus, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.”

  • Boat mishaps: NIWA launches ‘No lifejackets, no boarding’ campaign in Niger

    Boat mishaps: NIWA launches ‘No lifejackets, no boarding’ campaign in Niger

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched the lifejacket and safety awareness campaign tagged no life jacket, no boarding across riverine communities in Niger state to reduce boat mishaps and enhance waterway safety.

    According to the NIWA area manager in charge of Niger and Kwara, Akapo Adeboye, at the Zumba water front in Shiroro local government area, the campaign tagged “Safety and Safety Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap, No Life Jacket, No Boarding” is necessary to sensitise the boat owners and users about the importance of using life jackets.

    He pointed out that many boat mishaps occur on the River Kaduna, adding that the campaign is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians on the waterway.

    Speaking to journalists after the programme, Adeboye explained that the campaign was organised for boat operators and passengers anticipating rising water levels due to predicted heavy rainfall forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    “The reason behind organising the 2025 sensitisation campaigns on safety of lives and property on inland waterways regulations is to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.

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    “There have been so many boat accidents here because of non-use of life jackets. This spot is very important because people come from everywhere for business, and we are working to ensure that all lives and properties are safe. We urge everyone to take safety seriously and comply with the regulations to avoid accidents occasioned by boat mishaps,” he said.

    The Area Manager attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Niger over the past year to sustained sensitisation and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all water fronts in the state, while stating that the agency would not tolerate disregard for water transport regulations, especially the use of life jackets.

    The Chairman of the Boat Owners and Freshwater Users Association in Shiroro, Alhaji Aliyu Yerima, applauded the sensitisation campaign and the donation of life jackets to operators, describing it as timely, adding that it would safeguard the lives and properties of rural farmers as well as enhance waterway safety.

  • Sokoto govt, UNICEF train MDAs on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation

    Sokoto govt, UNICEF train MDAs on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation

    In a bid to foster responsive collaboration and improve service delivery for citizens, the Sokoto State Government, in partnership with UNICEF, has organised a two-day capacity-building workshop for officials of its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

    The initiative, facilitated through the State Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning, was held at Azbir Hotel, Birnin Kebbi, with key state government officials, UNICEF representatives from Abuja, and Mr. Michael Juma, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, in attendance.

    Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Zayyana, emphasised the critical role of planning in driving policy success.

    He noted that strengthening institutional capacity is essential for developing the state’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), State Development Plan (SDP), and the 2026 budget proposal.

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    “This initiative is aimed at equipping our planning officers to deliver better results for citizens. We appreciate UNICEF for its continued support in advancing our development agenda,” Dr. Zayyana said.

    Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, highlighted the crucial role of line officers in data collection and harmonisation.

    He stressed the importance of providing them with the tools and training needed to present accurate data to policymakers for better governance outcomes.

    UNICEF’s Chief of Monitoring and Evaluation in Abuja, Mr. Wayne Bacale, outlined the workshop’s objectives and urged participants to fully engage, exchange ideas, and bring their expertise to bear.

    He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Sokoto State’s efforts to improve the well-being of its people.

    In their separate remarks, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, a director in the state service, and Comrade Bello Gwadabawa, a civil society representative, commended the workshop as a timely and impactful intervention.

    They lauded the partnership with UNICEF as a valuable step toward boosting productivity and accountability in public service.

  • Radda seeks investment in Katsina’s N50bn carbon portfolio, urges national adoption of KAGGA

    Radda seeks investment in Katsina’s N50bn carbon portfolio, urges national adoption of KAGGA

    Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has urged investors and development partners to key into the state’s ambitious N50 billion Carbon Portfolio, while advocating for the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA) to be adopted as a national model for transforming Nigeria’s forest economy.

    Represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Climate Change, Professor M. A. Al-Amin, Governor Radda made the appeal during the 2025 Nigeria Forest Economy Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The event was organised by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) in collaboration with the Border Community Development Agency (BCDA).

    Radda highlighted the urgent environmental challenges facing Katsina, including the loss of 15% of its forest cover and worsening drought affecting 60% of farmlands.

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    He stressed that these threats have inspired bold innovation through the launch of KAGGA in April 2025.

    “Our forests, once imperilled by desertification, deforestation, and conflict, now form the bedrock of a bold new vision,” he said. “KAGGA, as a blueprint, is meant to harmonise ecological restoration with economic emancipation.”

    Outlining the four strategic pillars of the agenda, he said the state aims to protect 50% of farmlands through Climate-Smart Agriculture and drought-resistant crops, electrify 500 rural communities with solar mini-grids, restore degraded landscapes through community-led ecosystem restoration, and launch Green Industrialisation by converting forest products into high-value goods.

    These initiatives will be backed by a N50 billion Green Investment Fund and strengthened by climate-focused legislation.

    Governor Radda also projected the economic potential of Katsina’s green transformation, which includes the creation of 100,000 green jobs in sustainable forestry and eco-tourism by 2035.

    Additional revenue streams are expected from annual gains of N3.5 billion from waste recycling and N4.2 billion from plastic upcycling.

    He further revealed plans for a $500 million Solar Industrial Park, to be developed in partnership with Genesis Energy, aimed at powering local industries and boosting clean energy access.

    “We invite partners to co-create Africa’s first sub-national carbon trade hub, leveraging our expertise in arid-land afforestation,” Radda announced.

    He also underscored the inclusive nature of the KAGGA initiative, noting that 30% of its budget is dedicated to women- and youth-led enterprises. “Our villages are not relics of the past—they are laboratories for the future. Here, waste becomes wages, scarcity becomes abundance, and tradition walks hand in hand with innovation,” he added.

    The summit brought together key stakeholders from government, private sector, and development organisations, all committed to advancing Nigeria’s forest economy and climate resilience.

  • MHWUN mourns, hails Buhari’s legacy of integrity, social welfare, labour reforms

    MHWUN mourns, hails Buhari’s legacy of integrity, social welfare, labour reforms

    The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as painful and a great loss to the nation, describing him as a patriot, visionary leader, and statesman of uncommon integrity.

    In a condolence message jointly signed by the union’s National President, Comrade Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, and Secretary General, Comrade Auwalu Yusuf Kiyawa, MHWUN extended its sympathy to the former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the entire Buhari family, and the Nigerian people, describing the late president’s passing as “an unimaginable colossal loss.”

    “President Buhari was admired and trusted by many Nigerians who believed in his democratic values and commitment to national service,” the union said.

    “He demonstrated this by refusing to interfere in the 2023 general elections, allowing a free and fair process to determine his successor, an uncommon act of political maturity and patriotism.”

    The statement highlighted Buhari’s concern for the poor and vulnerable, citing his administration’s school feeding programme, social investment schemes, and conditional cash transfers, which were aimed at reducing poverty and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

    “His love for young Nigerian children drove the introduction of the school feeding programme, which drastically reduced the number of out-of-school children.

    He also supported poor families through social welfare initiatives and poverty alleviation efforts,” the statement added.

    MHWUN also praised Buhari’s resistance to pressure from international financial institutions to abruptly remove fuel and electricity subsidies, commending his preference for a gradual approach that would protect citizens from hardship.

    “Despite mounting pressure from the World Bank and IMF, he refused to yield to abrupt subsidy removal, insisting on a path that safeguarded the interests of ordinary Nigerians.”

    The union further recalled Buhari’s legacy in agriculture through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which they said boosted food production and rural livelihoods.

    Describing him as a “labour-friendly president,” MHWUN applauded his approval of the N30,000 minimum wage, the extension of retirement age and years of service for teachers, and recent reforms across the civil service, including the health sector.

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    On infrastructure, the union listed the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the revival of the country’s railway system, and the rehabilitation of key expressways such as Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna roads as major milestones of his presidency.

    “His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped Nigeria record relatively low mortality rates compared to other countries, also stands out as a notable achievement,” the statement said.

    Recalling Buhari’s long and distinguished service including as military governor, petroleum minister, military Head of State, and two-term civilian president, the union hailed his personal integrity and incorruptibility, saying “not an iota of corruption was ever traced to him.”

    The union prayed for the repose of his soul, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

  • Muhammadu Buhari: A leader of unwavering conviction, enduring legacy

    Muhammadu Buhari: A leader of unwavering conviction, enduring legacy

    By Barr Halima Alfa 

    The passing of Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday July 13, 2025, at the London clinic marked the end of an era in Nigerian politics. As a former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Buhari left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. His life was a testament to unwavering conviction, dedication to public service, and a relentless pursuit of progress. This tribute article celebrates his achievements, contributions to Nigeria and its people, and humanity in its entirety. 

    Essentially, being Baba’s political daughter, I will be remiss to not add my voice to the  outpouring of tributes that followed last week’s passing of a  leader, who stood tall and proud fighting corruption, and speaking loud for the rights of the people;  a man that gave his all, and let the nation’s hope stand tall in his heart. 

    Born in the native city of Daura some Eighty -Two years ago, President Muhammadu Buhari (Baba Buhari as we mostly call him) lived a lovely life that traversed intimate family involvements, an eventful military career and a remarkable political trajectory that admits significant milestones of successes and challenges. 

    It would be recalled that Buhari’s rise to power began when he served as the country’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and in between 2002 – 2003, foraying into mainstream democratic politics with a presidency bid under the platform of the platform of the All Progressives Party (APP) and eventually winning Nigerian the presidency in 2015. 

    My remarkable engagements with Baba were forged through the APP/ANPP alliance, and involved many memorable and interesting moments, covering both personal and national scenarios. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness,  during one of the Presidential Election campaign rally in ABA, Abia state when the campaign podium collapsed while we were all standing together with Baba on it. What he said in reaction, both resonating his deep sense of humour and humanness, all intended to reassure everyone of safety, share in the grief of people who suffered from the incident stands him out as a good human being.

    Finally, I cannot completely end my tribute to the memory of late General Mohammadu Buhari without sending my sincere appreciation and thanks to our present President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bearing the burden of leadership at this time of our collective national grief with the same simplicity and dignity like his late friend, ally and predecessor, General Buhari and towing the leadership line he left behind and showing all that leadership is not about personal comfort but about sacrifice. I commend the courage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in fighting corruption and repositioning the economy of the country just like General Buhari. Sir, your policies in agriculture, infrastructural renewal and energy reforms is today shaping the nations development. You promised during the campaigns for the 2023 general elections that you would continue if elected from where President Buhari stopped and you did not disappoint because your vision and that of our late President was clear when you came together in forming the All Progressive Congress(APC); a Nigeria that can feed itself, build it’s roads, power it’s homes and educate it’s children. By continuing with the Buhari’s development plan and goals you have shown that you can be trusted. 

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    We all can see you working tiredlessly everyday inorder to fulfil that dream. Sir, we take consolation that even though Buhari no longer with us in body, we know that he will be very proud of you where ever he is right now. We share in your grief because personally we acknowledge that you have lost a great political friend, ally and a father figure In General Buhari; a man who taught us that integrity is not negotiable. We shall always remember your unwavering stand and contributions towards making the state burials for the late President Buhari a success.

     For many of your opponents and critics who daily since the death of General Buhari saying that you are using the burial to score cheap political goals and to achieve cheap political gains, I say to them sir”a pessimist is a well informed optimist” because the success of the state burials had just affirmed your eternal respect for the late President who to you was a moral compass for our generation and that to come because he was a man whose name is synonymous with honesty and deserved the respect of our nation.

    I want to also use the medium of this tribute to thank the President for naming the University of Maiduguri after the late General Buhari who fought till the last days of his Presidency to make the Northeast geopolitical zone a safer and peaceful place to live in by confronting head on the dreaded monsters of insurgency called the Boko-Haram sect who represented the greatest axis of evil that have confronted our nation. 

    General Buhari deserved this singular honour for also investing heavily in the education section because of his fervent believe that it is the greatest tool for the advancement of man and making the knowledge economy entrenched in our nation . This gesture of yours sir is deeply respectful to the former President and it goes only to show that our nation will always remember him with dignity and not done to score cheap political goals.

     You showed leadership by not trivializing this period of national mourning just to generate media attention. Your relationship to General Buhari was grounded in mutual respect and shared Democratic ideals and commitments to national developments. Your participation in the memorial events reflects statesmanship and not opportunities.

    I want to also use the opportunity of this tribute to sympathis with my state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state for the death of one of his political father figure and also my leader, the former governor of Kogi state, the white lion,Yahaya Bello for this irreparable loss. General Buhari who we mourn today played a critical role to the growth and development of Kogi state by his guidance, leadership and advise to our young leaders. Sir, I wish he was still alive to see you implement all your visionary and strategic plans and moving the state forward by its growth and development  in all it’s physicality. As you both mourn today, we also mourn and may the Almighty Allah give you both the wisdom to bear this great loss.

     For me personally, it is a great loss because General Buhari in his life time was so familiar with the pain of our country than with compassion though he was intrinsically compassionate by living for others. I pray for the repose of his soul and for God comfort for his family and the entire nation.Our nation has lost a great leader who dedicated his life to the service of our beloved nation as chronicled in the book written by Adamu Kyuka Usman which I guided,  launched and endorsed by him titled”Mohammadu Buhari:The spirit of man” long before his death. I want his family to take consolation in the fact that In his life time he served the country with unwavering commitment, integrity, convictions and was a tireless advocate for justice and good governance. I recall his dedication to the common good and his unwavering belief in the potential of all Nigerian.

     To his beloved wife, Her Excellency,  Hajiya Aisha Buhari, his children, grandchildren and entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. May you find solace in the outpouring of love and support from a grateful nation. Please know that your grief is shared by all of us.

     I say good bye to a leader, a father and a dear friend and an exceptional human being whose existential significance as a  statesman and humanitarian impacted our lives in more ways than most cared to know.

    President Buhari’s memory shall, willy-nilly, live on in hearts; he will be remembered for his solidarity with the talakawas, his abiding grace and simplicity, his uncanny sense of humour and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity. May his noble soul rest in peace.

    Rest now, dear Baba Buhari, your work is done

    May your soul find peace, beneath the setting sun

    And may your memory remain, a blessing to us all

    A leader, a statesman, who gave his all.

    Barr Halima Alfa PhD, is a prominent Kogi State politician and staunch Buharist, known for her roles as Northern Zonal Coordinator of Sure-P, Zonal Chairperson of Arewa Consultative Forum, and Chairperson of the Senators’ Wives Association in the 9th Senate.