By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Immediate past national President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has confirmed joining the Labour Party. 

Akpata on Monday disclosed that he has been a member of the Labour Party since March 2023.

According to Mr Akpata, he deemed it necessary to put the speculations that he has joined partisan politics to rest and hence the announcement. 

“Quite a number of people have called/messaged me to confirm the news, currently making the rounds, that I have joined a political party. Yes…I joined the @labourparty_ng in March this year, and on Sunday, I attended my first Ward Meeting at Oredo Ward 6, in Benin-City, where I was formally introduced to members of the Ward and presented with my Party membership card. This was a major step for me and not one that I took lightly…but I simply got tired of complaining about Nigeria every day and bemoaning her fate, and I decided to take the plunge and to try to be part of the solution rather than agonising continually over the problem. This, for me, is the start of a very important journey, and it is my prayer that I arrive safely at my destination.” He posted on Facebook.

By Ghali Tade

The Former Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, is a distinguished politician in Nigeria’s political space. He is an accountant who applies the knowledge and training of his field of study to politics, which earned him respect that could not be bought. Mallam Badaru, Mai Nasara, as he was addressed by our fathers or Baba Mai Calculator as he is called in Jigawa state, is a personality who understands the need to be God-fearing, honest, transparent, accountable, focused, determined, dedicated, and committed.

How he managed to be what he is today may be surprising to those who do not know him, but we see it as a reflection of the Hausa sayings, “Kyan ɗa ya gaji mahaifinsa & barewa ba ta gudu ɗanta ya yi rarrafe“. I loosely mean he inherited most if not all of his qualities from his parent, a renowned Islamic scholar in his time. These backgrounds have made him see himself as a public servant, not a ruler. A governor who led Jigawa state to a new world with a heart full of passion, compassion, and patriotism.

When I learned that Mai Calculator was leaving office as our governor this year, I worried about who would be like or better than him. Luckily enough, Baba Badaru has handed over power to another copy of Badaru with a workaholic Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman Gumel.

The present governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, who served as finance commissioner and deputy governor to Baba Badaru’s administration, is an engine that played a vital role in ensuring that their campaign promises were fulfilled and Badaru succeeded in all sectors. Both Mallam Badaru and Mallam Namadi shared certain things in common. Apart from being the sons of renowned Islamic scholars in the state, they are chartered accountants who performed excellently. They are problem solvers and people concerned about the populace and the best way to sustain the reputation of their families.

Mallam Namadi’s loyalty and zeal to stand firm on justice, fairness, and truthfulness earned him respect and made him the choice of Mallam Badaru and the good people of Jigawa state. The bond between the two state leaders is unbreakable, considering the cement of truth used in building it. I think this is why Mai Calculator’s men are in the new administration serving as commissioners and other roles.

The political twin brothers achieved more than expected of them when they were governor and deputy of Jigawa state. I could vividly recall that in the speech he delivered at a farewell reception in his honour held at Banquet Hall Government House Dutse on Sunday, the 28 May 2023, His Excellency, the Former Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar listed numerous achievements of theirs in different sectors.

Despite inheriting Jigawa State with contractual liabilities of 114 billion naira and all the economic hardships while in power, Mai Calculator left the state with only 711 million naira in debt to pay. Unlike other governors who abandoned the projects of their predecessors, Baba Badaru distinguished himself by completing all inherited projects and focusing on transparency and accountability programmes to ensure the safety of investments.

Recall that ICAN had awarded Jigawa State as the best in Nigeria in Public resources accountability in 2021 and 2022 and the same in Budget transparency. In health, 18 more general hospitals were built to address the needs of the citizens in healthcare services. When he came on board, there were only 12, but he amplified them to 30. Also, three specialist hospitals and one orthopaedic hospital were established. Still on health, the people’s governor provided one comprehensive Health centre in every electoral ward of the state.

The number of hospitals on 24 hrs services increased, addressing the infant mortality rate.

In infrastructure, all the ongoing 700 kilometres of rural roads inherited were completed. Five thousand two hundred seventy-eight hand pumps have been repaired in water resources, 7792 solar water schemes were constructed, and 3500 PHC latrines were built, making Jigawa  State open defecation free. These efforts earned Jigawa number four in safe drinking water in Nigeria and number one in the entire Northern region.

On the other hand, Baba Mai Calculator’s administration witnessed massive federal government projects in the state. Beginning with the power sector, first time in 20 years, the Gagarawa power station project was completed and commissioned under the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari also awarded four substations in Gwaram, Kazaure, Babura, and Birnin Kudu.

It could be recalled that 164,000 families enjoyed #5,000 monthly stipends from the federal government. This is in addition to feeding a million pupils, which created jobs for 9,200 vendors. My state benefited from Trader Monie, GEEP, Npower, Anchor Borrowers, and other human capital development projects.

On FG’s road projects, the Dutse to Kano, Kano – Danbatta – Kazaure – Gwiwa – Daura – Katsina to Niger Republic roads are practical and visible development. Another road that I will never forget is Kwanar Dimawa- Kanya Babba- Ɓaɓura-Baban mutum road.

I vividly remember Former President Muhammadu Buhari was in Jigawa in 2018 to flag off Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme. Joyfully, he returned to the state to commission the same project after completing its rehabilitation and expansion. The project, an irrigational land of 5,700 hectares, currently provides jobs, food, and economic diversification.

Let me openly state that these are just a few blessings Jigawa state got from Baba Mai Calculator and Baba Buhari’s administrations.

What are Badaru’s contributions to APC and the emergence of President Tinubu?

Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar was the first governor to win from an opposition despite the PDP having control of Jigawa and Nigeria in 2015. His emergence as Jigawa’s governor laid a solid foundation for APC, attracting thousands of loyalists of other parties to APC.

As an APC Leader in governors’ primaries and general elections in some states like  Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, and Bayelsa, Baba Badaru performed wonderfully well. This has made APC stronger in these states; many votes were pulled from them in the last three elections.

Under his watch as Northern Nigeria’s coordinator for Tinubu’s campaign organisation, higher votes were got from his zone -North West with over two million and six hundred thousand in presidential elections. The dedication and determination of Mai Calculator and other APC stalwarts gave President Tinubu more votes from the north-west than the south-west.

Baba Badaru has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to fighting all the propaganda by negative minds on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As someone who comes from the same discipline as the President, Badaru is well-informed about the leadership qualities of Jagaban. These qualities were unknown by some people in the North. Hence enemies tried to paint him black but to no avail.

There was a time when the Former Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, refuted insinuations that the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmad Bola Tinubu, would be a Southern President if he won the election. He assured the presidential candidate’s antecedents indicate he is not a betrayer.

Abubakar, who spoke in Kano during an APC Presidential Candidate meeting with the Muslim Ullamas from Northwestern Nigeria, said all Bola antecedents vindicate him as a non-ethnic and religious bigot”. He even added that everything Bola Tinubu has done in his presidential aspiration, he has done it with the full participation of Badaru, Ganduje, and Nuhu Ribadu, people who are known for their nationalistic outlook.

He stressed that every stakeholder in the Nigerian project chose Bola Tinubu. Talking about his mental health and his fitness, our recent visits to Mecca on Ummara, where Tinubu walked miles without joining a car and his performance of Rituals of Tawaf and Saai shows that he is not only healthy but mentally alert on issues”, Mai Calculator explained.

In summary, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is a blessing to Jigawa state, APC, and Nigeria at large. Jigawa is lucky to have an accountant as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an accountant as a Governor, and an accountant hoping to be a minister representing the state at the Federal Executive Council. 

Badaru is indeed an APC’s Silent Achiever!

Ghali Tade writes from Ɓaɓura, Jigawa state. He can be reached via tadebusinessr@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

In the war-torn region of Gwoza, two remarkable girls, Mabruka Manu, and Maryam Abubakar Musa, emerged as beacons of hope and resilience. Despite the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on their lives and education, they defied the odds and became registered midwives. 

Their inspiring journeys from displacement and despair to fulfilling careers are a testament to their unwavering determination and the power of education.

Mabruka Manu was born and raised in Maiduguri, while Maryam was born in Katsina State but raised in Gwoza, Borno State. As with many thousands, both young ladies had their dreams of education shattered by the insurgency. However, an NGO called Girl Child Concerns, GCC, provided them with a lifeline, offering opportunities to realise their full potential. 

In 2018, GCC undertook a remarkable initiative in Borno State with support from MDS’s Merck for Mother selecting and training over 300 adolescent girls from various communities (primarily affected by the Boko Haram insurgency) to become Village Health Workers (VHW). The goal was to address the pressing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) needs in these areas, where many health workers had left due to the Boko Haram insurgency, leaving women and children with limited access to healthcare. 

Among the trained VHWs were Maryam and Mubruka, whose dedication and resilience stood out. With support from Borno State Government, GCC further trained over 500 VHW and equipped them with essential skills, including training as Per Mother’s Support Groups for Infant and Young Children’s Feeding, serving as supportive supervisors, and encouraging them to pursue further studies, leading to their qualification for the Foundation Year Program (FYP) initiated by Women for Health. 

With the support of their loved ones and overcoming financial obstacles, Maryam and Mubruka’s journey eventually led them to gain admission to the prestigious College of Nursing and Midwifery in Maiduguri, where they began their inspiring path toward becoming Registered and Licensed Midwives.

In 2020, GCC continued its mission to empower women in rural communities by organising a training program for health workers, including Maryam and Mubruka, and nearly 100 others, to address the challenges rural women face in providing basic health screening, counselling, and managing common ailments.  

This training taught participants good infant and child feeding, promoted immunisation, and provided referral services. Maryam and Mubruka’s active involvement in this initiative showcased their commitment to their communities’ well-being as they diligently acquired the necessary skills to support and educate mothers on proper infant and child nutrition.

The stories of Maryam and Mubruka exemplify the transformative impact of GCC’s initiatives on the lives of young women and their communities in Borno State. Through their training as Village Health Workers and their subsequent journey to become Registered and Licensed Midwives, they have become invaluable assets to their communities, offering crucial healthcare services and expertise where it was previously lacking. 

Additionally, their involvement in the “Mother Support Group for Infant and Child Nutrition has furthered the cause of empowering rural women and enhancing the health and well-being of their children. 

GCC’s dedication to uplifting and supporting women in the healthcare sector continues to bring positive change to Borno State, fostering a brighter future for its women, children, and communities.

Maryam Abubakar Musa, who faced numerous challenges in her journey, including the horrors of the Boko Haram insurgency, displayed incredible determination and commitment to education. 

Despite setbacks and low exam scores, Maryam pursued her passion for healthcare, eventually graduating with a diploma in Chemistry Education. Her perseverance paid off, and she successfully graduated, landing a job in her chosen field.

These fantastic stories of Mabruka and Maryam are shining examples of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Their unwavering spirit and commitment to their community exemplify the best of humanity. 

They highlight the importance of providing educational opportunities and support systems to individuals from marginalised areas affected by conflict, proving that resilience and dedication can overcome any obstacle to a brighter future.

The journey of Mabruka and Maryam is a source of inspiration for their community and countless others facing similar challenges. Their triumphs showcase the transformative power of education and the impact of collective efforts from NGOs like GCC and Women For Health. 

These stories remind us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, and with the proper support, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Recognition for their remarkable achievements arrived when Mabruka and Maryam were offered jobs at the Ultra Modern Police Hospital in Yobe State. 

Their inspiring narratives, shared through a Girls for Girls phone-in radio program initiated by Girl Child Concern in Collaboration with Education Cannot Wait and UNICEF, caught the attention of a good Samaritan. Their employment solidifies their career paths and serves as a testament to the power of their resilience and the impact of their stories on others.

Mabruka Manu and Maryam Abubakar Musa’s journeys from displacement and adversity to becoming registered midwives are tales of unwavering determination, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Their stories underscore the importance of providing support and opportunities to individuals in conflict-affected regions.

Mabruka and Maryam’s achievements inspire hope, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and forge a path toward a brighter future.

Lawan Bukar Maigana is the Communication Officer for Girl Child Concerns, GCC, Borno State, and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya

Fighting and terrifying others’ peace for no logic might be the nastiest thing one could ever see. I presumed those who do it should be characterised as ridiculous, merciless and barbaric from all angles—their fights are always loathsome. Our parents and we are doleful!

Diso of Gwale local government has now become the meeting juncture of the indigenous hoodlums of Kofar Na’isa and Hausawar Cikingari. They disturbed our stability for the last three-plus days—making us quiescent.

We were skittish yesterday, too, for their infamous masquerades. They arrived when we were with the children at our “Night Islamiyya (Makarantar Dare)”. The students included many girls and women who were there only to study the Qur’an and other Islamic knowledge specialisations. They coerced us to return with their pandemonium and holding weapon fights—it was not the first day.

Furthermore, they (the thugs) sabotaged many road-parked cars yesternight. I saw more than ten cars that had their mirrors shattered this morning. They took many people belonging after distracting the people’s shop entrances. They even stole three 25-litre petrol bottles from a fuel seller I know—75 litres of petrol. I was told that they used it to intimidate people in their homes when they refused to allow them into the houses to steal. They even removed doors. So annoying!

In addition, the policemen constantly blaze tear gas on our faces to bring peace and stability. However, it ends up troubling it—leaving us with sobbing kids, runny noses and eyes. They don’t even arrive to stop it when it’s occurring.

Nevertheless, they come after the criminals go away. Sorry for saying that; they might have their rules for doing things that I might not know (the police). But, for my life, I could not understand those rules. Maybe you do. But, I think they must be coming earlier—from my boyish imagination.

To cap it all, I would like to request the government, the police forces and any other form of peace personnel to help us eradicate those sagacious criminals from harming us, our parents and our siblings. We want a stable, peaceful living environment for ourselves and everyone. I hope my message will go to its intended destination.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Senate on Monday confirmed the immediate ex-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as a minister. 

Wike, after reeling out his Curriculum Vitae and achievements, noted that his passion for Nigeria propelled him to accept the ministerial offer. 

He was quoted as saying, “I accepted the offer to serve as a minister because of my passion to serve Nigeria.” 

During the screening, the lawmaker representing River State, represented by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers Southeast), said that he was the best in the state. 

He said, “His Excellency former Governor Nyesom Wike is our best in Rivers State. He is our leader and role model. 

As of the time of filing this report, there was no information about the ministry Mr. Wike is expected to lead.

By Ibrahim Musa

Education is a critical component of a child’s development, and a lack of quality education can have lasting consequences. The Jigawa state government’s “free education” program was intended to improve educational standards and make education more accessible. However, the so-called ‘free education’ program in the state may be doing more harm than good. While it’s true that the program removes the financial burden of education from parents, it also has hidden costs that may outweigh the benefits.

Students in the government’s “free education” program are not motivated to succeed. They know their education is already paid for, so they don’t need to study or work hard. This has led to declining grades and test scores, and students are unprepared for the future. Without motivation, students are less likely to engage with schoolwork and may have difficulty developing skills and knowledge. This can lead to a downward spiral where a lack of motivation leads to poor performance, further decreasing motivation.

Along with a lack of motivation among students, the “free education” program has led to a lack of accountability for teachers. Teachers are not motivated to do their best without the incentive of student performance. They are not held accountable for their student’s progress, which has led to a decline in the quality of teaching, and students may not reach their full potential. Without good teachers, students cannot learn the skills they need to succeed.

In addition to the issues with motivation and accountability among students and teachers, there is also a lack of motivation and accountability among parents. Since parents are not directly paying for their children’s education, they may feel less invested in their child’s success. This lack of investment can hurt the child’s education and the overall quality of education in the area.

In conclusion, the Jigawa state government’s “free education” program has serious hidden costs. It has led to a lack of motivation among students and teachers, leading to a decline in educational standards. This decline has serious implications for the future of the state, including economic decline, social problems, and an overall loss of competitiveness.

The government needs to re-evaluate the program and find a way to improve education without causing these negative consequences.

Ibrahim Musa is a primary school teacher at Egyptian Modern Model schools, Hadejia, Jigawa. He can be reached via imhadejia95@gmail.com.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

Amidst the persistent insecurity challenge bedevilling Toro, the member representing Toro federal constituency, Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, has laid a foundation for building a modern security outpost in Magama.

Flagging off the project in Magama Gumau on Saturday, the lawmaker reiterated his commitment to improving Toro citizens’ life and standard of living by working closely with federal authorities to safeguard the lives and property of Toro citizens and Nigerians.

Similarly, the events mark the closing ceremony of the first phase of the Haske Care Fertilizers program, whereby over 3000 farmers benefited from the scheme. Also, the lawmaker has sworn in 76 aides who will assist in his transformation agenda of moving Toro to a greater political and economic pedestal. 

While administering the oath, the lawmaker tasked the appointees to work harmoniously with him to develop policies and programs to reduce alarming youth restiveness and support women to be self-sufficient. Out of the 76 slots, there are nine legislative aides, ten media aides, 25 Project Monitoring Assistants, six personal Assistants and 25 Special Advisers. 

Speaking, the retired military officer Col. Umar Tilde applauded the gesture and tagged it the best in the history of the Toro federal constituency since the nation’s return to a democratic regime in 1999. 

In their separate remarks, the new appointees promise to work tirelessly and to the best of their ability by positively contributing to formulating policies that would improve the quality of life and standard of living of Toro citizens and Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), a famous Saudi-based non-governmental organisation, has pledged to construct a prestigious Islamic university in Jigawa State.

The Jigawa State Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the decision was unveiled during a visit by the state governor, Umar A. Namadi, to the WAMY office in Kano on Saturday.

According to the statement, WAMY also plans to construct a mosque with an Imam’s residence in a strategic location within the state.

Gumel stated that Governor Namadi was received by the Director of WAMY, Hashem Mohammed Abdelsalam, who said their purpose was to contribute to the spiritual well-being of the local communities of the state and beyond.

The statement read in part, “In line with their mission to empower communities and promote education, WAMY is now embarking on a monumental project to establish an Islamic university in Jigawa State. 

“Following the success of Alhikmah University in Ilorin, the organisation aims to replicate this model of excellence in Jigawa, fostering educational growth and uplifting the state’s educational landscape.

“Additionally, WAMY plans to construct a mosque with an Imam’s residence in a strategic location within the state, further contributing to the spiritual well-being of the local community,” the statement added.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had far-ranging consequences, amplifying the existing economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians. The nation is currently grappling with an unprecedented inflation rate in essential commodities, transportation and other services. As a result, a large proportion of Nigerians find themselves living below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet. 

This development has directly contributed to the spiraling inflation rate, which has hit the prices of foodstuff, transportation and essential services the hardest. This has created a burden on the average Nigerians, as their meager income is further stretched, making it increasingly difficult to afford necessities. 

As I write this article, the bus fare from Maiduguri to Abuja is N10,500 which was previously N7,500 as reflected on a circular released by Borno Express Cooperation on June 1st, 2023. Kaduna to Maiduguri, which used to be N6000, is now N9000. 

In the event whereby vehicles are scarce at the garage, travelers pay N12,000 from Maiduguri to Kano which was formerly N6,500, a non-Borno Express driver confirmed. This is unbearable and unacceptable!

The economic downturn occasioned by subsidy removal has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society as many Nigerians are now living below the breadline, struggling to feed their families and maintain a decent standard of living. 

Nobody is spared from the unbearable consequences of the removal of fuel subsidies. Not even the bourgeois elites’ empire in the country. They, too, hide and cry. Who the subsidy removal benefits then? 

Civil servants, especially those working in state and local governments are among the primary victims of the removal of fuel subsidies as many of them can’t feed their families. A 100% increase in their salaries is a necessary step to restore their purchasing power and improve their quality of life. 

Additionally, an increase in civil servant salaries would contribute to the overall improvement of public services. It would attract and retain talented professionals who are essential for efficient service delivery. Adequate compensation would motivate civil servants to perform at their best, leading to a more productive and effective public sector.

Now, what about the unemployed and jobless massive population in the country? How would their well-being be improved? Who would provide for them? A larger portion of Nigeria’s population is suffering in silence as a result of the monstrous inflation rate occasioned by the removal of the stubborn fuel subsidy. Some people eat once a day while others, the better-rich eat twice a day, skipping lunch. Therefore, President Tinubu must acknowledge the grave consequences of the current economic situation and the suffering experienced by Nigerians. 

As the leader of the nation, he has the power to reverse the economic downturn and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. It is imperative that the President takes into account the plight of the citizens and work towards restoring their faith in the government. 

While the road to economic recovery may be challenging, President Tinubu needs to consider the long-term benefits of prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians by implementing a 100% increase in civil servant salaries and creating job opportunities for our overwhelming jobless population thereby contributing to poverty reduction, improving living standards, and restoring hope for the nation’s future. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Yobe State and can be reached via email:lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

To ensure inclusive administration, the member representing the Toro federal constituency of Bauchi State, Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, has sworn in 76 aides across the 17 local government wards.

Delivering their oath at the Musa Salma Event Centre Magama, the lawmaker tasked the appointees to work harmoniously with him to move Toro to a greater height.

Admonishing the appointees, Hon. Dabo challenges them to take their duty with a sense of seriousness, adding that they shouldn’t hesitate to inform the problem facing the grassroots populace as his door will always be open for that. He further stated that his core agenda is to transform the lives of Toro citizens. 

“In line with my core agenda of transforming Toro, I want all of us to work harmoniously and closely with one another without hesitation to move Toro to greater heights by feeding me with the necessary information that can add value to the grassroots populace”, said Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo.

Out of the 76 aides sworn in by the lawmaker, who are mainly youths, include nine legislative aids, six Personal Assistants, 25 Project Monitoring Assistants, ten media aids and 25 Special Assistants. 

Similarly, the event marks the closing ceremony of the first phase of the Haske Care Fertiliser, which was distributed to over 3000 farmers across the local government. The gesture was done to cushion the hardship experienced by the farmers amidst the fuel subsidy and the soaring cost of living.

In their separate remarks, the new appointees promise to work tirelessly and to the best of their ability by positively contributing to formulating policies that would improve the quality of life and standard of living of Toro citizens and Nigeria.