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The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, has been honoured as a Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) Ambassador as the Church celebrates its historic 180th anniversary at Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar.

The honour holds special significance for Professor Uduma, who comes from a strong Presbyterian family and has maintained a deep connection with the Church and its institutions. He dedicated the award to the memory of his parents, the late Elder and Elder (Mrs.) Oji Uduma, acknowledging their faith, values, and influence in shaping his life.

Professor Uduma’s association with the Presbyterian Church extends beyond family heritage. He once served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, one of the Church’s historic institutions and an important part of its enduring legacy in healthcare and community service

The Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, has its roots in the missionary work of the Church of Scotland Mission, which established the institution in 1913. Its establishment reflected the Presbyterian tradition of combining Christian evangelism with education, healthcare, and service to humanity.

The history of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria itself is deeply woven into the story of Christianity and education in Nigeria. The Presbyterian mission began in Calabar in 1846, following an invitation from local leaders who sought assistance in education, agriculture, and the teaching of Christianity. Rev. Hope Masterton Waddell arrived in Calabar on 10 April 1846 and laid the foundation for what would become one of Nigeria’s oldest Christian denominations.

From its earliest years, the Presbyterian mission went beyond evangelism. It established schools, promoted literacy, and encouraged social development. The Hope Waddell Training Institution became one of the notable landmarks of early formal education in Nigeria.

The Presbyterian legacy was further enriched by missionaries such as Mary Slessor, who arrived in Calabar in 1876. Slessor became renowned for her courageous missionary and humanitarian work, particularly her opposition to harmful traditional practices, including the killing of twins. Her ministry exemplified a Christian mission that combined evangelism with the defence of human dignity and service to vulnerable communities.

Over the decades, the Presbyterian Church became increasingly indigenous. Administrative control was transferred to Nigerians in 1945, and the Church assumed the name Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in 1960. Its churches, schools, hospitals, and other institutions have since contributed significantly to Nigeria’s religious, educational, and social development.

Against this historic background, the conferment of the PCN Ambassadorial honour on Professor Uduma carries a particularly personal and symbolic meaning. His family heritage, his service to a major Presbyterian institution, and his present leadership of a national university converge around a common Presbyterian value: the transformation of lives through faith, knowledge, and service.

As Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma is advancing this educational heritage through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), a model that brings quality higher education closer to the people His leadership reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that distance, location, employment, family responsibilities, or other circumstances do not become barriers to acquiring university education.

This commitment has particular significance for the Presbyterian community. Through NOUN’s flexible and accessible ODL system, members of the Presbyterian Church—including pastors, church workers, professionals, young people and other members who may be unable to attend conventional universities—can pursue higher education while remaining in their communities and continuing their responsibilities. The university’s network of study centres across Nigeria further strengthens this opportunity by bringing learner support and educational services closer to prospective and existing students.

In this regard, Professor Uduma’s leadership of NOUN represents a modern extension of the Presbyterian tradition of using education as an instrument for human development. The same spirit that inspired the establishment of schools and institutions by Presbyterian missionaries in the nineteenth century is being expressed today through technology-enabled, flexible, and inclusive Open and Distance Learning.

The 180th anniversary celebration is consequently not merely a commemoration of longevity. It is a celebration of a remarkable legacy of faith, education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and national development—and an opportunity to renew that legacy for future generations.

For Professor Uduma, the honour is both a recognition and a homecoming: a tribute to his own contribution to education and service, while paying homage to the Presbyterian heritage that helped shape his family and, ultimately, his own journey.

By dedicating the award to his late parents, Elder and Elder (Mrs.) Oji Uduma, Professor Uduma underscored the enduring truth that great achievements are often rooted in values received from those who came before us.

From Hope Waddell and Mary Slessor in nineteenth-century Calabar to the establishment of Presbyterian schools and hospitals such as the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, the Church’s 180-year story remains a powerful testament to the capacity of faith expressed through education, compassion and service to transform individuals and society.

Today, through his leadership of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Uduma is helping to carry that educational legacy into the future—opening the doors of higher education to more Nigerians, including members of the Presbyterian Church, through accessible, flexible and inclusive Open and Distance Learning.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, has defended the presentation made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, during a recent television interview, arguing that the media focus on a comment about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eating once a day and walking to his office overshadowed critical issues concerning Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Sani, in a post on his official X account, said the NRS Chairman made important submissions on tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes during the interview, which, in his view, deserved serious public debate and scrutiny.

According to him, rather than interrogating the substantive issues raised by the revenue chief, sections of the media concentrated on the controversial comment about the President’s personal routine.

“During the Channels interview granted by the NRS Chairman Adedeji, he made important points and statements concerning the Tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes that should have been debated or probed,” Sani wrote.

He added that the media’s emphasis on the statement that the President eats once a day and walks to his office ultimately reduced a serious discussion on taxation and public finance to a subject of public amusement.

“The media chose to emphasise on ‘the President eating once in a day and walking to his office’. That was how a serious issue was rubbished,” the former senator said.

Sani’s intervention comes amid continuing public discussion over Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, including questions surrounding the implementation of new tax laws, revenue mobilisation, compliance, institutional responsibilities and the impact of taxation on individuals and businesses.

The former lawmaker’s position suggests that public discourse on the country’s tax system should move beyond sensational statements and focus more closely on the policies and mechanisms being introduced to improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.

Taxation has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s economic debate as governments at the federal and state levels seek to increase internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on borrowing and oil-related receipts, broaden the tax base and improve compliance.

For Sani, the interview by the NRS chairman presented an opportunity for journalists, policymakers and citizens to interrogate the details of the government’s tax reforms and their implications for the Nigerian economy.

His comments also highlight concerns about the role of the media in shaping public understanding of complex policy matters, particularly when substantive economic discussions compete with politically or personally sensitive statements that attract greater public attention.

Rather than allowing the President’s reported personal routine to dominate the conversation, Sani argued that the focus should have remained on the tax laws, reform measures and implementation processes outlined by the NRS chairman.

The former senator maintained that such issues require sustained public scrutiny because taxation directly affects citizens, businesses, investors and government finances.

He therefore appeared to call for a more substantive approach to reporting economic policies, urging the public and the media to interrogate the content and consequences of government reforms rather than allowing a single controversial remark to eclipse the broader policy discussion.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has launched the Tinubu Again Movement, a political support group aimed at mobilising grassroots support across Nigeria for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The movement was unveiled on Friday in Kaduna, with Matawalle serving as its Convener and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Speaking at the launch, the National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the organisation was established with a clear mandate to mobilise Nigerians at the grassroots and secure what he described as a “resounding victory” for President Tinubu in 2027.

“We are promising the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, that we will not fail him. We will talk to everyone, we will mobilise everyone, we will do everything to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns as President in 2027,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that the movement would adopt a grassroots-driven approach, reaching voters at the household and community levels while bringing together political support groups, non-governmental organisations, women’s groups and other stakeholders.

“Our mandate is one: to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. We will mobilise support house to house, community to community, to galvanise all support political groups, non-governmental organisations, women groups and bring them under one umbrella to garner support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027,” he stated.

Abdullahi said the movement was committed to working under the introuctions of Matawalle, a grassroots politician and former Governor of Zamfara State, to expand support for the President across the 19 northern states.

“We are determined and committed to work as former Governor, Bello Matawalle, direct us to mobilise fellow Nigerian brothers and sisters men and women young and elderly to vote Tinubu for another term,” he said.
He disclosed that the movement’s mobilisation strategy would focus on grassroots engagement, voter education and consultations with key stakeholders, including youths, women, community leaders and traditional institutions.

According to him, the organisation would also engage existing political and civic groups as part of efforts to build a broad-based support network for the President ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Tinubu Again Movement further announced plans to formally inaugurate its state and local government coordinators in the coming weeks as part of efforts to establish structures across the country,

President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, is constitutionally eligible to seek a second four-year term in the 2027 presidential election.

Matawalle, who served as Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023, was appointed Minister of State for Defence in August 2023 and has remained an important political figure within the Tinubu administration.

The unveiling of the movement comes amid increasing political consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various political groups and support organisations beginning mobilisation activities across the country.

The Tinubu Again Movement said it would continue its consultations and grassroots mobilisation in the months ahead as it seeks to build support for the President’s second-term bid.

Residents of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have condemned Senator Lawal Adamu for what they described as “derogatory remarks” mocking the recent flag-off of the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, an event attended by the Emir of Birnin Gwari.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by community leaders, the residents said the Senator’s comments were insensitive to the suffering of the people and an affront to the traditional institution.

“You are a disgrace,” the statement read in part. “At a time when our people are beginning to see hope with the flag-off of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, attended by our revered Emir, Senator Lawal Adamu chose to mock the ceremony instead of supporting it.”

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, last week flagged off the reconstruction of the 200km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, a project residents say has been neglected for over a decade despite incessant attacks and economic losses along the corridor.

The Emir of Birnin Gwari, HRH Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, was in attendance alongside government officials, contractors, and community members. Community leaders described the event as a major step toward restoring security, trade, and movement in the area.

The residents accused Senator Adamu of playing politics with a project that directly affects the lives of thousands of Birnin Gwari people who have endured banditry, kidnapping, and poor road infrastructure.

“For years we cried out. Now that the road is finally being worked on, a Senator from our state is busy mocking the effort. That is not representation,” said Malam Suleiman Idris, a community youth leader.

Another resident, Hajiya Aisha Musa, said: “The Emir was there to give royal blessings and to show that our people support development. To mock that gathering is to mock the entire Birnin Gwari people.”

The group called on the Senator to apologize publicly and to join hands with stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the road project.

The residents further urged political leaders in Kaduna State to prioritize development over partisan attacks, noting that infrastructure, security, and the economy remain the key concerns for the people.

“We appreciate any effort aimed at developing our area. What we need now is unity and support, not ridicule,” the statement added.

As of press time, efforts to get Senator Lawal Adamu’s reaction were unsuccessful.

The Kaduna State Government has described the road reconstruction as part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda aimed at opening up rural areas and improving security across the state.

A coalition of professionals from Southern Kaduna has declared support for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and announced plans to hold a World Press Conference on Saturday to address what they described as “deliberate misinformation” about ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region and across Nigeria.

The group, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum, SKPF, said the press conference will provide factual updates on road projects, funding, and timelines under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Audu Bako, the group said the decision to rally behind Senator Umahi was informed by the Minister’s “transparency, technical competence, and commitment to completing inherited and new road projects.”

“We have watched closely in the last one year how the Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi has moved from mere contract awards to actual site work and performance tracking.

“For Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire North, this is the first time in a long while we are seeing contractors back on site with measurable milestones.” the group stated.

The professionals specifically referenced the rehabilitation of critical federal roads linking Southern Kaduna to other parts of the state and neighboring states, including sections of the Kaduna-Kachia-Kafanchan road corridor.

They argued that improved road connectivity will boost agriculture, reduce insecurity, and lower transportation costs for farmers and traders who have borne the brunt of poor infrastructure for years.

“Security and the economy are tied to roads. When you can move farm produce from Kagoro, Zangon Kataf and Jaba to major markets without fear or delay, you are directly addressing poverty and banditry,” said Engr. Laraba John, Secretary of the Forum.

According to the group, the Saturday briefing became necessary to correct what they termed “false narratives” circulating on social media about abandonment of projects in the South and non-inclusion of Southern Kaduna in the federal road budget.

“We are not politicians. We are engineers, lawyers, lecturers, medical doctors and business owners from Southern Kaduna. Our interest is development. The Minister has opened the books. He is publishing project status, and we will be presenting those same facts to the world on Saturday.” it hinted.

It added that the press conference will feature presentations on budget performance, project verification reports, and testimonies from community members along project corridors.

The Forum urged civil society, traditional institutions and the media to compare the current pace of infrastructure delivery with previous administrations.

“The role of professionals and community leaders in the past is appreciated, but we must now compare the situation of the country before the present administration with what is happening now,” Bako noted. “In infrastructure, security and the economy, there are clear steps being taken. Let us encourage the government to achieve more instead of politicizing everything.”

The group said invitations have been extended to the Ministry of Works, federal lawmakers from Kaduna State, traditional rulers, and the press for the event scheduled to hold at 10:00am on Saturday in Kaduna

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while continuing to offer constructive criticism in the interest of the nation.

Sani, in a statement on Sunday, said the Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in shaping public discourse and providing moral guidance, a contribution he said is widely appreciated.

He noted that while it is important for religious leaders to hold government accountable, they should also objectively assess the current situation against what obtained in previous administrations.

“We appreciate that Tinubu has achieved in infrastructure, security and the economy,” Sani said. “Catholic leaders are men of honour and integrity. They should encourage the President to achieve more.”

The former lawmaker stressed that comparing the present realities with the past would give Nigerians a clearer perspective on the progress made so far, particularly in road construction, efforts to curb insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms.

“The role the Catholic leaders are playing in the past is appreciated, but they should compare the situation of the country before the present administration,” he added.

Sani urged the bishops to continue engaging government with facts and recommendations, saying such engagement would help strengthen governance and ensure more dividends of democracy for citizens.

The comment comes amid heightened public debate on the performance of the Tinubu administration, with various stakeholders calling for collaboration between government and civil society to address national challenges.

Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi, has paid tribute to the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a trusted brother who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.

In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and deeply religious man who devoted his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.

He recalled that their relationship blossomed during their journalism careers, particularly through writing, publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

“It will be recalled that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji organised a reception in his residence to honour three of us—Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That occasion cemented our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.

He also reminisced about how the late statesman hosted a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) journalists during the turbaning of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

“During the dinner, we all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience. Even the leader of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, publicly acknowledged the gesture and said she had learnt many things she never knew despite living in London,” he added.

Dingyadi described the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.

“Since the demise of Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, Tsoho Mafara and Muhammadu Bature, I have not seen a man who carried the burden of his people with such sincerity as late Sardaunan Sokoto.

“He opened his doors to everyone. On one occasion, he instructed his aide to grant me unrestricted access to him at all times. Anyone who was not close to him could never fully appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.

He noted that the late elder statesman fondly called him “Yusufu,” a name he always used affectionately, reflecting his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

Before his ministerial appointments, he built a distinguished career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Trade, Finance and National Planning.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s economic history.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers and associates, who described him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.

His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki and several serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.

By Agbodo Asogu

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has honoured the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, for what it described as his outstanding leadership, commitment to national development and support for youth empowerment.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by its president, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the youth group said the recognition was in appreciation of Faleke’s contributions to nation-building, exemplary public service and people-centred leadership.

According to the Assembly, the lawmaker has consistently demonstrated commitment to the principles of good governance, inclusive development and national unity through his leadership and service to the country.

The group noted that Faleke’s support for youth development and his leadership style had inspired many young people, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to embrace the values of integrity, excellence and responsible leadership.

AYAGL also commended the federal lawmaker for what it described as his role in encouraging Northern youths to pursue quality leadership, promote national cohesion and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

It stated that Faleke’s style of leadership continues to serve as an example for public office holders and emerging leaders across the country.

Describing him as a statesman whose influence transcends ethnic, religious and regional divides, the Assembly said his record of selfless service and commitment to the welfare of the people had earned him widespread respect and admiration.

The group further praised the lawmaker for his contributions to youth empowerment and national progress, urging him to remain committed to serving the nation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible leadership, youth inclusion, peace, unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.

ENDS

Over the past few weeks, I have watched Governor Uba Sani’s activities with keen interest, and one question keeps coming to mind: does this man ever sleep?

From one official engagement to another, from project inspections to policy meetings and community interactions, his schedule appears remarkably demanding. The consistency and intensity of his public engagements have prompted many to wonder how he manages such a relentless pace.

In just a matter of days, he commissioned roads in Jaba and Jama’a, flagged off another major road project in Zaria, and stood before thousands of farmers to distribute fertilisers and agricultural support that will help many families return to their farms with renewed hope.

To some people, these are just government activities, but to me, they tell a deeper story.

Years ago, when I had the privilege of serving as a Local Government Chairperson, I discovered something that many people outside government never get to see. Leadership is exhausting. The public only sees the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

They rarely see the sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, the criticism, the impossible expectations, or the constant pressure to satisfy millions of people whose needs are genuine.

That experience taught me how to recognise hard work when I see it.

That is why I do not merely see Governor Uba Sani’s projects; I see the effort behind them.

Kaduna is not an easy state to govern. It carries the weight of years of insecurity, mistrust, political tension, economic hardship and communities that have, at different times, struggled to see themselves as one people. No governor inherits those realities and fixes them overnight.

But leadership is not always about performing miracles,
sometimes leadership is about refusing to stop trying.

That, to me, is what Governor Uba Sani represents today.

One thing that particularly touched me was the distribution of fertilisers and farming support. To on Saturday 25th July some, it may simply be another government programme; I saw something much bigger.

I saw a government saying to farmers, “Go back to the land. We have not forgotten you.”

In a state where insecurity has kept many people away from their farms, supporting agriculture is not only about increasing harvests.

It is about restoring confidence, reducing hunger, creating jobs, strengthening rural communities and reminding people that better days are still possible.

Food security begins long before the harvest. It begins when a farmer believes it is worth planting again. That is the real significance of Saturday’s intervention.

Beyond the projects is something that cannot be measured with statistics. Governor Uba Sani has consistently projected the spirit of bringing people together. The journey is not over, and no honest person would claim every challenge has disappeared.

But there is a visible effort to replace division with dialogue, exclusion with inclusion, and suspicion with partnership and that matters, because development grows faster where people begin to trust one another again.

As a former Local Government Administrator, I know how easy it is for people to criticise from a distance. I also know how difficult it is to wake up every morning carrying the expectations of thousands of citizens.

That is why I believe that we should never become so consumed by what remains undone that we fail to acknowledge what is being done.

Governor Uba Sani is showing Kaduna people that leadership can be present and can keep moving even when the road is steep.

Perhaps that is why he always seems to be on the move, from one community to another, from one project to another, from meetings in Abuja to engagements across Kaduna State, pushing, listening, negotiating, building.

Whether one agrees with every policy or not, one thing is difficult to deny: the man is putting in the work.

And as someone who understands the weight of public leadership, I simply want to say this:

Thank you, Gov. Uba Sani (CON) for choosing effort over excuses.

Kaduna still has work to be done; there are still roads to build, schools to strengthen, hospitals to improve, communities to heal, and young people to empower, and Governor Uba Sani has shown the determination to complete the task he began.

My prayer is that history will remember not only the projects he commissioned, but the hope he kept alive, the bridges he built between people, and the example he set that leadership is not about occupying an office; it is about showing up, every single day, for the people.

Hon Dr Nita Byack George (The Administrator) writes from Kaduna

By Julia Amana

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has dismissed reports alleging that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) has resigned from office, describing the claims as false, misleading and the handiwork of individuals seeking to undermine ongoing efforts to improve national security.

In a statement issued by its president, Amb.Danbature Abdul, the group reaffirmed its confidence in the Defence Minister, commending his leadership and commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture.

AYAGL said General Musa’s operational approach has continued to produce positive outcomes in the fight against insecurity, alleging that those behind the rumoured resignation were individuals opposed to the progress being recorded in the sector.

The group also praised the minister for his contributions to youth development, noting that his support for empowerment programmes, capacity-building initiatives and engagement with young people reflects his commitment to Nigeria’s future.

According to the group, the continued confidence reposed in the minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, underscores his competence, professionalism and dedication to national service.

AYAGL urged Nigerians to disregard the resignation reports and avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension or distracting government officials from their responsibilities.

The organisation reaffirmed its support for the Defence Minister and other public officials working towards ensuring peace, security and national development.

ENDS