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*Governor BAO, Fayemi, Adebayo, SGF’s wife, others to honour Ekiti-born celebrant

*Speaks on her regrets, visions for Nigeria

It would be a celebration galore this weekend as former Special Adviser on former Governor Kayode Fayemi on Development Partnerships and SDGs, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, roll out drums in celebration of her 50th birthday, taking place at at BMO Event Arena, Abuja.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), will lead his predecessors, former Governors Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adedayo, including the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Regina Akume, to celebrate the 50th birthday of an Ekiti-born development expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Fagboyo, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The event billed to take place at BMO Event Arena, Inside RiverPlate Park, will also have other prominent personalities such as Ondo State First Lady, Seun Aiyedatiwa, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, many House of Representatives members, top government officials, top CSO leaders, development experts and many other diplomats.

Born on the 23rd of June, 1975, to the respected family of Pa Cyril Akanbi Bello and Mrs. Mary Olanike Bello from Oke-Emo Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Dr. Fagboyo is a multi-disciplinary development practitioner whose work has made meaningful impacts across Nigeria and beyond. With over two decades of professional experience, she has carved a niche in international development, gender advocacy, and institutional partnerships. She currently serves as the Director of Development at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), one of Nigeria’s leading think tanks dedicated to strategic leadership and sustainable development.

The celebrant was a key member of the Ekiti State Executive Council from 2019 to 2023 serving under Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships and SDGs.

Prior to her public service, she spent a remarkable chapter of her career with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), rising through the ranks to become Regional Coordinator and Acting Head of Office, leading programs in the South West, South South, and South East regions.

Her leadership in promoting social inclusion and gender mainstreaming remains a reference point in development work.

Speaking with newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, on her expectations for Nigeria ahead of Saturday’s event, Dr. Fagboyo said she envisioned a country where institutions work, where justice is blind, where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve.

According to her, as a passionate Nigerian who believes in the immense potential of our nation, my vision for Nigeria is one of hope, transformation, and inclusive growth.

“I long to see a Nigeria where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve – not self. A Nigeria where our diversity becomes our strength, not our division.

“I envision a country where institutions work – where justice is blind, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen feels seen, heard and valued. A land where young people can dream boldly and achieve greatly without having to look beynd our borders. Where women, men, and all marginalized groups are fully included in governance and development.

“Going forward, I expect Nigeria to rise beyond the grip of corruption, insecurity, and poverty. I expect us to prioritize education, invest in healthcare, secure our streets, and harness our vast resources – both human and natural for the common good.

“The road may be long, but I believe in the resilience and brilliance of Nigerians. Together, with vision, courage, and collective action, we can build the Nigeria we all desire – a nation that works, not just for a few, but for all.”

When asked whether she had any regret in the last 50 years of her age, the proud mother of three wonderful children and loving wife said life has been good to her.

“At 50, I choose gratitude over regret. Life has been good to me at 50 though I experience some challenges too, but every high and low has shaped the woman I am today – stronger, wiser and more grounded.

“If there is any regret, it would only be moments I doubted myself, delayed my dreams, or dimmed my light to make others comfortable. But even those moments taught me valuable lessons. So, no deep regrets – Just reflections, lessons, and a deeper resolve to live the rest of my life with more intention, joy, and courage. I’m embracing this new chapter with open arms and a heart full of purpose.”

A youth group known as Omenuko Ndigbo United has raised concerns about how Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, is behaving in the current plans to unite opposition parties for the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Thursday in Owerri, signed by the group’s President, Comrade Benjamin Madu, said Mr. Obi is not showing real interest in working with other opposition leaders to challenge the ruling APC.

“We are not happy with Peter Obi. Instead of joining hands with others to rescue Nigeria, he seems to be focused only on himself. This is not the time for selfish politics,” the group said.

They accused Obi of repeating what he did in 2023, when his actions helped divide the opposition and made it easy for APC to win.

According to the group, the 2027 election is very important for Igbo people, and they must not make any mistake this time.

“The current president is from the South. This is the best time for Ndigbo to push for the presidency. But we need unity. If Obi leaves the coalition, it will be harder for an Igbo person to become president in 2027 or even in 2031,” they warned.

They also questioned whether Obi might secretly be working to help APC and President Tinubu, saying his silence and lack of involvement in the coalition are suspicious.

“Obi is not fully part of the plans, and it’s starting to look like he is playing another game. We need to know what he really wants,” they said.

They added that recent attacks on Obi by APC supporters like Reno Omokri remind them of similar tricks used in the last election to create confusion. They also mentioned that journalist David Hundeyin had warned the opposition not to repeat past mistakes.

The group asked Peter Obi to come out and say clearly if he wants to join the coalition or not.

“Nigerians deserve honesty. Peter Obi should stop pretending and tell us where he stands. We will not allow what happened in 2023 to happen again, especially if it will hurt the Igbo cause,” they concluded.

Special Report

*Joy, Healing, Inclusion as Zaria Hosted Special Children’s Play Therapy Event*



It was a moving scene of joy, laughter, and emotional healing as the Nurture Special Education Needs Foundation (NSENF) hosted a remarkable Children’s Day Play Therapy Event at JPEC Chimel Academy in Zaria on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The event, dedicated to children with neurological and psychosocial disabilities alongside their peers, turned into a colourful celebration of inclusion, empathy, and community resilience.

Designed to create a safe and expressive space for children with special needs, the event featured a range of play therapy activities that captivated both participants and observers. From the Sensory Play Corner to the Creative Arts Zone, Music & Movement sessions, and puppet-led storytelling, the programme was both therapeutic and uplifting.

The “I Am a Star” recognition ceremony drew cheers as every participating child was celebrated for their uniqueness and courage. A special highlight was the expert-led dialogue with parents and caregivers on managing children with developmental challenges—a moment that many described as deeply affirming.

Despite facing challenges such as limited funding, overstimulation among children, and a last-minute change of venue, the event recorded strong attendance: 17 children with special needs, 5 neurotypical children, 13 parents and caregivers, and several professionals from the media, education, and humanitarian sectors.

The event was powered by an impressive team of volunteers, with support from key partners including the Centre for Girls Education (CGE), FAM Initiative, and Quatech Photography, among others. Special recognition was given to Hajiya Habiba Mohammed of CGE and Jecinta Egbim of FAM Initiative for their donations and tireless coordination efforts.

Speaking at the close of the event, NSENF Executive Director Aisha Ibrahim Ahmad reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to championing inclusive development. “This is more than a celebration; it is a movement for empathy, awareness, and sustained support for our children,” she said.

The Children’s Day Play Therapy Event, though modest in scale, left an indelible impact on participants and further underscored the power of inclusive play in fostering healing and community connection.

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By ibrahim H. Tinja

In the heart of Paris, where Europe’s oldest academic institutions stand as monuments to centuries of learning, a Nigerian professor has inscribed a new chapter in Africa’s educational history.

On Friday, June 13, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities and President of the Association of African Private Universities (AAPU), received the Award of Excellence from the prestigious Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris—a landmark recognition for his role in reshaping higher education across Africa.

The award was conferred during the university’s 100th anniversary—a celebration attended by global dignitaries, academics, and education policymakers. It marked a defining moment not just for the professor, but for African academia.

From Northern Nigeria to Global Spotlight

Prof. Gwarzo’s story reads like a modern academic epic. A native of Kano State and trained partly in France, he returned to the continent not to replicate foreign systems, but to design a new one: one rooted in African priorities, values, and aspirations.

His MAAUN institutions—now active across West Africa—offer an innovative blend of international standards and local relevance. They have attracted thousands of students seeking affordable, high-quality education without leaving the continent.

Presenting the award, Senator Jean Mac Sauve, President of the Cité Universitaire, was emphatic:

“Prof. Gwarzo has redefined what one man can do with a vision. He is a global bridge—linking Africa to the world and lifting his people through education.”

A National Honor, A Continental Symbol

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, described the award as a collective honour for Nigeria and Africa.

“This recognition is a validation of African excellence. My own children have benefitted from his institutions. What Prof. Gwarzo has built is not just a university system—it is a movement.”

Across campuses in Kano, Maradi, and beyond, his model has empowered students from modest backgrounds to dream bigger, learn deeper, and lead boldly.

A Call to Africa’s Diaspora

Taking the podium, Prof. Gwarzo expressed gratitude to France for nurturing his academic foundation—but quickly turned to a larger theme.

“Africa is ready,” he said. “What we need is for her sons and daughters to return—not just physically, but with purpose. Let’s invest our minds where our roots lie. Let’s build institutions that last beyond us.”

He vowed to expand the MAAUN Group into a globally competitive academic network that would serve African needs while meeting international benchmarks.

Building the Future with African Hands

At a time when many African scholars still look outward for validation, Prof. Gwarzo represents a powerful alternative: the builder who stayed—and created something exceptional.

His work has not only challenged the status quo; it has offered a viable blueprint for others to follow—one that blends local ownership, global relevance, and a fierce commitment to youth empowerment.

As the night drew to a close beneath the Parisian sky, delegates agreed that this honour symbolized more than just one man’s achievements. It was, as one French official put it,

“A sign that Africa’s intellectual century has begun.”

And leading that charge is a quiet, determined man from Kano whose dream is already changing the world.

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Would you like this version translated into Hausa or French for broader regional or diplomatic audiences? Or would you like a sidebar with “5 Things to Know About Prof. Gwarzo” for a print layout or social media?

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has lauded Senator Henry Seriake Dickson on speaking truth to power by condemning the anti-democratic actions of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Dickson had shortly after President Tinubu delivered his State of the Nation Address before a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country, kicked against the anti-democratic posture of the present administration.

Addressing the press at the National Assembly, Dickson who represents Bayelsa West on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 10th Senate slammed Tinubu for not mentioning the state of emergency he imposed on Rivers State and the arbitrary suspension of including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

He also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of suppression for not allowing his point of order earlier in the Senate Chamber before the joint sitting session where he moved to complain about letters from the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, seeking Senate’s confirmation of nominees for appointment into the State Electoral Commission as well as Civil and Local Government Service Commissions of Rivers State.

He commended Dickson for his patriotism and courage in pointing out the irony in the Democracy Day celebration with fanfare by the executive and legislature while a state in the country is under military rule.

He described Dickson as a hero and present day defender of democracy in the country by courageously opposing the democratic aberration in Rivers state imposed by Tinubu.

Frank said: “Senator Dickson played the role of a true opposition by speaking the minds of ordinary Nigerians. He did not just make me proud as a citizen of Nigeria, he has made me proud as an Ijaw son.

“He has made me proud as a Bayelsan. He has made me proud as a Niger Delta son and he has made the entire country proud by speaking truth to power against those destroying our democracy and the country.

“He spoke the truth at a time when so many politicians cutting across party divides in Nigeria have become political cowards and sycophants, he came out boldly to speak the truth.

“Posterity will remember him for his principled stance in condemning undemocratic tendencies of he of the Tinubu administration.

“History will never forget him because when Nigerians expected leaders especially those in government to speak the truth, he’s the only one who has confronted the truth and the true position of our democracy.”

He lamented that the ruling APC and Tinubu’s Government don’t believe in democracy and the rule of law. They believe in impunity, dictatorship and one party state.

He added: “What Dickson has done is akin to what lawmakers often do in foreign countries where democracy is being practiced like the United States and the United Kingdom and even South Africa where you see lawmakers confronting the president with the truth and expectation of the people.

“It might look like he is alone, but we want to let him know that the Nigerian masses are with him.

“Even if his colleagues across party lines may not support him due to cowardice in his bid to save our democracy, Nigerians and the world are with him, and we are encouraging him to do more by being fearless as usual.”

He noted that other members of the National Assembly during the joint session knew that the president’s speech was highly laced with propaganda and deceit but because of sycophancy they kept singing the praises of the President.

He added: “We know that with what Dickson has done there might be plans to suspend him the way the Senate did to other senators who have stood up for the truth in the past but let him not be perturbed because God and Nigerians will fight for him.

“For it is better for him to be with God and the people who are in the majority than to take sides with the evil and satanic leaders who are working to destroy democracy in Nigeria.”

According to him, “It is shameful that the minority caucus in the Senate has been totally compromised because if there was a strong opposition, the minority leader of the Senate is supposed to have taken the action that Dickson took.

“Unfortunately, we have a compromised minority leader who is only doing the bidding of the ruling party. Since Abba Moro became the minority leader, he has not been able to condemn or criticize the anti-democratic and unconstitutional policies of government.

“Were Nigeria a country practicing true democracy, someone like Senator Dickson would have been the minority leader of the Senate in this political dispensation.”

According to him, a government that is doing well is not supposed to be forcing or intimidating people to join their political party but this is what we are witnessing in Nigeria where harassment and intimidation of the opposition has become the new state policy.

He condemned politicians who have sold their conscience, history will judge them harshly someday because they see the suffering in the land but have turned their faces away from the people because they want to be in the good books of the ruling party.

“But whether now or later, this government will go and Nigeria will remain and they too would remain to face the consequences of their action and inaction,” Frank said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured prominent Nigerians, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and former lawmaker and rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, for their pivotal roles in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking during the 2025 Democracy Day celebration on June 12, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by several pro-democracy advocates during Nigeria’s years under military rule. In a speech delivered before a joint session of the National Assembly, the President commended the bravery and enduring commitment of individuals like Uba Sani and Shehu Sani in advancing democratic ideals.

“These patriots stood firm when it mattered most,” Tinubu said. “Their courage helped shape the democratic foundation we stand on today.”

As part of the commemorations, President Tinubu conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to the democratic journey. The list includes academics, journalists, politicians, civil society leaders, and posthumous awardees.

Key honourees include:

Prof. Wole Soyinka – Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON)
Senator Shehu Sani – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Governor Uba Sani – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
Dapo Olorunyomi (Publisher, Premium Times) – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
Bayo Onanuga (Presidential spokesman) – CON
Ken Saro-Wiwa (Posthumous) – CON
Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
Chief Bola Ige – CFR
Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
Others honoured include rights activists, lawmakers, journalists, and late pro-democracy campaigners such as Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Balarabe Musa, Chief Frank Kokori, and Odia Ofeimun.

The recognition, Tinubu said, is part of a broader effort by the federal government to memorialize the efforts and legacies of those who played vital roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

By Ehis Agbon

Kaduna State has taken a major leap in its journey toward transparency and accountability with the validation of a new digital platform that promises to revolutionize the monitoring of public infrastructure projects.

At a high-level workshop held recently in Kaduna, stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and the media converged to assess the readiness of the state’s Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) and Open Contracting for Infrastructure Data Standard (OC4IDS) disclosure platform.

The platform, once fully operational, will provide real-time access to information on thousands of infrastructure projects across the state.


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A Commitment to Open Governance

The event, organized by the CoST Infrastructure Transparency Initiative in collaboration with the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission (PBC) and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA), marks a crucial step in Kaduna’s long-standing commitment to open governance.

In his remarks, the Director General of KADPPA, Engr. Sanusi Yero, described the platform as a cornerstone in Kaduna’s transparency architecture.

> “Accurate and timely information is essential. It not only serves as our official record but also forms the backbone of strategic planning,”
— Engr. Sanusi Yero, DG, KADPPA



He urged stakeholders to engage fully and provide constructive feedback. Yero also noted that the state government’s support includes the construction of a dedicated office for CoST, signaling its deep commitment to institutionalizing transparency reforms.


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Rapid Progress and High Impact

Representing the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Bashir Ladan, praised the speed and scale of the platform’s implementation.

> “In just two days, over 1,000 projects have already been uploaded to the portal—a remarkable achievement that underscores Kaduna’s resolve to promote openness and efficient governance,”
— Bashir Ladan, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation




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A Global Model in the Making

Tara Jeremiah, the State CoST Manager, emphasized that the portal isn’t just another government tool—it’s a blueprint for global best practices.

> “We are not just designing a portal. We are creating a global learning platform. With these innovations, Kaduna is positioning itself as a centre of excellence in open contracting across the world,”
— Tara Jeremiah, State CoST Manager




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Towards a Transparent Future

Discussions at the workshop also focused on improving the portal’s user interface, ensuring data quality, and identifying ways to make the platform a sustainable tool for public oversight.

As the first Nigerian state to take open contracting to this level of sophistication, Kaduna is not just setting a new standard—it is shaping the future of public infrastructure delivery with a model that other states and countries may soon follow.

By Matthew Denis

The Chief Executive Officer of MYK land and properties Nigeria limited
Alhaji Abubakar Mayaki wishes to extend Sallah facilitation to the Emir of Shonga,his Royal Highness, DR. Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya OON for his peaceful rulership of the subjects cutting decades.

The CEO popularly known as the Mayaki General of the Nupe community in Lagos and bestowed a title as Aré Asoludéro of Landaba Kingdom Lagos State also greets a security veteran, (DC) Dr. Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, Commander IRT Nigeria & The Chairman emir of Lokoja kogi state.

“His Eminence, the Emir, and the entire Muslim community,

He said ” we celebrate the auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, I am honored to facilitate the Sallah celebrations in our community.

May Allah bless us with peace, prosperity, and unity as we commemorate the sacrifices of Prophet Mohammed.

He wishes security Chief a fruitful celebration with Allah continue guidance and protection. He lauded the professional transformation of the Inspector General of the police Force, Kayode Egbetokun in the country.

“I wish you all a joyous and blessed Sallah celebration.

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians to show empathy and compassion toward the orphans, widows, and widowers affected by the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State.

Senator Sani, who personally donated food items to the victims and their families, described the Mokwa flood as not just a disaster, but a national tragedy.

In a statement he personally signed, Senator Sani said, “The Mokwa tragedy is a dark cloud of responsibility hanging over the sky of our country.” He emphasized the need for the nation to learn from the incident by channeling its resources toward improving the lives of its people.

The former senator also urged the Federal Government to create a special budget aimed at rebuilding Mokwa into a modern town, as a tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the flood.

Manta Raymond
Kaduna

The Coalition of Gbagyi Nationality in Kaduna State has unleashed a blistering attack on former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of being consumed by political bitterness and desperate ambition following his exclusion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

In a no-holds-barred press conference held Monday in Kaduna, the Gbagyi coalition accused El-Rufai of launching “unprovoked and hypocritical attacks” on President Tinubu simply because he was denied a ministerial appointment. According to the coalition, El-Rufai’s recent outbursts are not born of patriotism or principle, but of petty vindictiveness.

“Since losing his bid to secure a ministerial position, El-Rufai has been like a man scorned — inconsolable, erratic, and hell-bent on tearing down the house he once pretended to build,” the group stated. “His tirades against President Tinubu are not ideological—they are the tantrums of a man denied the power he so desperately craves.”

Describing El-Rufai as a man with no moral compass, the group said he lacks the credibility to position himself as a defender of the masses. “It is the height of political hypocrisy that the same El-Rufai who thrived on authoritarianism and exclusion now claims to speak for democracy and unity,” they said. “The man who silenced voices is now pretending to champion free speech.”

The Gbagyi leaders did not mince words in recalling what they called the “tyrannical legacy” of El-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State, which they say left behind a trail of pain, destruction, and disenfranchisement—particularly for communities in Southern Kaduna.

“Our people’s homes were demolished without mercy. Our voices were muted, our presence erased from governance, and our communities left to rot in insecurity and neglect,” the statement charged. “Markets vanished overnight, roads to our villages became death traps, and bandits roamed freely while El-Rufai played politics with our lives.”

They described El-Rufai’s current anti-Tinubu posture as “laughable and fraudulent,” coming from a man who, they allege, would be singing a different tune if he had been appointed Minister.

“El-Rufai’s so-called coalition is nothing but a desperate gathering of political orphans rallying behind a man driven by revenge. Let it be clear: this has nothing to do with national interest and everything to do with his bruised ego.”

The coalition warned Nigerians, especially the people of Kaduna State, not to be swayed by what they called “El-Rufai’s deceitful crusade,” declaring that the Gbagyi Nation and the Middle Belt reject his leadership in any form.

“He failed us as governor, now he wants to fail the nation. But we see through the smoke. We will not forget. We will not be fooled.”

In a final jab, the coalition hailed President Tinubu for remaining focused amid distractions and reaffirmed their support for his administration.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courage in confronting the rot left by past administrations. He must not be distracted by the noise of those who once ruled with an iron fist but now whimper from the sidelines. The Gbagyi people say: NEVER AGAIN to El-Rufai’s politics of oppression and deceit.”

Attempts to reach El-Rufai for a response were unsuccessful as of press time.