Category Archives: Uncategorized

*Accuses Gov of running ‘one-man show’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at Governor Alex Otti of Abia state, describing his administration as a “one-man show” driven by propaganda rather than purpose.

Abia State chapter of the party, however, assured the people and residents in the state of a competent hand devoid of propaganda and a one-man show.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners in the state, which held late on Sunday, Abia State APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley C. Ononogbu, said a “better and truly new Abia” is still possible under the right leadership.

The Renewed Hope Partners is a support group of the party solely mobilizing support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027 general elections.

According to Ononogbu, the inauguration marks the beginning of the journey aimed at repositioning Abia State for the Renewed Hope Crusade, and I believe so because I can see on the faces of everyone here, the search for a truly new Abia State.

He said: “When we read and listen to social media hype and praises, regarding the state of Abia, one often wonders if it is the same Abia State that we live in.

“Abia State today is nothing but a “A One Man Show” anchored on a very well oiled propaganda machinery. Accountability is long gone. Checks and balances non existent while conflict of interest is now a norm.

“A government of one man show from his private home and for selected friends and cronies. A government where the governor operates as the chief executive, chief accountant and the auditor.

“An administration that would prefer to convert a newly built government house to a 5 star hotel, while operating necodemously from his personal house. And for the roads being built newly, the style of collation, scrutiny, and award of the contracts falls below acceptable standard of state (F&GPC) and best practice.”

The APC chieftain declared that the Renewed Hope Partners must come to terms with the fact that they are support groups of the party and must partner with the party in its collective efforts to reach out to the grassroots across the country.

“When our people are well informed, they will stand firmly to rebuke and resist the sugar- coated lies of the deceitful coalition oppositions.”

He assured that the party will not only win at the federal level in 2027 “but APC will also win in Abia State.”

He also called on all the APC stakeholders in the state to be more united, saying “in the spirit of the ongoing reconciliations as directed by the President and accepted by all the critical Stakeholders of Abia APC , I urge all APC members in Abia State who for one reason or the other have been staying away from the activities of the party in the state to come back home.”

By Ukeredi Sandra
Kaduna

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing the decision as a bold step toward inclusive governance and agricultural reform.

In a statement released in Kaduna and signed by the group’s Chairman, Salifu Suleiman, NAN said the appointment reflects President Tinubu’s vision for youth empowerment and sectoral transformation, particularly in agriculture — a sector critical to Nigeria’s economy.

“The appointment of Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani is a welcome development. It demonstrates the administration’s recognition of the importance of bringing in young, dynamic leaders who understand the challenges of modern agriculture,” the statement read.

The group hailed Dr. Danfulani as a progressive and innovative leader with a strong track record in public service and political leadership, especially in Zamfara State. NAN said his knowledge of agriculture and his leadership experience will be instrumental in repositioning NAIC to better serve Nigerian farmers.

“In a country where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, having a competent and visionary leader at NAIC is essential. With threats like climate change, flooding, pest infestation, and declining yields, a functional and responsive agricultural insurance system is more urgent than ever,” Suleiman said.

NAN believes that Dr. Danfulani’s appointment signals a renewed commitment by the federal government to strengthen agricultural resilience, safeguard farmer investments, and ensure food security nationwide.

“Dr. Danfulani’s youth and intellectual acumen bring a fresh perspective to the corporation. His leadership is expected to deliver reforms that will make agricultural insurance more effective, accessible, and inclusive,” the group added.

The group further noted that NAIC plays a strategic role in protecting Nigeria’s agricultural investments and that Dr. Danfulani is poised to lead the agency into a new era of growth, innovation, and accountability.

“This appointment is also a source of inspiration to young Nigerians, proving that age is not a barrier to leadership. It shows that excellence, integrity, and dedication still count in public service,” NAN stated.

The organization urged other sectors of government and industry to emulate this example by giving young, qualified professionals opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“We congratulate Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani on his well-deserved appointment and call on him to discharge his duties with the patriotism and passion he is known for. We trust he will rise to the occasion and deliver on the mandate entrusted to him,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

*Accuses Gov of propaganda, brinkmanship

A former political ally of Governor Alex Otti, Prof. Moses A. Orji, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to honour an invitation by the Abia State Governor to commission just one project.

The President is reportedly scheduled to visit Abia State on May 23, to among other things, commission the 6.5 kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which was rebuilt by the administration of Governor Alex Otti administration.

Responding to the development through an open letter to the President, released to newsmen on Tuesday, Prof. Orji said: “it could even be in the personal interest of Governor Otti that the President doesn’t come now. Perhaps Otti needs time to put his house in order.”

According to Orji, It is not enough to be dragging the President of the Federal Republic about just because the governor’s cousin is a Federal Minister, and ‘one of those who has the ear of Mr. President.

” In which state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the president gone to commission just a single completed project, and nothing more?

” Why would Mr. President go to Enugu state to inaugurate seven (7) different key projects completed (by a fellow first termer with Otti), and then feel the same sense of duty to be called upon to inaugurate just one in Abia?

” Why would the President go to commission the dazzling wonderland called Funcity built by Governor Soludo of Anambra state, and not ask us questions about the whereabouts of Abia’s “Recreational Facilities” which was completed last year at the cost of over N7 billions but is nowhere to be found? Or do we think the presidency is not aware?

“Why would we want to drag the President into our numerous cases of “flag-offs” when work has not commenced on any of the previous flag-offs?

“What about our flagged-off Seaport, Fertilizer Plants, Refineries etc at the proposed Owazza Integrated Industrial Park? Has anybody seen the feasibility study report, or the Environmental Impact Assessment Report of any of them? But they have been flagged-off.

“What about the Pensioners who are proposing to come out in their numbers to make their case before the President? What are we going to tell Mr President? That we are the only state in the South East still owing Pensioners their arrears. What would be our governor’s excuse for wanting Abia pensioners to forfeit their earned pensions when our monthly inflows has quadrupled?.”

While accusing Alex Otti led administration of employing propaganda and brinkmanship, Prof. Orji recalled that Governor Otti, about a year ago, nearly pulled off a similar stunt when he tried to drag Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state to Abia state.

“Our Governor wanted his colleague from Lagos state to come and commission a 200 metre track road (Yellow Avenue) on the outskirts of Aba, a street leading to the private residence of one of his business friends. Of course his intended guest caught wind of it, and refused to show up.

“I am therefore of the opinion that this make-believe approach to scoring dubious political points by an administration that is grossly underperforming should be exposed and discouraged.

“For example, what if the President decides to have a breather at the Government House, Umuahia which has a Presidential Lounge? Would Mr Otti tell the President to follow him to his private residence at Isiala Ngwa? Remember the President is not coming on a social visit? Or would our Governor tell his august guest that tortoise, vulture and other animals were used to lay the foundation of our Government House?

“Again the Abia “Medical City” at Owerrinta is within the precincts of our Owerrinta Rice Complex.

“What if the President decides to have a glimpse of the ‘Owerrinta Rice Mill. The proximity of the “two projects” could tempt the President to kill two birds with one stone.”

Orji submitted that Abia state have been wallowing in the morass of propaganda and brinkmanship while states like Enugu and Anambra have taken a quantum leap forward.

“Yet we may not have learnt our lessons as our governor continues to fire broadsides at his predecessors, and as he continues to blame the rate of the Dollar to the Naira for the inflated value of his contracts.”

Arewa Professionals Forum has resolved to back the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor I shaw Oloyede after the accepting the issue technical glitch and subsequent public apology to that effect.

According to the Forum, the JAMB Boss has demonstrated high sense of responsibility to own up the examination technical errors and decision to make amends immediately.

The JAMB registrar had broke down in tears as he offered an apology to candidates affected by technical errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) and admitted that mistakes made by one of the service providers led to distorted results for nearly 380,000 candidates in 157 centres across Lagos and Owerri.

In a six paragraph communique issued after a meeting held at Arewa House Kaduna today, the Arewa Professionals Forum stated , ” That we stand to be corrected, this is the first time we can recall that the head of agency in Nigeria can come out openly to accept faults and apologize to Nigerians accordingly.

The Communique jointly signed by the Coordinator and Secretary , Comrade Usman Ibrahim and Comrade Peter Bege further stated: “And the good part of the apology was the fact that he provided a timely solution to address the issues raised as a result of examination glitch.

“That oloyede has been prudent with management of JAMB funds over the years and has also demonstrated that he has the capacity and administrative prowess to make JAMB a model of excellence.

“In this regard,we appeal to affected candidates; parents and Nigerians to consider his performance above this recent technical glitch that hitherto has stirred public anger against him .”

The Koro people in Kaduna State on Saturday rolled out drums to celebrate what could be described as a ‘Great and colourful’ maiden Cultural Day Festival.

The event attended by large number of dignitaries within and outside Kaduna was the first of its kind since the creation of Koro Chiefdom in the State.

In his speech during the occasion held at Government Secondary School,Kubacha, Kagarko local government areas of Kaduna State the President of Koro Community Development Association (KCDA), Prof. John Yakubu Magaji said the theme: Revitalizing Koro Cultural Heritage, Bridging Generations and Uniting Communities reflects the collective aspirations of the Koro people.

Speaking further on the theme, Prof Magaji said, “It speaks to our long-held desire to deliberately revive our rich cultural and traditional values, build sustainable connections across generations, and foster unity in the pursuit of progress, development, and peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.”

Though he acknowledged that this first attempt to organize the Koro Cultural Festival came with its own challenges and unintended outcomes, he gave assurance that subsequent events would be better.

While reflecting on the history and journey of our association, he explained: “The Koro Community Development Association began as individual units at village levels. The idea of coming together as a collective started in Kaduna town, where all Koro indigenes residing in Kaduna began to meet as a group—what is today known as “the Koro Community Development Association Kaduna Branch”. It was this branch that took the crucial step of registering the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving it formal recognition.

“The unification of all village development associations was spearheaded by Mr. Emmanuel Ejah, fondly known as Polude, who served as the first president. He was succeeded by L.L. Lamba, under whose leadership the Koro Chiefdom was created—a foundational milestone that laid the groundwork for the democratic dividends we are witnessing today. The mantle of leadership then passed to Dr. Kurah of blessed memory. After his passing, the Association nearly went into extinction, until it was revived in 2022 under my leadership, with me, Prof. J.Y. Magaji, emerging as the elected president. It is by the grace of God and the resilience of our people that we are standing strong today.

“Nevertheless, today is a day of pride for every son and daughter of the Koro nation. This annual cultural day festival has come to stay, and we pledge to build upon the strong foundation that has now been laid.”

He however, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for the commendable development work they are doing across the nation and the State and prayed to God to grant them good health as well as the opportunity to continue and accomplish all the positive agendas they have set for the country and State.

He also commended the Kagarko Council Chairman, Hon. Muhuyideen, who according to him wholeheartedly embraced the event as his own.

He didn’t end his speech without extending appreciation to the Executive Cabinet of the Koro Community Development Association for their unwavering support and dedication to the vision of their community and the 2025 cultural Day Board members;all the sub-committees and those,who helped in one-way or the other for their nurturing spirit, energy, creativity, commitment and consistent contributions, to the success of the festival

Change headline and author

…Appeal to affected candidates to accept idea of resit

Coalition of Civil Society Group under aegis of Quality and Improved Education Development in Nigeria has suspended its planned protest action against the Registrar of Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board (JAMB) , Professor Ishaq Oloyede

According to the CSOs ,the earlier decision to embark on a protest was informed by the public outcry and initial wrong information gathered.

The JAMB boss,Prof. Oloyede had been under fire following the mass failure of students from the recent examination conducted by the body as a result of what the he described as “technical glitches”, in the five states of the South East and Lagos State who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Speaking on the issue during a press briefing in Abuja, Professor Ishaq Oloyede who overtly admitted that the errors were caused by a systemic failure,broke down in tears .

The group in a statement made available to Journalists today said it has investigated the issue and discovered the errors were not intentional,thus the decision to suspend the protest.

In the statement jointly signed by the Coordinator,Dr. Yusuf Bala Gerei and Secretary,Dr. Pius Ishaku the group said,
“It is our resolve that since he has owned up responsibility for the glitches and rescheduled May 16 for candidates in Lagos and the Southeast to retake the examinations, the threat for legal action against the examination body should be shelved

The CSOs however , warned against politicising the issue surrounding the errors encountered and called on affected candidates, parents and other Nigerians to accept the idea of resit and conducting fresh exams.

The statement further reads: $We understand he feelings of disappointment expressed the shadow government, established by Political Economist Prof. Pat Utomi who called for the sack and subsequent probe Oloyede over the technical glitches that led to mass failure of students in the 2025 examination,and we appeal for calm since he has promised to make necessary amends

“We are there calling on registrar of JAMB and stakeholders to address the issues of poor performance including technical glitches and inadequate preparation.There is a need for systemic reforms to ensure fair and reliable assessment processes in future”.

By Ibrahim hussaini tinja

Weeklong Leadership Fellowship at the CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C.

“If we don’t build your capacity—if we don’t bring young people closer to the heart of public service—then we cannot hope to bridge the growing manpower gap caused by retirement and exit in the civil service.”— His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON.

I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for once again investing in the next generation of leaders by nominating me to participate in the AILA International Fellowship—a weeklong leadership immersion at the globally renowned Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C.

CSIS stands as a beacon of thought leadership, a bipartisan, nonprofit institution committed to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. It is among the most respected voices on foreign policy and national security, providing a platform where emerging leaders are trained to think boldly and act ethically.

This fellowship represents more than just training—it is a transformational journey. Together with an inspiring cohort of fellows from across the U.S. and around the world, we engaged in critical conversations that addressed the intellectual, ethical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of leadership in the 21st century.

Each moment spent at CSIS reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: Leadership is not about titles—it is about service, resilience, and purpose. The experience fostered collaboration across cultures, sectors, and disciplines—equipping us with the tools and mindset to navigate complexity with clarity and to lead with both competence and compassion.

From mastering Emotional Intelligence in Leadership at Qatar Skills Training Centre – Qatar, to understanding Risk and Organizational Leadership at the The London School of Economics and Political Science – LSE and now exploring The Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA) international fellowship at Csis Us Washington DC, His Excellency Governor Buni continues to provide us with exceptional platforms to evolve into the leaders our communities and country need.

This is how nations are built—by investing in people.

This is how we secure the future—by mentoring, empowering, and believing in the next generation.

Planned Protest: Nigerians in Diaspora Withdraw Action Against Kyari

Nigerians based in United States under the umbrella of Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity today withdrawn its earlier decision to embark on Protest against for Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari on suspicion that it was sponsored.

According to group with its headquarters in Washington D.C, it didn’t get its facts right,when the decision to embark on the Protest was made, thus was misled to believe that Kyari mismanaged the country’s oil company.

“We were ready to move to the street to protest because we were made to believe Kyari fled Nigeria to avoid accountability for financial misconduct during his six-year tenure at NNPCL from 2019 to 2025.” It stated .

It was widely reported that that hundreds of Nigerians had protested at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London, calling for the deportation of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, to face corruption investigations in Nigeria.

In a statement issued and made available to journalists today, the Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity announced that it has withdrawn from the planned protest schedule for Friday and orders members across United and United Kingdom to comply with the directive.

The group in the statement signed by the Chairman ,Chief Sebastian West Lokpobiri explained: “We did set a 10-man fact finding committee ahead of the scheduled date for the protest and later discovered that the former NNPCL boss rather did well to reposition the company and shouldn’t be ridiculed

The statement further reads : “We also discovered that NNPCL under Kyari was not only revived to produce refined Petrol for our teeming population,but it operational lines were transparent; effective and profit oriented.

“As group,we don’t take actions blindly without digging up the facts behind any issue raised from public discourse or disenchantment. It is against this background that we have decided to suspend action to embark on protest.

“We therefore advise other groups that have been misled or sponsored to protest to suspend action and commend Kyari efforts to resuscitate our once comatose oil company.”

Kaduna, Nigeria – May 13, 2025 —

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially announced the commencement of its screening process for applicants seeking admission into the 77 Regular Course for the 2025 academic session. The announcement, made by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, outlines the requirements and key dates for prospective candidates.

According to the statement, all applicants who participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and selected the NDA as their first-choice institution are eligible for consideration—provided they meet the minimum score requirements.

“A minimum UTME score of 180 is required for all courses, while candidates applying for engineering courses must have scored at least 210,” the release stated. Only those who meet these criteria will be allowed to select a screening centre and sit for the NDA Screening Test.

The nationwide NDA Screening Test is scheduled for Saturday, 24 May 2025. Candidates who are successful in the screening phase will proceed to the Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB) held at the Academy in Kaduna. There, they will undergo comprehensive evaluations including medical, physical, and psychological tests, as well as other assessments.

The final list of successful candidates is expected to be published in national newspapers and on the official NDA website in due course.

Meanwhile, the Academy has raised an alarm over a growing trend of online fraudsters impersonating NDA officials through fake social media accounts. These individuals reportedly disseminate false information and solicit payments under the guise of facilitating admission.

“The NDA has not authorized any individual or group to collect money on its behalf. Admission into the Academy is strictly based on merit, and the process is transparent,” warned Major Maidawa.

Prospective applicants and the general public are urged to rely only on the NDA’s verified communication channels for authentic updates. Official information is available on the Academy’s social media platforms, including:

TikTok: @ndefenceacademy

Facebook: facebook.com/@ndefenceacademy

Twitter (X): x.com/ndefenceacademy

Instagram: instagram.com/ndefenceacademy

YouTube: youtube.com/@ndefenceacademy

For direct inquiries, applicants may contact the NDA Registry via email at academyregistrar@nda.edu.ng.

The NDA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of training, discipline, and academic excellence, and looks forward to welcoming the next generation of officer cadets.