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By Matthew Denis

The name Alhaji Mayaki Abubakar continues to rings bell as a philanthropist and serial real estate entrepreneur donates his time, resources, and wealth to support worthy causes, making a positive impact on his immediate Lagos Community and people at grassroots in kwara North.

As a Serial entrepreneur, with his unflinching effort he establish and grow new ventures, creating jobs for thousands of apprentices thereby driving economic growth.

As an exemplifies Innovator, he has an adaptability disposition that navigate challenges, learn from failures, and pivot strategies to succeed.

He is creating lasting legacies through his philanthropy flair and businesses impacting on communities as a change-maker, driving positive change in the world!

Alhaji Abubakar is identified by people as a gift to Humanity, Symbol of Simplicity, and dedicated Servant to the masses whose exceptional supports for the downtrodden cannot be overemphasized.

The Tsonga born humble flower is a Lagos- based father of seven and husband of three wives, displaying high sense of responsibility and commitment to his families and the community at large.

His source of wealth and knowledge of exploration have been linked to his undying commitment and connection in the business of Estate management and evaluation; land dispute settlement, grassroots developer–and icon of peaceful mobilization and transformation in local and urban communities.

The epitome is known for his kind heartedness, administrative qualities, land expertise advise, social engineer, vision founder and executor, man of excellence, and a passion for philanthropy. As a seasoned businessman and real estate expert, he has made a lasting impact in the industry through his company, MYK LAND AND PROPERTIES NIGERIA LIMITED. Located at No.11 Nepa Street Alatisé- Ibejú, Lekki, Lagos State, with steep branch at Eyinle No.34 Segandogo, Lucky Fiber Street, Ikorodu, Lagos State. Making him all- time accessible and available to the General Public.

Some of his notable among countless of his achievements will be listed as you read further.

Even Though he has been supporting the good and appreciative people of Tsonga Emirate community, he has avowed to do more and open for social and economic manifestation of greatness in the lives of his people. Putting smiles and joy in the faces of the people has been his footsteps and paths.

The indigenous son of kwara in Shonga, Edu Local Government area of Kwara state Is a well-birthed and proud son of the soil with a deep love for his community and nation. His contributions to humanity and national development have earned him numerous honors, including; Aare Asoludero of Ladaba Kingdom, Lagos, Mayaki General of Nupe, Lagos State, Chairman Nupe of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Akinrogun of Ejigbo land, Lagos State, and others.

With his audacity and honesty in land dispute resolution, his rare personality with his business acumen has been essentially earned him numerous Award.

A caring nature like Alhaji Mayaki Abubakar is the ideal leader to serve the good people of Edu Local Government, Nupe community, Kwara State representative stools, and Nigeria at large.

As a man whose door is always open for technical and financial supports–his heart is always willing to listen and support. Leveraging his wealth of experience and wide political and traditional leaders across the globe, productive relationship with security and legal honchos in Nigeria.

He is a blossom friend to Fmr Inspector General of Police today whose frankness made him a boot friend with the likes of Deputy Inspector General of Police, division heads, Lagos State Executive Council Members, Serving Honorables, and many revered personalities in Lagos and Abuja seat of government.

His connectedness and love for peaceful coexistence drove his keen success in the prominent land issues like that of; Kpoka, Eleran Egbe, Ibeju Lekki Lagos, Ladaba- Oké, Igboyé Epe, Lakowe Hold Lekki, Agility Mil’12 Lagos State, Abijo Lekki Lagos State, and many land disputes resolution breakthroughs.

His unflinching supports cut across community development and Human capacity development. Traversing his lasten impact in the lives of the people in these communities. He is a lover of students Union, a supporter of youths progress and integration, and an outspoken lion in the struggle for State and National development.

The philanthropist charisma is a pointer to the society that he’s the kind of leader that the society is yelling for that has a versatile experiences in transforming the economic and infrastructural development in the country.

*Say it’s one year of Uncommon leadership, trailblazing

A pro-democracy group under the aegis of The Natives has rolled out drums to celebrate the first year anniversary of the National Assembly under the Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the Chairman of the current legislative arm of government.

The Natives, comprises of 371 ethnic, religious and tribal backgrounds with millions of members across the country, had congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his one year anniversary of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, and as the political knight that oversaw the sustained democratic journey to midwife our present dispensation, we celebrate his tenacity.

According to the Natives, both the President and Senate President’s leadership in the National Assembly have embarked on impact driven and corrective leadership since they took oath of office in the last one year.

In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by the Supreme Leader of the Native, Hon. Smart Edwards said the country has deepened democratic processes with more inclusiveness and greater cooperation since the current leadership of the National Assembly emerged.

The Native described Senator Akpabio as a traiblizer who has a provided an uncommon leadership in the last one year.

Hon. Smart said Senator Akpabio can be Nigeria’s Lee Kuan Yew, urging Nigerians, irrespective of their political interest, tribe or religion to renew their hopes and support for the current government.

The statement said: “Today is actually that day the impact driven, corrective National Assembly was inaugurated. It was born to give Nigeria an experience of legendary service via uncommon leadership at the National Assembly.

“It is that spirit we celebrate today, in a man of Candour whose mentorship and passion and dedication, we salute as Natives of the Land.

“Under Senate President Goodswill Akpabio, Nigeria has seen commitment to nationhood, a drive to restore the dreams, hopes and aspirations of a people. The National Assembly under the team spirit of Godswill Akpabio/Tajudeen Abbas, one of the nation’s embodiment of teamwork, indeed the country has deepened our democratic processes with more inclusiveness and greater cooperation.

“Today, Senator Akpabio can be called our own Lee Kuan Yew, building the foundation of a modern and prosperous Nigeria via the establishment of a people’s centered parliament, Swift, thorough and compassionate”.

The statement added that under Akpabio, the Senate has spearheaded legislative initiatives that address pressing national issues

“From economic reforms to social welfare programs, each proposal reflects a commitment to substantive change, our collective bargaining power has been strengthened on the global stage with jinx breaking entry in world discuss and diplomacy.

“No doubt as Natives, we celebrate His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate and His Excellency Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and their entire leaderships at the National Assembly for their sacrifices, unwavering dedication in the 10th National Assembly.”

As we mark another democracy day, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) says it has come to the conclusion to call on Nigerians to have hope in a renewed Nigeria. According to the President General of the forum Alhaji Yerima Shettima, after series of his consultations, our perceived unity is very superficial and skin deep only to sustain the bureaucracy of exploitation of the Nigerian populace.

“Compatriots, the opportunity beckons as in the immortal words of Williams Shakespeare,’ there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat and we must take the current when it serves or lose our venture’. He admonished, “To all those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a renewed hope, every Nigerian deserves a better life as the time to give the Nigerian worker his due is now.

Though we are yet to overcome the primordial attachment to ‘loyalty’ over and above capacity, we are indeed confronted with the malaise of nepotism and of course mediocrity. “However, the project ‘NIGERIA’, is one I am convinced shall be successful given our collective resolve for a better nation, for with peace and plenty NIGERIA shall indeed be blessed” he reiterated Shettima while congratulating Nigerians on democracy day urged us to reflect on gains of the democratic processes towards sustaining and making it better. ENDS

Northern Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance (NOCODGOG )has replied the Nigerian Labour Congress over recent attack on the personality of the Secretary of Federal Government, Mr George Akume .

Mr. Akume had declared that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers N100, 000 as salary in a month.

But in reaction,the Nigerian Labour Congress via press statement issued on Friday said, it was “disheartening” that the SGF, a high ranking government official would make statement to trivialise the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers, when he said, he can’t afford to pay his four drivers N100,000 each as salary.

According to the group in the statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Baffa Ringim and Comrade Andrew Bartholomew Rufus , the NLC’s reaction was undoubtedly grossly insensitive and inconsiderate to the personality someone,who was a former Governor; former Senator and the current SGF.

The further reads:”We know Akume as a patriot and a sensitive Nigerian,who considers the reality on ground rather than playing to the gallery.He was just being honest by making such statement over lingering matter of minimum wage for workers .

“The statement Akume made was because he didn’t steal public funds while in positions of authority held over the years. It is only corrupt leaders and thieves that afford to pay such unrealistic demands by Labour unions.

“We also deemed unacceptable for NLC to express disappointment over Akume’s comments, where the SGF described the “legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action” as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage” .

It asked, “what is “deeply troubling” that has undermined the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues with the realistic statement made by the SGF”

“We make bold to say , Akume not among those who loot our treasury around the country, those who diverted public resources meant for hospitals and schools, padded budgets and inflated contracts including those who steal trillions of naira in the name of subsidy are the real economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony.

While stating that the SGF is not one those NLC described people paying personal staff “starvation wages”,the group said considerations must be given to background of leaders to reach conclusion.

“The SGF during his as Governor of Benue State was not committed to regular payments workers,but also an advocate their rights and welfare.”it added .

By Florence Nwafor

There was jubilation among Agric workers as One of the popular Labour Leaders and President of Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE), Comrade Obafemi Oyenubi as has taken over the Secretariat of the Organization on Monday.

Recall that Comrade Oyenubi was elected National President of NUAAE among other executives at the end of the union’s Extra Ordinary Delegates Conference held in March, 2024 in Abuja.

The members of NUAAE were seen chanting solidarity songs accompanied by law enforcement security into their National Headquarters in Gwagwalada one of the six Local Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Speaking to a team of Journalists, Cmr. Oyenubi said “We are glad that the lingering crisis in the union over a decade has been resolved by the law enforcing agencies.

” This is our national Secretariat and we are operating an open office for every member of our union to come to roundabout discussion on plans to move the union towards achieving greater height.

” We are appealing to our Aggrieved members to embrace peace as we are ready to accommodate them into the fold because we are one therefore must work to support President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration to enhance productivity in the Agricultural Sector.

Cmr. Oyenubi emphasized that he has constituted a stakeholder committee to reconcile the Aggrieved factions of the union and given a one month period to settle their grievances.

On his part, the Vice President of NUAAE, Comrade Anedi Ekpo said ” towing the line of Mr. President I want to say that this is a public office for all members therefore no need locking the gate for other genuine members.

” As responsible Union that caters for her members we’ll continue to engage them using the ambit of the law to see that we move forward.

Also Speaking, the General Secretary of NUAAE, Comrade Paul Chapi summoned that the rule of law has come to be today and they’re witnessing a fresh atmosphere in the activities of the union.

He said ” the rule of law has come to stay and this is what has been guiding us for the past 12years and we’ll ensure that all Secretariat Staff operates within the framework of the law.

By; AMBASSADOR ALIYU BIN ABBAS

In a sinister twist reminiscent of past financial malfeasance, the Nigerian government finds itself embroiled in another exchange rate manipulation scandal, dubbed “Exchange Rate Scam Version II.” This latest scheme exposes a sophisticated network within the corridors of power, exploiting the black market to engineer illicit gains while plunging ordinary Nigerians into deeper economic despair.

A Devious Plot Unveiled

The Exchange Rate Scam Version II operates through a cunning strategy: key figures in the Nigerian government, leveraging their influence and insider knowledge, hoard vast amounts of U.S. dollars. These officials then manipulate the black market by strategically releasing and buying back dollars, artificially inflating and deflating the exchange rate at will. By doing so, they execute trades that yield substantial profits, exploiting the lack of proper regulation and oversight in the black market.

A Perfect Crime

Unlike previous scams where government cronies were handed dollars through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at official rates—only to sell them on the black market for immediate profit—this new version is more insidious. The clandestine nature of black market transactions allows these corrupt officials to operate under the radar, making it difficult to trace and prove their illicit activities. The black market’s opacity provides the perfect cover for these manipulations, facilitating what is essentially the perfect crime.

Economic Misery for Ordinary Nigerians

The ramifications of this scheme are devastating for the Nigerian populace. The manipulated exchange rates have led to the skyrocketing prices of food, goods, and services, exacerbating the already dire economic conditions faced by many. The cost of imported goods, which form a significant portion of Nigeria’s consumption, has soared, putting essential items out of reach for the average citizen.

The ripple effects are widespread: farmers struggle with the inflated cost of imported agricultural inputs, businesses grapple with increased operational costs, and consumers are hit with higher prices for basic necessities. The resulting economic instability undermines public confidence and fuels social unrest, creating a vicious cycle of hardship and discontent.

The Human Toll

For many Nigerians, the impact of these manipulations is not just an economic statistic but a harsh reality that affects their daily lives. Families find it increasingly difficult to afford basic food items as prices for staples such as rice, bread, and cooking oil surge. Educational expenses have also ballooned, making it challenging for parents to provide quality education for their children. Healthcare costs have risen as well, putting essential medical services out of reach for many.

Small business owners, already grappling with a difficult economic environment, face heightened challenges. The increased costs of goods and services reduce their profit margins, leading to business closures and job losses. This, in turn, exacerbates unemployment and contributes to rising poverty levels across the country.

A Call for Accountability

The Nigerian government must address this growing scandal with urgency and transparency. There is an immediate need for stringent measures to regulate and monitor the exchange market, ensuring that those responsible for manipulating rates are held accountable. Strengthening financial oversight and enhancing the transparency of foreign exchange transactions are critical steps towards restoring economic stability and public trust.

Experts advocate for the implementation of a robust monitoring framework that includes independent audits and real-time surveillance of foreign exchange transactions. Additionally, legal reforms are necessary to close loopholes that allow such corrupt practices to thrive. International cooperation and assistance may also play a role in tracking and curbing these illicit activities.

Political Implications

The Exchange Rate Scam Version II has significant political ramifications as well. As public outrage grows, political leaders and parties must navigate the complex terrain of public opinion and voter dissatisfaction. The scandal has the potential to influence upcoming elections, with opposition parties likely to use it as a rallying point against the current administration.

Moreover, the international community is watching closely. Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage is at stake, and the government must demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption and fostering economic stability. Failing to address these issues could lead to reduced foreign investment and strained diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

Exchange Rate Scam Version II is a stark reminder of the lengths to which corruption can go, exploiting systemic weaknesses for personal gain at the expense of the nation. As ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of these manipulations, it is imperative for the government to act decisively. Rooting out corruption and implementing robust economic safeguards will be essential in safeguarding Nigeria’s future and ensuring that the interests of its people are protected.

In the face of such challenges, vigilance and accountability are the watchwords for a nation striving to overcome the dark shadow of corruption and build a more equitable and prosperous society. The path forward may be fraught with difficulties, but with collective resolve and transparent governance, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more resilient.

Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas is the Youth President, National Youth Alliance

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has distanced itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood. This is also as the Igbo group urged the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the polls and move on.

A group, South Unity Youth Coalition, had announced a mass protest on June 12, Democracy Day, to demand the removal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The coalition believes that Professor Yakubu’s leadership has severely compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

On his part, Obi had on Saturday while reacting to South-Africa’s presidential election, said the last general election was plagued with fraud and widespread irregularities.

However, in a statement by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said it was regrettable that over one year after the 2023 general elections, many politicians in the country had refused to move on.

Okwu said one would have expected politicians to at this point join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to move the country forward.

He expressed concern that, “instead, what we have continued to see is that politicians and some of their paid agents have continued to fan embers of discord in the country owing to the outcome of the elections.

“We have said for the umpteenth time that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“Our appeal to our brother, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is to accept not just the outcome of the election, but the verdict of the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court.

“In the case of the 2023 election, without sounding biased, it is a wrong conclusion for anyone to say that the INEC performed woefully. This cannot be so, when the court upheld the majority of the election and in some of the cases where elections were annulled, it had to do with candidates’ qualifications and some other issues that could not be blamed on the INEC.”

Okwu called on those planning any kind of protest to drop the idea, stressing that “Igbo youths are not going to be lured into such a selfish agenda aimed at heating up the polity.

“Rather, we remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s government and INEC. We welcome further reforms to the electoral process through the National Assembly.

“However, any form of protest, we are not going to be a party to it and those behind the plot should jettison it.”

NAN Criticizes Peter Obi’s Comparisons Between Nigerian And South African Elections … The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has released a statement describing as absurd and comical the recent comparison made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s defeated presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, between the electoral processes of Nigeria and South Africa. The NAN chairman Salihu Suleiman emphasized in the statement that the two nations have vastly different political histories and contexts, making any such comparisons by Peter Obi unreasonable and misleading. “South Africa has a long history of democracy, having gone through significant political reform and transformation over several decades of practice. On the other hand, Nigeria only transitioned to democracy in 1999 after years of military rule,” explained Suleiman. He argued that Peter Obi’s attempt to juxtapose the electoral experiences of these two countries demonstrates a lack of understanding of their respective political landscapes. “It is clear that Peter Obi’s attempt to compare the electoral processes of South Africa and Nigeria is quite ridiculous,” he said. “The two countries are at different stages of democratic development, and it would be more prudent to focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the Nigerian electoral system rather than drawing unwarranted comparisons.” NAN pointed out that the Nigerian electoral system is still in its infancy and that comparing it to South Africa’s more mature democracy is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the people of Nigeria, who have been working diligently to build a functioning democracy. Despite the challenges confronted by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NAN commended the commission for its commendable strides in ensuring the conduct of credible, free, and fair elections. Over the past 27 years, Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted democracy and peaceful transitions, a testament to INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. “INEC has taken proactive measures to address these challenges by implementing various reforms and adopting new technologies to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” Suleiman noted. He highlighted Nigeria’s vast geographical expanse and extensive population as significant challenges to conducting elections smoothly, yet acknowledged INEC’s innovations in logistical planning and collaborations with relevant stakeholders to meet these challenges effectively. Further illustrating INEC’s progress, NAN pointed to the enhancement of voter education and public awareness campaigns, which have increased civic participation and informed voters about their rights and responsibilities. Using social media, radio, and television, INEC has managed to reach millions of Nigerians, providing comprehensive electoral education. In an admonition to Peter Obi, NAN detailed South Africa’s historical and recent electoral irregularities, underscoring that the country has faced its own significant electoral challenges. “During the apartheid era, elections were manipulated to disenfranchise the majority of the population. Post-apartheid, South Africa has still encountered issues such as voter fraud, ballot tampering, voter intimidation, and questionable campaign financing. “In recent years, there have been concerns about the influence of money in politics, with allegations of illicit campaign financing and corruption. The 2019 elections were marred by reports of double voting and discrepancies in the voter registration process,” NAN said, emphasizing that neither country is free from electoral issues. Suleiman called on Nigerian politicians, including Peter Obi, to acknowledge the unique challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and work towards addressing them instead of making false equivalences with countries that have a more entrenched democratic tradition. He called for a focus on constructive measures to improve Nigeria’s electoral system and encourages political leaders to acknowledge and address these challenges head-on rather than resorting to impractical comparisons.

…

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) is gravely concerned about recent reports of plans by certain groups to disrupt the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations by instigating chaos and violence.

AYCF in a statement by its President General Yerima Shettima, strongly condemned any form of protest or demonstration intended to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria, particularly on the June 12 Democracy Day when the nation commemorates its hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy.

“The AYCF believes that any disturbance could undermine the significance of this symbolic day and strongly condemns any form of protest or demonstration that seeks to disrupt the peace and stability of our country, especially on a day as significant as Democracy Day. As a youth organization committed to the advancement and unity of our nation, we believe that peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement are the most effective tools for driving positive change and progress,” said Shettima.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests as a form of expression, Shettima warned that when such activities escalate into violence, it undermines the very principles of democracy that is being celebrated.

“Though protest and demonstration are legitimate, when these activities escalate into violence, destruction of property, and endangering of lives, they no longer serve their intended purpose and instead it undermines the very democracy we seek to uphold,” Shettima noted.

Addressing the importance of Democracy Day, Shettima emphasized, “On a day like Democracy Day, when we commemorate the hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy in our country, it is particularly important to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. Disrupting the peace and stability of our nation on such a significant day only detracts from the achievements and sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy.”

Shettima called on all Nigerians to use this day for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity. “Celebrating our Democracy Day should be a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity as we honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers to secure our freedom. It is a day when we should come together as one nation, setting aside our differences and focusing on the progress and development of our country,” he said.

To ensure that the day’s celebrations proceed without incident, Shettima urged the government to take decisive action. “Maintaining law and order is crucial not only for the safety and security of the citizens but also for upholding the principles of democracy. The government has a responsibility to protect its people and ensure that they can exercise their rights and freedoms without fear of intimidation or violence.”
He further stated, “Any attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the Democracy Day celebrations must be met with swift and severe consequences.Those who seek to sow chaos and disorder should be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law.”

In addition to punitive measures for potential troublemakers, Shettima advocated for increased security. “Increased security measures, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel and the implementation of crowd control measures, should be put in place to deter any potential threats to public safety.”

Shettima concluded with a call to action for the youth and all citizens: “We urge all citizens, especially the youth, to engage in peaceful and constructive means of advocacy and dialogue to address their grievances and push for the change they desire. Let us work together to build a better and more inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected and protected.”