The Jigawa Conscience Alliance, a Pan Arewa group, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the appointment of Mr. Dickson Akor as a member of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa. The group cited Akor’s past expulsion from the University of Abuja for examination malpractice as a key reason for their opposition.
In a statement issued by the group’s National Chairman, Hon. Abdulahi Shehu-Dutse, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the group expressed dismay at the appointment, questioning how someone with such a tarnished academic record could be entrusted with a significant role in a university’s governance. Akor, a former sociology student, was expelled from the University of Abuja following his involvement in examination malpractice during a course, SOC 804, as confirmed by the university’s disciplinary committee and senate in October 2021.
Shehu-Dutse’s statement detailed the expulsion process, highlighting that Akor continues to falsely claim a master’s degree from the University of Abuja and parades himself with a procured honorary doctorate degree. The expulsion letter, dated November 5, 2021, and signed by Deputy Registrar Alkassim M. Umar, was referenced to validate these claims.
The group underscored the inappropriate nature of Akor’s appointment to a university governing board, stressing the potential damage to the institution’s integrity and the future of its students. They noted widespread concern among stakeholders from Jigawa and Kano states, as well as from the University of Abuja, regarding this “shameful” appointment.
Hon. Shehu-Dutse also referenced a previous lawsuit filed by Akor against the University of Abuja and its Vice Chancellor, which was dismissed for lack of merit by Honourable Justice A. I. Kutigi in November 2020. The group’s chairman urged President Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, to act swiftly in withdrawing Akor’s appointment to protect the institution’s reputation and educational standards.
The statement commended President Tinubu’s directive to review recent appointments in federal universities’ governing boards and emphasized that Akor’s removal should be a priority. Shehu-Dutse expressed confidence that Professor Mamman, known for his strict standards as the former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, would not tolerate such a controversial figure in the academic administration.
Attempts to reach Mr. Dickson Akor for comment were unsuccessful. A senior management staff member from the University of Abuja, preferring anonymity, confirmed the authenticity of the documents presented by the group and expressed frustration with Akor’s refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoings.
The Ministry of Education, when contacted, requested a formal written inquiry to respond to the issue.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has emphasized the significance of international cooperation and partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and other air forces worldwide.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the 60th Anniversary Celebration and Third African Air Force Forum Conference held at the International Conference Center, Abuja, the Minister stressed the importance of collaboration in enhancing capabilities and effective discharge of the Nigerian Air Force mandate.
Badaru commended the Nigerian Air Force for their substantial contributions to joint efforts in countering terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the nation. He also praised the sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources with other air forces through platforms like the African Air Forces Forum.
The Minister acknowledged the challenging security landscape globally and in Nigeria, but expressed confidence in the Armed Forces’ ability to overcome these threats.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s significant investments in acquiring various platforms and defence equipment for the Nigerian Air Force, made possible through local and international partnerships.
Reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ending insecurity in Nigeria, the Minister emphasized that security remains a top priority, and no efforts will be spared in restoring peace and security in the country. He urged unity and determination in supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The ceremony’s highlight was a tour of the exhibition stands, where foreign air space technological firms showcased their innovations in the aviation sector, by the Minister along with the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle has assured the Pakistan Government of Nigeria’s readiness to partner in the production of Defence equipment and hardware through the newly signed Nigerian Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.
This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Director (Information and Public relations), Ministry of Defence.
The Minister who stated this when he received the delegation from the Pakistan Air Force led by AVM Zaeem on courtesy visit to his office in Ship House Abuja.
Dr Bello said that besides Nigeria’s willingness to partner with Pakistan to enhance military needs and requirements, the need to collaborate in exchange of real time intelligence sharing will also deepen the long time established relationship with Pakistan Government.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry will come up with the requirements for proper documentation and further engagements that will be of great benefit to both countries.
The delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Zaeem, are in Nigeria to participate in the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force and 3rd African Air Force Forum slated for May,23rd and 24th 2024 in Abuja while the grand finale will be on May, 25th 2024 at Kaduna. This historic events will attract several Chiefs of Air Staff and many aerospace industry leaders from across the world.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation AVM Zaeem said that Pakistan will support Nigeria in the Production of Military equipment cooperation to boost the nation’s fight against insecurity.
He further said that Nigeria and Pakistan have maintained military ties over the years and they are willing to help Nigeria fight insecurity by providing real time intelligence sharing and training.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was deposed as the Emir of Kano in 2020, has been reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf. The announcement was made on Thursday following the governor’s signing of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.
Governor Yusuf stated, “With the full support of the kingmakers, I have approved the reappointment of Malam Sanusi Lamido.” The new law effectively repeals the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019, which had established additional emirate councils and led to the creation of the emirates of Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya.
Sanusi II was originally dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in March 2020 following a prolonged dispute. The recent legislative changes, passed by the state assembly earlier on Thursday, dissolve the emirate councils created under Ganduje’s administration and restore the singular Emirate of Kano.
Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu explained that the repeal was necessary to restore Kano’s historical unity and prestige, which had been compromised by the division into multiple emirates. Majority Leader Lawal Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa added, “The abolished Emirates did nothing but create division among the indigenes of Kano. The unity which was visible for thousands of years in Kano was divided. We are now reverting to our old historical background; one Kano, one people, one Emir.”
The reinstatement of Sanusi II marks a significant shift in Kano’s traditional leadership and aims to consolidate the emirate’s historical identity and unity.
The Niger Delta Region has far too long been known for several wrong reasons, ranging from kidnapping to pipeline vandalization to several other social vices. This is not because the youths are not industrious or talented, but for the fact that the talents of our youths haven’t been properly harnessed.
Niger Delta Development Commission’s Holistic Opportunities and Programs for Empowerment (HOPE), was birthed by the Chief Samuel Ogbuku-led administration. One of the cardinal sections of PROJECT HOPE is the Niger Delta Music & Arts Program (NDMAP), whose main focus is to develop talents such as musicians, movie producers, content creators, cinematographers, and visual artists.
The Niger Delta Music and Arts Project (NDMAP) is designed to stimulate prospects for active and passionate young creatives/entertainers. Also, NDMAP will preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region through music and art. It will provide a platform for indigenous creatives to showcase their talent, fostering a sense of pride and identity within the region.
Over the years, we have seen the tenacity and audacity of indigenous youths in the creative industry as they soar amidst all the prevailing circumstances. The Niger Delta Music and Arts Project is an intentional strategy designed to identify active and responsible ‘green horns’ and give them the needed support through processes that will:
Discover
Nurture
Reward
Expose their talents and abilities.
The Niger Delta Music and Arts Project (NDMAP) involves creating original music, producing films that highlight local stories, generating engaging content, and utilizing cinematography to capture the essence of the region. The overarching goal is to celebrate and promote the artistic vibrancy of the Niger Delta through a multidimensional approach. The Niger Delta Music and Arts Project is designed to create platforms, enable talents, and empower creatives in five considered skill sets of this specimen:
Music production
Movie production
Cinematography
Creative content
Visual arts
Using arts and creative endeavors as a means of raising awareness by telling correct narratives about the Niger Delta, the Music and Arts Project will also:
Facilitate cultural exchange and collaboration among artists from diverse backgrounds, encouraging a vibrant and dynamic creative scene.
Promote economic empowerment by supporting local artists through performances and collaborations with the broader artistic community.
Establish partnerships with government and non-governmental organizations to garner support for sustainable development.
The MAP, which is designed to create a regional entertainment industry, will enable platforms for ninety (90) creative youths in these categories and empower nine (9) youths (Prides of Niger Delta) in the categorized set. The NDMAP will incubate passionate and hopeful creatives to help them grow organically into a fully structured enterprising venture with the requisite mentorship and monitoring paraphernalia required for growth.
The Niger music and art project is designed to run for a period of forty-one (41) days, implementing four cardinals:
The Interest/Nomination Stage
The Audition Stage
The Selection/Incubation Stage
The Grand Finale/Empowerment. These four strategic process implementations were detailed to ensure that truly the core objectives of NDMAP will be achieved.
End Note: NDMAP seeks to create a meaningful and sustainable impact on both the artistic landscape and the region of the Niger Delta. I must commend the resource consultant for project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, for his ingenuity and hard work behind the scenes to ensure the project meets global standards. The MD/CEO NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, has of course shown his sincerity in changing the fortunes of Niger Delta youths, which is why he has given full support and expanded the scope of the program. The long term plan of the Holistic Opportunities and Programs for Empowerment (HOPE), is to have an “Entertainment Park ” which will serve as a breeding ground for young Niger Delta Talents to groom them and give them competitive advantage over their counterparts from other parts of the country , so much so that they don’t have to search for greener pastures outside the region , as the market is readily available .
I enjoin all well-meaning Niger Deltans to embrace this life-changing opportunity, as even future generations will benefit greatly from it, as its effect will be felt and enjoyed as PROJECT HOPE has come to stay.
To register on the PROJECT HOPE database, kindly click: https://ndjobsskillsdb.ng/data-register/
To Register for NDMAP Click : https://map.ndjobsskillsdb.ng
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering key projects set for inauguration to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one year in office, undeterred by political distractions from Rivers State.
During an inspection tour of several projects slated for commissioning at the end of the month, Wike emphasized his dedication to fulfilling his mandate.”I am not distracted. If I were, you wouldn’t see this level of performance.
My focus is on my work as the Minister of the FCT, and the progress we’re making speaks for itself,” Wike stated.Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of road works and lauded contractors for adhering to specified timelines.
“This is the final inspection to ensure we are prepared for the inauguration of various projects. From what we have seen, we are ready for the commissioning starting on May 27th and concluding on June 6th. It will be a nine-day event,” he explained.
The Minister highlighted that the projects’ timely completion is a testament to the effective collaboration between the government and contractors. “We are pleased that contractors are meeting deadlines, and all promises made have been fulfilled.
We have ensured financial support, and none of the contractors is facing cash flow issues,” Wike added.A significant highlight of the upcoming inaugurations is the launch of the Metroline for commercial operations.
“With the President’s approval, we believe the Metroline will commence operations on May 27th, marking a major milestone in our infrastructure development,” Wike revealed.Addressing concerns about malfunctioning streetlights, Wike assured that ongoing maintenance work would ensure all projects are completed by the inauguration date.
“Massive work is being done on streetlights, and we are committed to finishing all intended projects by May 27th,” he concluded.
Wike’s focus on project delivery underscores his resolve to bring tangible benefits to FCT residents, setting a precedent for performance and accountability amid political challenges.
The Federal Government has announced plans to establish jewellery training centers nationwide, aimed at harnessing the potential of the gemstones industry for youth employment.
This initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the National Gemstone and Jewellery exhibition organized by the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) in collaboration with the ministry.
Addressing graduates of the Masters Jewellery Making Project, Alake emphasized that jewellery making adds significant value to the mining industry. He also revealed plans to establish a promotional body for the industry and identify key enablers to demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a world-class jewellery and gemstones industry.
The Minister commended the management of the ministry and MinDiver officials for investing in the development of the gemstone value-chain and expanding the frontiers of knowledge in Nigeria’s jewellery making industry. He emphasized that the plans would enable the country to maximize opportunities in the market, projected to grow from USD 199 billion to USD 255 billion by 2025.
“The development of Nigeria’s gems and jewellery industry is expected to have a significant impact on the economy, creating jobs and reducing poverty. When fully harnessed, the industry can contribute substantially to the local economy by generating wealth and creating export opportunities,” Alake asserted.
Project Coordinator of MinDiver, Engr. Salim Salaam, highlighted the exquisite craftsmanship of the jewellery on display, showcasing the graduates’ skills and contributing to the development of the mining industry. “Our gemstones and jewellery can rival the best globally, thanks to the value addition policy championed by the minister,” Engr. Salam added.
The event culminated in the presentation of certificates and starter packs to graduates of Laurel School of Mining, a training school partnering with the ministry for jewellery making. The Minister also took a tour of the exhibition stands, praising the ingenuity of the graduates and assuring them of the federal government’s support for the expansion of their businesses.
The World Bank-assisted project graduated 25 Masters Trainees and certified 37 Advanced Trainees of the Batch 3 Masters Jewellery making project.”
The Mandate Secretary for the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, has called on youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to explore and utilize the vast potential of forest resources for economic ventures.
This appeal was made during a sensitization campaign organized for youths and stakeholders involved in forest and wildlife exploration activities in the FCT.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Grace Adayilo, Geidam emphasized the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem health and the need for responsible utilization of natural resources.
He encouraged the youth to tap into forest wealth for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.
“The FCT Administration is committed to promoting initiatives that protect endangered wildlife species through sensitization, training, and empowering youth in economically viable ventures such as honey production,” he stated.
Geidam outlined the FCT’s dedication to global action against practices that endanger wildlife species, highlighting eco-tourism, sustainable timber harvesting, non-timber forest products, and carbon offset programs as key strategies.
“These initiatives not only secure the future of our youths but also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems,” he added.
During the interactive session, Grace Adayilo stressed the importance of collaborating with relevant agencies to address security threats in forests, making them conducive to productive activities.
She also noted the FCT’s commitment to the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022–2026, emphasizing increased awareness and stringent penalties for illegal wildlife trade.
Recognizing the vulnerability of local hunters to engage in wildlife crime, Geidam urged them to take advantage of the FCT Administration’s initiatives in lucrative bee production and other alternative livelihood opportunities. “We are working to provide sustainable and legal economic opportunities to deter involvement in wildlife crime,” he said.
Mrs. Caroline Opara, the Director of Forestry in the FCT, underscored the critical importance of the National Strategy during her welcome address. She advocated for awareness campaigns against the poaching and selling of endangered species in the FCT.
“The Endangered Species Act of 2016, which stipulates stringent penalties for wildlife-related crimes, is a crucial tool in safeguarding dwindling populations of wild animals and preserving biodiversity,” Opara noted.
She emphasized that endangered species, when pushed to the brink of extinction by human activities, play irreplaceable roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. “The continuous killing of these species not only reduces their populations but also has far-reaching negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. For example, the pangolin, known for its voracious insect-eating habits, plays a vital role in regulating insect pest populations, thereby benefiting agricultural productivity.”
Opara encouraged participants to take the event seriously to learn how to engage in responsible forest exploitation. The event, which focused on sensitization against illegal poaching and trafficking of wildlife species and capacity building on honey production, included participants from the FCT Bee Farmers Association, hunters, and youth groups from the six Area Councils of the FCT.
In a bid to ensure a bountiful harvest this farming season, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration has launched an intensive capacity-building workshop for its Agricultural Field Officers.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural services provided to farmers.
Lawan Kolo Geidam, the Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, represented by Permanent Secretary Grace Adayilo, emphasized the proactive nature of this initiative.
“This workshop is a strategic move to bolster the capabilities of our field officers, ensuring they can deliver superior services to farmers,” said Geidam.
The workshop, themed “Prevention, Identification, Diagnosis, and Management of Common Crop Diseases,” aims to address the significant losses farmers face due to inadequate knowledge of effective agricultural practices.
“I urge participants to leverage this opportunity to deepen their expertise, which will be crucial when disseminating this knowledge to farmers, equipping them with the skills needed to combat crop diseases and enhance productivity,” Geidam added.
Geidam also reassured farmers of the continuous support from the FCT Administration, led by Honourable Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud, prioritizing agriculture to achieve food and nutrition security in the FCT.
Permanent Secretary Grace Adayilo, speaking during the interactive session, underscored the importance of integrating traditional farming methods with modern agricultural practices.
She noted the challenges small-scale farmers face in accessing advanced technologies and stressed the Secretariat’s commitment to involving the Agriculture Development Project (ADP) in all grassroots initiatives.
“The ADP’s involvement ensures that government programs reach and positively impact farmers at the grassroots level,” Adayilo stated.
Mr. Ofili Beneth, Acting Director of the Department of Agricultural Services, highlighted the department’s ongoing communication efforts with farmers across all 62 wards of the FCT. “We have established a robust communication channel to provide vital information to farmers, ensuring they are well-informed and supported,” Beneth said.
Beneth expressed optimism that the workshop would herald a new era of knowledge-based agricultural practices, promising prosperity for the FCT populace. “This initiative marks the beginning of an informed and empowered farming community capable of achieving unprecedented agricultural success,” he concluded.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has onboarded host communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers State for the agricultural specimen program, under the Holistic Opportunities and Programs for Empowerment (HOPE). The exercise was carried out at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, and also had in attendance the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA), Chief Boma Iyaye; Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Etim Antai; directors, staff of the commission, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and representatives of the host communities for the agricultural program.
The opening remark was given by the Executive Director, Projects, who is also the chairman of the Project HOPE committee in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Sir Victor Etim Antai. He said, “Project HOPE is a signature project in the Niger Delta Region. Project HOPE is the hope for the Niger Delta to identify the teeming youths, empower the youths, and is aimed at changing the tenor of militancy to a more respectable tenor of technology. The man behind it is the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. We are here together because we have a lead consultant who is translating the dreams of the Managing Director for the youths and people of the region.” He thanked the traditional rulers and stakeholders for keying into the vision of Project HOPE, stressing the idea of the agricultural specimen is to make the region self-reliant, especially regarding food production and provision. He also informed that the Rivers Farmers Association has already met with the commission, explaining that other areas of the country need irrigation for rice production, but the Niger Delta doesn’t need irrigation as there’s enough water. He finally promised that the commission will not fail the communities in any way.
Ambassador Blessing Fubara, the lead consultant for Project HOPE, in his speech thanked the Managing Director and the 7th Board for the birth of the project. He said, “The communities are here today, and they have set an example to show that as communities, they are ready to be developed. MD sir, we carried out your directives, which is to translate from transaction to transformation, and the communities gave us hectares of land. Each community has seeded their lands and given us these lands for free with no dime paid.” He further said, “For us to develop the communities, we need to engage in public, private, and community partnerships, as they will be stakeholders in the project. The children of the communities will be part of the management of the farms. We have promised that we will start planting with the rainy season, and with the permission of the MD, we will meet up with planning in due time to ensure we harvest also in due time.”
Traditional rulers and stakeholders from the various states gave goodwill messages and remarks from their respective communities, thanking the Managing Director and other members of the 7th Board for ” not taking the bull by the horns but rather by the teeth .” They assured the commission of security and all the necessary support from their communities, stating that they have even above the required 100 hectares.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, in his remark, began by thanking the lead consultant for going to the field on behalf of the commission. He also thanked the Executive Director, Projects, and the other members of the Project HOPE committee for working around the clock to ensure the project is actualized. He said, “Project HOPE is born out of the renowned hope agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What we are doing is creating sustainability. We know in the past so many projects have been done and abandoned. Food security is one vital instrument in the society that feeds our people and reduces social restiveness. In the past, we have tried to do all we can to ensure we empower youths and women of our region with little or no success. That is why we went back to the drawing board to have the Holistic Opportunities and Programs for Engagement. Development should not be only infrastructural; there’s a need to create a balance between infrastructural and human capital as well as other types of development. Once we can sort the basics, our region will develop rapidly.”
Chief Ogbuku reiterated that the commission wants the rural communities to be engaged to ensure they produce enough for the region. He further said, “The essence of this partnership is to ensure you’re not spectators to development but partners in development. For anyone to benefit from the program of engagement, the youths need to register in the Project HOPE database. With the database, we will know and pick people based on their areas of competence and interest, so we can put square pegs in square holes to ensure we don’t make mistakes. Everything about Project HOPE is properly structured to move on auto-pilot. We want the database so that at the end of the day, we can know how many we have engaged and be accountable for the youths of our region. The state reps and officers are carried along, so if you cannot reach us, reach the state offices for any information or enquiry. Project HOPE will ensure we work with our Triple T, which is Transition from Transaction to Transformation. Project HOPE is bringing hope to the people of the Niger Delta. Let me thank you for being magnanimous enough to donate your lands. I assure you that we will be transparent, and we will not disappoint. For the fact that you donated your lands, when we have projects, we will give you preference.”
The proof of the onboarding exercise was the presentation of documents for the seeded lands by the communities to the Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku.
