National
Haske Satumari Foundation, IPAC Meets Over Electoral Reforms
The Haske Kudla Satumari Foundation has met with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in its bid to increase advocacy in the area of electoral and judicial reforms.
Leading the delegation, the Founder of Haske Satumari Foundation, Hon Kudla Satumari, said the visit to the national headquarters of IPAC was significant and to also invite all political parties to Thursday’s conversation on the electoral and judicial reforms.
IPAC serves as the umbrella body for all political parties in Nigeria and plays a crucial role in electoral reforms within the country.
Kudla said they are seeking to strengthen the existing partnership between Haske Satumari Foundation and IPAC, as well as to promote the advocacy for a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral processes in Nigeria.
“This visit signifies the commitment of both organizations to work together and bring about positive changes in the Nigerian political landscape,” Kudla said while extending an invitation to the entire leadership of IPAC to attend the annual colloquium organized by Haske Satumari Foundation.
“The colloquium, scheduled to take place on the 21st of March 2024 at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’adua Center in Abuja, aims to foster dialogue and exchange ideas on electoral and judicial reforms.
“The theme of the colloquium will be “Electoral and Judicial Reforms: The Imperatives on Nigeria’s Democracy, Governance, Leadership, and Its Selection Processes,” Kudla said adding that Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle (the Eze Enyi Di NA MBA), will be a panelists, discussing the significance of the reforms in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.
“The panelists will be joined by keynote speakers, Chief Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau, and Chief Femi Falana SAN, a highly respected legal luminary and human rights activist in Nigeria,” Kudla said.
The Haske Satumari Foundation, through its various initiatives, is actively championing the cause of creating functional systems that will produce credible and competent leaders of character for accelerated development in Nigeria and across the African continent. This visit to IPAC and the upcoming colloquium serve as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and driving positive change in the nation.
The partnership between Haske Satumari Foundation and IPAC is a significant step towards achieving electoral reforms in Nigeria. With the collective efforts of these organizations, the nation can look forward to a more transparent, inclusive, and democratic electoral process that will ultimately lead to the emergence of competent leaders who will steer Nigeria towards accelerated development and progress.
Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.
The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.
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Most of the country’s about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.
During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.
Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.
These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.
They’ve also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.
Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.
It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”
The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.
National
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Congratulates Otunba Olufemi Pedro on LASU Honorary Doctorate
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
The honorary degree is being awarded as part of the institution’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 10th April 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Lagos.
In a statement released on Wednesday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, Princess Orelope-Adefulire described the honour as “well-deserved and long overdue,” noting that Otunba Pedro’s life and career reflect a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity in both the public and private sectors.
“Otunba Pedro’s remarkable journey—spanning the financial sector and public service—is a shining example of visionary leadership and selfless dedication to national development,” the statement read.
“As former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the fiscal reforms that have contributed immensely to the state’s economic growth and transformation.”
Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stated that the conferment by LASU is not just a recognition of Pedro’s achievements, but an affirmation of the enduring values he represents: humility, integrity, and service to humanity.
She commended the Lagos State University for recognising one of its most distinguished alumni, adding that the honour would serve as motivation for emerging leaders and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
“This award is a timely reminder that true greatness is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the positive impact one has on people, institutions, and society at large,” she added.
She prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for Otunba Pedro as he continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State, Nigeria, and the global community.