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Ascent To Psychology Bill Now, NAFP Tells President Tinubu
The Nigerian Association of Forensic Psychologists has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the psychology bill in order to address the pressing issues of misplaced priorities and psychological challenges in the political landscape.
The National President of the association, Professor Harry Obi-Nwosu, made the call during the 2024 National Congress of the association held at Nasarawa State University Keffi on Tuesday.
Being a gathering of experts in the field of psychology, alongside stakeholders and representatives from security agencies, the National Congress of the association is aimed to explore how psychological methods can be applied effectively for the nation’s development.
National president of the association, Professor Harry Obi-Nwosu emphasized that the Congress was carefully planned to prompt discussions on Nigeria’s development path in the 21st century, underlining the urgent need for forensic psychologists’ deliberate involvement in planning and executing development projects, particularly those with significant security implications.
“Indeed, it is only when adequate attention is paid to psychological health of citizens at all levels that we can hope to reduce corruption and begin a meaningful process at sustainable development: the time is now”.
He suggested that apart from approving the psychology bill, the President should consider establishing departments of psychological services and research in the presidency and all government agencies, as well as appointing psychologists to strategic roles for efficient government operations.
Declaring the Congress open, the acting vice Chancellor, Nasarawa state University Keffi, Professor Abdullahi Sallau Modibbo, appraised the university’s vibrant psychology department, led by dedicated professors like Professor Andrew Zamani, stressing the significance of forensic psychology in societal development.
“I want to advise that anyone seeking for political positions must be screend my forensic psychology because leaders are not properly feet to govern. How a person embezzled 1 billion in an hour? How am a 60 year old man rape a one year daughter? Something must be wrong”
In a Keynote addressed, the commandant General, security and civil defense Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by Gandi Ahmed Gandi ACG Admin, Nscdc headquarters Abuja, said national development requires collective efforts and recognition of the valuable contributions of psychologists in nation-building through the Criminal Justice System.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, represented by commissioner of police in charge of mobile force, Deinma Abibo, discussed policy and internal security issues, emphasizing the need for inter-agency cooperation to tackle insecurity while the Managing director, G-complex Guduma, ABDULHAMED MAHMUD ZARI and the representative of correctional service(name please)? acknowledged the efforts of forensic psychologists in organizing the program and pledged their support.
Representatives from the Faculty of Social Science, Prof. Bilyaminu, Professor Andrew Zamani, and the Head of Department of Psychology, Dr. Abubakar Tafidan, expressed gratitude for the support that led to the success of the event, which also included the investiture of fellows and honorary fellows.
The theme of the Congress tagged “Psychology, Criminality: the criminal justice system and National development”.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A former Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Danjuma Tella La’ah, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful amid the country’s current economic and security challenges.
In his Easter message on Sunday, the lawmaker who represented Southern Kaduna Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, urged citizens to draw strength from the message of resurrection and renewed faith symbolised by Easter.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I bring warm Easter greetings to all Christians, the good people of Southern Kaduna, and Nigerians across the nation,” he said.
La’ah expressed optimism in the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the country, saying the current administration was working to resolve the nation’s difficulties.
“I urge fellow Nigerians not to lose hope. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to turn around the challenges that have hindered our nation’s progress,” he added.
The former lawmaker also prayed for divine guidance for the President, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and other leaders at various levels.
According to him, the commitment to inclusive governance was yielding positive results in Southern Kaduna and across the nation.
“May this Easter inspire us to trust in God’s promises and believe in the transforming power of Christ’s resurrection—for our lives, our communities, and our nation,” he said.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), has been conferred with the traditional title of Sarkin Yaki (Defence Chief) of Jaba Kingdom. Also honoured was Mrs. Abigail Katung, wife of the Senator representing Kaduna South and the Lord Mayor of Leeds City, United Kingdom, who was installed as Gimbiya (Princess) of Jaba Land.
The colourful coronation ceremony took place on Friday at the Kpok Ham Palace in Kwoi, the headquarters of Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. It attracted dignitaries including top military officers, government officials, academicians, and guests from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Other honourees at the event included:
Dr. Gideon Jock, conferred with the title Hasken Jaba (Light of Jaba); Barr. Dr. Deborah Usman, as Jakadiyan Jaba (Ambassador of Jaba); and Engr. Dr. Dogara Gyet, as Jagaban Jaba (Forerunner of Jaba).
Speaking shortly after their installation, Gen. Agwai described the moment as a landmark in his life, marking a transition from national military service to traditional recognition.
“This is a significant moment for me. Having served my country at the highest level in the military, being recognised by my people in this way is deeply humbling,” he said.
“If you render service to your people, even in the grave they will remember you. It is not about wealth, but about service to humanity.”
He noted that the role of Sarkin Yaki is symbolic of an adviser on security and defense matters to the traditional leadership, which remains relevant even beyond military service.
Mrs. Abigail Katung expressed joy over the honour, saying it reaffirms her roots and her people’s appreciation of her contributions, despite living abroad for 25 years.
“To still be remembered in your homeland after so many years away is a thing of joy. This recognition is deeply meaningful, especially coming from my people,” she said.
“Culture is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes who we are. I hope to inspire young girls to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their dreams.”
She credited her success to the support of her husband, Senator Barr. Sunday Katung, and emphasized the importance of gender inclusion:
“I call on those in positions of power to create more inclusive environments for women. Women make up half of the world’s population—and the other half was birthed by them.”
Dr. Gideon Jock, honoured as Hasken Jaba, said the title signifies enlightenment and a call to continue contributing to the development of the Ham people.
“I was nicknamed Mai Solar because I helped install over 1,000 solar-powered streetlights to improve security. This recognition will inspire me to do more for the youth, women, orphans, community leaders, and clergy,” he said.
Similarly, Barr. Deborah Usman, Jakadiyan Jaba, said she has always served her people quietly and was surprised to see her efforts acknowledged.
“This honour is a call to further reflect the values and traditions of the Ham people in everything I do. I feel privileged to be among the recipients of these titles.”
Elanzanews reports that the coronation ceremony was viewed as a strategic initiative by the traditional council to reconnect with illustrious sons and daughters of the Ham Kingdom, strengthening community ties, and promote unity and development in the region.
…Gives condition to forgive Fubara
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Abubakar Yunusa
Nyesom Wike has described talks about a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu as not sincere and believes those behind it are doing so for selfish reasons.
Wike, the Minister of the FCT, said this in Abuja on Friday during a media chat, accusing the masterminds of running away from issues bedevilling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party.
He said, “those who are looking for a coalition are for selfish interests, the likes of Atiku and other people, which coalition, with whom?
“Why not come in to repair your party? Everybody wants to become president of the country, nobody wants to say, look, let me build our party so that at the end of the day, our party will be in a formidable position as an opposition party to take over power.
“You don’t do that, the only thing you want to do is let me find a way; how I will be the one, and if that does not happen, then it’s to your tent, oh Israel,” the immediate past governor of Rivers state said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, are among political heavyweights planning to float a coalition to dislodge President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.
That push has continued to make headlines in the country in the past months, but Wike said those behind it, especially members of the main opposition PDP, should fix their party instead.
Wike criticised Atiku, the arrowhead of the coalition movement, saying the ex-VP is about to make the mistakes that led to the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
“You make the mistake yesterday, you want to repeat the same mistake today, tomorrow you make the same mistake, and then you come out to say you were rigged out, who rigged you out? You’ve already rigged yourself by causing crisis,” Wike said.
The minister, who is a member of the PDP, also said the party is not ready for the next presidential election scheduled for 2027.
“The PDP is not ready for the 2027 election. It is very obvious. For instance, I have an examination and I am going to class to read. Indeed, am I reading? Am I studying? You don’t need to deceive anybody that you are reading. You are only trying to read so that people will see that you have carried your bag to class,” he said.
“That is the situation of the PDP. So, they cannot say for sure that they are ready for 2027. Power struggle cannot help the party.”