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Matawalle Scores High in Ministerial Reshuffle
774 Civil Society Organization has rated Minister of Defence for State, Bello Matawalle, highly in the ongoing cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, hailing his efforts in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Spokesperson for the group, Idoko Attah, highlighted Matawalle’s profound understanding of the country’s complex security landscape.
According to Attah, the minister has been instrumental in stabilizing some of Nigeria’s most volatile regions, setting a precedent for strong leadership in security matters.
“The records in the fight against insecurity are massive, and no one can deny that,” Attah said, referencing significant progress made under Matawalle’s leadership, including the elimination of key criminal figures such as the notorious Halilu Sububu.
Attah further noted that oil theft, a persistent issue in Nigeria, has drastically reduced, attributing this success to the minister’s efforts.
He also observed a decrease in violent agitations from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which had previously resulted in the deaths of security personnel.
“Matawalle has done more in a short period than previous administrations achieved in eight years. That’s why we find him worthy,” Attah said, emphasizing the minister’s impact on national security.
The CSOs praised Matawalle’s dedication to equipping and motivating the Nigerian armed forces. Attah pointed out that the minister’s strategic oversight, coupled with his policy initiatives and partnerships with local and international security stakeholders, has strengthened the nation’s defense capabilities.
Under Matawalle’s leadership, the Ministry of Defence has significantly enhanced its operational capacity, enabling the armed forces to effectively combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
The Civil Society Organization also highlighted Matawalle’s advocacy for the welfare of military personnel, ensuring that their service and sacrifice are both recognized and rewarded.
“He’s ensured our forces are not only prepared for their duties but also appreciated for their sacrifices,” Attah added.
Matawalle’s contributions have been acknowledged through his continued inclusion in the cabinet, with many seeing his role as pivotal in shaping Nigeria’s defense strategy.
His resilience and leadership during challenging times have earned him the respect of his colleagues and the trust of the Nigerian people.
“As we look forward, we are confident that Minister Matawalle will continue to guide Nigeria towards a more secure future,” Attah concluded, underscoring the coalition’s confidence in the minister’s ability to drive lasting change.
The reshuffle, which has affected several key ministries, is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to realign his cabinet for more effective governance.
Matawalle’s retention is seen as a nod to his efforts in stabilizing Nigeria’s security situation, a key priority for the administration.
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
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Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.