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CSOs Declares Defence Minister Matawalle As ‘Minister of the Year 2024’
A coalition of 774 civil society organisations has named Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, as the “Minister of the Year 2024” for his exceptional leadership, dedication to Nigeria’s security, and significant achievements throughout the year.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr Hakeem Baba Tunde, the coalition’s national chairman. According to Baba Tunde, Dr Matawalle’s tenure has been marked by a dual focus on international diplomacy and domestic cohesion, resulting in notable progress in the country’s defence framework.
He said “Dr. Matawalle began 2024 with a dual focus on international diplomacy and domestic cohesion. From January 8–9, he embarked on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alongside the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, OFR. During the visit, they engaged with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance bilateral defence relations.
“On January 20, he attended the Nigerian Air Force Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) for 2023 in Abuja, hosted by Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, celebrating the dedication of airmen and airwomen. Two days later, on January 22, Dr. Matawalle hosted His Excellency Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, for high-level discussions on deepening Nigeria-UAE defence ties.
“He concluded the month with a two-day roundtable on January 24–25, addressing Northern Nigeria’s security challenges. The event was organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
“In February, Dr. Matawalle’s global engagements took him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Defence Exhibition from February 4–8.
“The event showcased Nigeria’s defence capabilities and explored strategic partnerships. On February 23, he paid tribute to retired flag officers at the Nigerian Navy Regimental Dinner Night in Asokoro, Abuja.
“March was a month of impactful initiatives. On March 4, Dr. Matawalle held talks with Mrs. Hen Cohn, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), to establish a mine action center in Maiduguri to enhance safety in conflict zones.
” On March 6, in collaboration with Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, he laid the groundwork for reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company to bolster military hardware production. On March 7, he deepened defence ties with India at the India-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Seminar in Abuja.
“Later in the month, on March 19, he chaired the 34th meeting of the Board of Defence Health Maintenance Limited. On March 26, he contributed to refining Nigeria’s defence strategies at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja.
” On March 27, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he attended a solemn military burial ceremony to honour fallen heroes killed while serving their country in Okuama.”
“April marked significant milestones, including Dr. Matawalle’s attendance at the launch of the Nigerian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel in Turkey on April 19. On April 22, he joined President Tinubu at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja, emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership in regional security.
“On April 23, he hosted Mauritania’s Defence Minister, Hanena Ould Sidi, to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. On April 27, he celebrated the next generation of naval personnel at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Passing Out Parade in Onne, Rivers State.
” Dr. Matawalle concluded the month on April 30 by hosting a U.S. Department of Defense delegation, led by Assistant Secretary Mrs. Jennifer Zakriski, to discuss mutual defence interests.
“From May 23–25, the minister participated in the Nigerian Air Force’s 60th Anniversary celebrations in Abuja and Kaduna. On May 28, he chaired a stakeholders’ meeting on implementing the new Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act and inspected facilities at the Defence Intelligence Agency HQ. On May 29, he joined President Tinubu in celebrating the rehabilitation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System.
“On June 12, Dr. Matawalle attended the 25th Democracy Day Parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, marking a quarter-century of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“On July 4, the minister chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Hydrographic Agency’s Governing Council, focusing on maritime security. On July 18, he explored defence manufacturing collaborations with a delegation from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).
“In August, Dr. Matawalle attended the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff Meeting in Abuja on August 8. On August 14, he unveiled a vision for local ammunition production at DICON’s 60th Anniversary. On August 20, he commissioned a tuberculosis laboratory in Mogadishu Cantonment.
“September saw Dr. Matawalle intensify efforts to address banditry in Sokoto. Following directives from President Tinubu, he conducted security operations and facility inspections across affected areas and his visit led to the killing of Alhaji Halilu Sububu and thousands of bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara,and other part of the country.
“His second visit to Sokoto from October 8–12 included military facility assessments and security operations in Gundumi, Tsamaye, Isa Goronyo, Mai Lalle, and other banditry-affected villages. On October 15, he paid tribute to the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja at the National Military Cemetery.
“In November, Dr. Matawalle participated in the Gulf of Guinea Navies Symposium on November 27, reinforcing maritime security cooperation. December saw him assess the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna on December 7. On December 12, he welcomed the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defence, and on December 29, he represented President Tinubu at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event.”
“On November 20, the Republic of Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyat, hosted Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in Riyadh to discuss strengthening defense collaboration between the two nations.
“Dr. Matawalle also traveled to Zamfara to address economic welfare issues, including plans to provide 1,200 naval officers and establish a naval base in Maradun. Additionally, a hospital project worth ₦2.25 billion is set to be completed in 2024.”
The coalition emphasised that the award was granted solely on merit. “Dr Matawalle did not influence our decision. We do not know him personally, but we have diligently documented his accomplishments over the year,” Baba Tunde stated.
As Nigeria looks to 2025, the coalition praised Dr Matawalle’s contributions to national security and collective progress under President Tinubu’s leadership.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the esteemed Vice Chairman of Jaba Local Government in Kaduna State, extends his warmest wishes to the Muslim Ummah as they celebrate the sacred occasion of Eid-El-Fitr.
This significant festival marks the culmination of Ramadan, a period of immense devotion, faith, and obedience to the Almighty.
Hon. Mustapha expresses his heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim brothers and sisters within Jaba Local Government, Kaduna State, and across Nigeria.
He acknowledges their commitment to fasting and spiritual reflection throughout the holy month and commends their perseverance in observing this fundamental pillar of Islam.
The holy month of Ramadan instils invaluable virtues such as piety, faith, sacrifice, patience, and kindness. Hon. Mustapha emphasises that these principles are essential for fostering a strong, united, and just society.
By embracing these values, individuals can contribute to the development and harmony of their local communities and the broader Nigerian society.
He encourages the Muslim Ummah to carry forward these spiritual lessons beyond Ramadan, applying them in their daily interactions, decision-making, and community engagements. “By doing so, we can help build a more cohesive, compassionate, and prosperous society” Hon. Mustapha stated.
The Vice Chairman extends his prayers for the well-being of all Muslims and Christians. He seeks Allah’s guidance and blessings upon the faithful, praying for their continued health, protection, and prosperity. He also hopes that Allah grants them the opportunity to witness and partake in many more Ramadan seasons in the future.
Hon. Mustapha further urges the Muslim community to embrace the spirit of unity and generosity, supporting those in need and fostering goodwill among people of all backgrounds.
He believes that by upholding these principles, the Muslim Ummah will continue to play a vital role in nurturing peace and progress within Jaba Local Government and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi reiterates his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah once more, on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
Hon. Mustapha also urged citizens to support the good government of Governor Uba Sani and Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for positive Kaduna State.
He prays for a joyous and blessed Eid-El-Fitr, filled with love, happiness, and divine favour.
Barka Da Sallah.
Acclaimed gospel artist and songwriter Dr. Panam Percy Paul has disclosed that he rejected a substantial £24 million record deal in 1995 due to its stipulation requiring a reduction in the mention of “Jesus” in his music.
In a recent interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul shared that the three-year contract, valued at approximately N7 billion at the time, included conditions that contradicted his religious beliefs.
The record label proposed that he substitute names like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” for direct references to Jesus.
“The condition was, ‘Can you limit the number of times you mention the name Jesus in your songs?’” Paul recalled. “One representative even suggested, ‘You don’t really need to say Jesus. You can use other names instead.’ I was taken aback and responded, ‘You can keep the money; I’ll keep the name.’”
The seasoned gospel musician also voiced concerns regarding the growing commercialization of gospel music, asserting that record labels and marketers now dictate the creative direction of artists.
“Currently, the situation has escalated to where the music ministry has transformed into a music industry,” he expressed. “The industry now prescribes what ministers should do, how they should perform, and when they should do it.”
Paul’s revelation has ignited conversations about the impact of commercial interests on gospel music and the challenges artists face in preserving their faith-based messages.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.
“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.
He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.
The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.
“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.
Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.
“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.
While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.
“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.