Opinion
Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim; A Round Peg In A Round Hole
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The Nation woke up to hear a minor cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that led to the movement of Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi among nine other Ministers to other Ministries , with the movement of the former Minister , State, Police Affairs, to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and appointment of seven new ones to other Ministries.
The new Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development who performed outstandingly while manning the Ministry of State, Police Affairs through the introduction and rejigging of “Community Policing” and it’s grand launching in some states expected to go round the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
She also through the introduction of numerous security programs reduced to the barest minimum, the hitherto volatile security situations in the country, that boardered on armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, herders crises among other vices, particularly that was becoming a norm not only in the nation’s city , Abuja , but adjoining states like Niger, Kogi , Kaduna, Nasssarawa states that was brought under control.
The large cache of kidnappings and activities of kidnappers was nipped in the bud with the parade of suspects that attacked Kaduna bound train and kidnapped occupants for many months before they were released.
With her initiatives and strides, the management of the security architecture within and outside the country was on the high pedestal and had reduced insecurity to a manageable situations in the country.
Imaan’s versed experiences in the public service both as two time head of government agencies , NAPTIP and NCFRMI was graduated contrary to insinuation of been relieved from her position as NAPTIP top notcher.
Aside her public office endeavors, she has led many women organizations both at local , state and federal level, which had guaranteed the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC in the country.
For consecutive eight years under the Buhari led regime , she had presided over series of women activities that had led to the success of her party , the All Progressives Congress APC across all regions in the country.
Undauntedly, she led many women groups during the last administration that ensured the election victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May last year, both at the states , regional and National level.
Having achieved greater feat in women emancipation, the new appointment as Nigeria’s Women Affairs and Social Development Minister, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi was the right decision, at the right time by the present administration under the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As she prepared to resume the mantle of leadership at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, there is no doubt that robust policy framework that will bridge the wider gap of women development, gender equality among many others will be given the highest priority.
Abubakar Yusuf Writes from Abuja on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.