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Jekada: When Intellect And Passion Meet Commitment
BY BEN YAMUSA
Those who are committed to overall good, are often not weary of exploring ways and means of reaching the peak of their vision. So it is with Air Cdre Emmanuel Kabirat Jekada (rtd), whose inspiring life has comforted the underprivileged and supported the distressed, including providing support for the unsupported, bringing affordable educational opportunities for children of the poor, thus advancing their educational prospects.
Before his emergence as the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2018, Jekada’s footprints have since been defined by untainted service to both humanity and his profession. He remains an enigma of a sort, whose passion in the service of his people, state and country has never been in doubt. Not only has he supported the weak, he provides succour across regions and religions. This retired Air Force officer symbolises excellence in service to humanity in various fields of human endeavours.
His entrance into politics came after his meritorious service in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and his sting with the prestigious National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru as a directing staff/ Director of Studies Department of the Institute; marked the commencement of an impeccable service delivery to fellow citizens through and establishment of a post- primary institution in science and technology and other Educational platforms; platforms where he has been touching the lives of many pupils/ students and parents. Jekada has ensured that excellence of service is properly anchored on his passion for humanity, which remains his propelling force. He is bent on improving the lives of people irrespective of tribe, religion or creed. This has been the major plank upon which he continues to serve his people for community and national development.
Still serving as the Chairman of the Kaduna State APC, he has continued to deploy his intellectual capacity and commitment to wield the party into a strong and formidable organisation in the State and beyond, despite some man-made challenges. Considering his pedigree in NAF and NIPSS, Jekada remains one of the nation’s best hands endowed with academic prowess and distinct inspiration to the service of his Fatherland.
He is a cerebral retired officer, who combines his academic attainment with unique qualities of standing for the truth and common good. His present disposition of saying the truth, no matter whose ox is gored, is anchored on his belief that leadership without sincerity cannot deliver the best for the people.
Some clear platitudes about Air Cdre Jekada (rtd) would provide light as to what he stands for. After completing his primary education in Madakiya, in present-day Zangon Kataf LGA, he proceeded to the Basawa Teacher’s College, Zaria, where he obtained his Grade II Teachers’ certificate. He joined the Nigerian Air Force as a potential Pilot cadet and a member of the Cadet’s Military Training Course 2 (CMTC) in 1977. Thereafter, he was commissioned as a regular combatant officer in the rank of Pilot Officer in 1980.
He walked to the peak of his academic career when he obtained a PhD in International Relations and Strategic Studies from St. Clements University TURK & Caicos Islands, British West Indies, London Graduation Centre. He had earlier obtained a Masters of Business Administration and Management (MBA) in 2000, from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and a Masters in International Relations and Strategic Studies ( MIRSS) from the Lagos State University in 2002.
Besides attaining excellence in his academic endeavours, he displayed exceptional competence during all military training and courses that he attended. After his Primary Flying Training School at the NAF Base, Kaduna, in 1978, he was at the Technical Training School, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, in the United States of America where he acquired the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Specialist Certificate and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Rating in 1979.
He shone brightly at the Armed Forces Command & Staff College Jaji, Kaduna State, where he obtained Pjsc (Passed Junior Staff College) in 1989 and Psc (Passed Staff College) in 1996. He was at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, where he obtained the mni certificate in 2008 (Member of the Nigerian Institute). He attended several seminars, amongst which include ‘Operational Readiness and Essential Pillars of Credible National Defence Systems, NAF administrative workshops and conferences , and other national and international summits.
Jekada’s military promotions reveals him as a man whose excellence was recognised through his dint of hard work and dedication to duty; rising to the rank of Air Commodore in 2006, he held several positions in the military, which include: Administrative Officer (AO) Air Traffic Squadron, Flying Training School Kano (1981); Officer Commanding (OC) Air Traffic Services Wing/ Academic Instructor, Air traffic Control (ATC)/Meteorology (Met) in 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna (1994-1995); Battalion commander/ academic instructor in ATC & MET at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, 1997-98. Administrative officer (AO) to the Chief of the Air Staff, NAF HQ Abuja )1998-1999), Commander, NAF Station Maiduguri (1999-2000); Deputy Director, Relief and Disaster Management, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, (2005-2006); Director, Research and Rescue operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja,(2006-2008) and Directing Staff,/ Director of Studies Department, NIPPS, Kuru, from 2009 to 2018.
He also attended military operations that included Operation Sea Dog in Calabar (1980); Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) Peace Keeping Force in Chad (1981); Assigned military Operational Exercises of Tactical Air Command (TAC) in Makurdi/Maiduguri (1982-1989) and Operation Takute Expe JOPEX in Lagos (2004).
It is incontrovertible to say that Air Commodore Jekada has not only left indelible footprints on the sands of his military career and service at NIPSS; he is poised at pressing the buttons for a stronger platform that will enable the APC to provide dividends of democracy for the electorate
In a nation endowed with renewed hope for citizens in search of transparency and good governance, the Kaduna APC Chairman remains a fine military officer, a brilliant public servant and a community development enthusiast who remains an enigma that combines passion and intellect in the pursuit of the common good for the people. His life and achievements remain an inspiration and hope for a nation that is still enmeshed in searching for committed patriots who are sincere and versed in the knowledge of providing leadership for national development.
Yamusa, a public analyst, writes from Kaduna and can be reached via: benyamusa2000@gmail.com
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the suit filed by the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to March 25, 2025.
The adjournment followed a submission by the respondents, who informed the court that they had not been served with the necessary documents.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the Federal High Court, seeking an order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her.
Treat my wife with respect, Natasha’s husband tells Akpabio
Delivering a ruling on the application on March 5, 2025, the trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, barred the committee from proceeding with the probe.
Details shortly…
The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected gun runners and recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition.
The arrests were made during stop-and-search operations along the Warri/Benin Road and Asaba/Benin Expressway on separate dates.
On 3rd March, operatives intercepted a Toyota Camry driven by one Peter James, 55, from Akwa Ibom State.
Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered three AK-47 rifles, 2,080 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, and 1,040 rounds of 5.1mm ammunition.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Monday, said that the suspect was arrested near Western Delta University, Oghara, after operatives intercepted a blue Toyota Camry with registration number PHC 257 NT.
Police arrest 2 suspected gun runners in Delta, recover arms
Police arrest 2 suspected gun runners in Delta, recover arms
“The driver was asked to open the trunk of the vehicle, during which it was observed that the trunk of the said Camry, popularly known as ‘big daddy,’ was unusually small. This aroused the suspicion of the men who were convinced that the vehicle had been modified for malicious purpose.
“The policemen then proceeded and removed the seat of the vehicle, only to discover three (3) AK-47 rifles, Two Thousand and Eighty (2,080) rounds of 7.62 mm AK-47 ammunition, one thousand and forty (1,040) rounds of 51mm ammunition loaded in four boxes.
“The exhibit has been recovered, the suspect is in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” he added.
In a separate operation on 6th March, police arrested Yahuza Magaji, 69, and Abba Sani, 17, from Kaduna State, and recovered seven pump-action guns and 1,600 rounds of live cartridges.
Edafe said that operatives attached to Dragon Patrol Team 02 arrested the suspects while on stop-and-search duty along the Asaba/Benin Expressway by the National Open University, Onicha-Ugbo.
He said that police had intercepted a navy blue Sharon space bus with registration number DKA 408 LM, driven by one Yahuza Magaji, in the company of one Abba Sani, both of Lere LGA in Kaduna State.
“They disguised as traders transporting palm oil and garri, but the police, who insisted on a thorough search of the vehicle, recovered seven (7) pump action guns, five (5) cartons containing one thousand six hundred (1,600) rounds of live cartridges concealed under the back seat of the vehicle.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects bought the arms from Onitsha and were transporting them to Kaduna State. The suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” he added.
Commenting on the development, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, expressed delight that the marching orders he gave to all tactical commanders, area commanders, and DPOs to up their game were yielding results.
“We are determined to flush out all criminal elements in the state,” said CP Abaniwonda.
“I commend the effort and determination of our men for going the extra mile to detect the hidden firearms,” he said.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a warrant for the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), to appear before it.
The Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly issued the arrest warrant on Monday during plenary, after the expiration of its 72-hour ultimatum for the electoral chief to appear before the House.
Enebeli had fixed August 9, 2025, to conduct a fresh Local Government (LG) poll in the state following a Supreme Court verdict that annulled the October 5, 2024 local government poll conducted in the state.
The Amaewhule-led Assembly had vowed to probe the conduct of Enebeli regarding the conduct of the annulled LG poll last year.
Over the weekend, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, invited members of the Assembly to a dialogue on the implementation the Supreme Court’s verdict.
The Supreme Court had also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until it purges itself of what the court described as flagrant disobedience to court orders.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-man panel of the court had unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Fubara challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Amaewhule as the Speaker.
In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court ordered Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.