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Jekada: When Intellect And Passion Meet Commitment

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2 years ago

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Kaigama: Political Leaders Don’t Deserve Praises, Clerics Corruption, Dishonest

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April 14, 2025

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The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has called on political and religious leaders in Nigeria to show mercy for the citizens and be god examples.

He told political leaders that if they are not read to sacrifice their time and life for the people, they do not deserve election, let alone praises.

Kaigama expressed these views in his Palm Sunday Message delivered at Our Lady Queen Of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja, with the theme, “The King who chooses the Cross as His throne”, taken from Isaiah 5:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; and Luke 22: 14- 23:56, obtained by journalists on Monday.

He said, “These readings reveal to us the true nature of divine love, it lowers itself, serves, and gives without counting the cost. Christ did not cling to power or demand His rights, He descended, in order to lift us up. His humility becomes His glory.

“Lessons: We see how they shouted “Hosanna” and then suddenly “Crucify him.” Are we surprised? Don’t we do the same? We very solemnly receive Jesus in the Eucharist only to go out and live a life that contradicts all we have received? We say, “Jesus I love you, all I have is yours, yours I am, yours I want to be, do with me whatever you will,” but proceed after to live a life of jealousy, dishonesty, lies, hatred, evil, etc.

“Christ shows us that true greatness is found in humility, not pride, and true love is tested in trial, not comfort, just as true discipleship means walking with Jesus not only in moments of glory but also in moments of pain.

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“Today’s celebration calls our leaders to be merciful leaders eager to provide basic amenities for their people. We call on leaders, not to be carried away by people’s hailing and calling titles such as “Your Excellency,” “Distinguished,” “Honorable,” “Your Majesty,” “Your Eminence,” “Your Grace,” etc., but to be determined to achieve the purpose of their being leaders.

“Political leaders should be aware that in our country today, after election victory, people shout “Hosanna” to their leaders, but with hunger and insecurity ravaging our dear country, and when people are at breaking point, they shout in desperation “crucify them, crucify them.”

“The same happens to religious leaders, especially when we promise wealth, healing, miracles, and people don’t see these, because these promises are not rooted in the Lord. They will shout “crucify them,” in our case too because some of us are deceitful, dishonest, manipulative, and self-centered, and even recklessly use the funds the congregations make great sacrifices to collect.

“Leaders should learn that only once did Jesus allow people to sing His praises. Always, He would shun anyone who tried to praise Him publicly. But today, when He was marked for death, He entered Jerusalem publicly and allowed the multitudes to sing His praises. This was because His hour had come. If you are not ready as a leader to sacrifice your time and life for your people, then, don’t allow them to elect you, let alone to sing your praises.

“We learn also that we should not command God in prayer. At the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed: “Abba Father … remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what you will”. It will be nice if we add this clause whenever we make a request of God, to do not as we will but as He wills instead.”

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Peter Obi condemns Plateau attacks, urges FG to end killings in Nigeria

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2 hours ago

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April 14, 2025

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the recent attacks on some communities in Plateau.

Obi made the condemnation when he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, on Sunday in Jos.

The former LP presidential candidate, who described the killings as reckless, stressed that there was no need for such cruelty on innocent civilians, particularly that the country was not at war.

“I am here to condole with you on the recent killings in Bokkos and other communities in the state. Let me reiterate that we have no reason as a country to be going through this.

“There is no reason for people to be chased out of their communities to an IDP camps; we are not at war and so people must live in their communities, go to their farms and live a life that is protected by the government.

“This is the primary essence of governance, they must be able to protect life and property,” he said.

While commending the governor for the visible developmental strides in the state, Obi stated that Nigerians shared in his grief and would continue to support his government.

“I want to thank you in particular for what the Plateau Government is doing under your leadership; I know that Nigerians are with you, we are praying with you.

“I have particularly followed up on what you are doing in the state and I must say they are quiet commendable.

“I have always condemned what is happening all over Nigeria, where people are killed, chased out of their communities for no reason.

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“Therefore, we must all work together to stop this menace; this is why I’m here today.

“I pray that the Almighty God will continue to be with you and the good people of Plateau and that all of these will come to an end soon.

“May God grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives and grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” he said.

Responding, Mutfwang lauded Obi’s compassion and selfless love for the downtrodden, noting that the former LP’s presidential candidate had always stood with the poor and the less privileged ones in the society.

Mutfwang who called on the elites to look at the situation in the state with a view towards finding a lasting solution, maintained that the attacks were an orchestrated genocide, that needed all hands to be on deck.

“I want to thank you for how you have always stood with the downtrodden; it has become the hallmark of your life that you identified with the downtrodden across the country.

“We have a situation on our hands that calls for compassion and action, we want to thank you sincerely for taking out time to visit and commiserate with us.

“What happened in Bokkos over the last two weeks was nothing short of a genocide; what we are facing is not a clash, but a deliberate, orchestrated and planned attacks to evacuate people from their homelands.

“Yesterday, we visited some of the communities that were attacked two years ago, the people had to flee from their lands; their houses have been taken over by the criminals,”he said.

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The governor, who commended the efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against insecurity in the state, called for more actions to tackle the menace.

“We have been playing with this matter as a nation for over two decades, but the time has come for a consensus to end it.

“If we don’t wake up to stop it now, we may wake up and find that we have no country to call our own; but may God forbid that,” he prayed. (NAN)

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U.S. tariffs may be a blessing in disguise Africa – Alake

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3 hours ago

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April 14, 2025

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has said that the prevailing barrage of tariffs imposed by the United States (U.S) may be a blessing in disguise for African countries.

Alake stated this during the Fireside Chat session on Foreign Direct Investment, titled ‘The Alchemy of Foreign Direct Investment: Turning Policies into Prosperity for Emerging Global Markets in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday in Abuja, the minister’s remarks were part of his contribution to the discourse on the impact of the tariffs on Africa’s economic climate.

Tomori said the event was part of the the 14th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that US President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners.

“The barrage of tariffs imposed carries wide-ranging implications for the global economy, U.S. trade relationships, and developing nations, including those in Africa,” he said.

The media aide also noted that Alake called on African countries to adopt an introspective approach by looking inward and adjusting their domestic policies to focus more on intra-African trade, with less dependence on external forces.

Tomori noted that the minister stressed the need need for African countries to organise economic imperatives to ensure a balance of trade and strengthen intra African trade among countries.

The minister highlighted the persistent challenge faced by African countries, where rare mineral resources were exported without any value addition.

According to him, the old ‘pit-to-port’ model, where resources are extracted and sent out of the continent can no longer be allowed to continue.

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“Interested investors, who wish to come into Africa are welcome to set up their factories in the continent, add value to our mineral resources and create jobs here, rather than just shipping our wealth out of our shores”, he stated.

The minister said that his stance on protecting Africa’s mineral wealth has been adopted by many African countries, particularly mineral-producing nations, where he served as the pioneering chairman of the African Minerals Strategic Group (AMSG).

He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s policy on mineral sector development remained strictly focused on value addition and boosting the local economy through job creation.

NAN reports that the Annual AIM, was aimed at promoting international investment, support sustainable economic growth, encourage innovation, and foster partnerships between investors, governments, and businesses.

The AIM also serves as a platform for discussing investment trends in sectors such as digital economy, future finance, and sustainable development.

The 14th edition held from April 7 to 9 is with the theme ‘Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalised Investment Landscape – Towards a New Balanced World Structure’.(NAN)

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