National
North-West:Coalition commend Tinubu, Matawalle, over improved security
The Coalition of 774 Civil Society Organisations has praised President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for their collaborative efforts in enhancing security in the North-West region of Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Usman Goronyo, attributed the decline in banditry and kidnappings to the strategic leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The coalition specifically highlighted Matawalle’s directive-led operations in Sokoto last year, under President Tinubu’s mandate, as a turning point in the fight against insecurity.
It noted that these interventions had resulted in the elimination of numerous bandits, including the notorious kidnapper Alhaji Halilu Sububu.
“We commend Minister Matawalle for his commitment and effective leadership in tackling insecurity,” Goronyo said. “President Tinubu deserves recognition for entrusting him with this crucial responsibility.”
The coalition reported that the security improvements allowed many towns and villages in the region to going about doing normal activities peacefully, with no major incidents of bandit attacks, except for isolated unrest in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
“We are pleased to carry out our usual activities, going to farm everyday in the North-West without significant security breaches,” Goronyo added.
The group attributed these successes to Operation Fansa Yamma, which targeted and dismantled key bandit enclaves across the region. The improved security, they said, has facilitated safer travel and trade, particularly along major routes such as Zaria to sokoto and Abuja to Kano.
“This is a welcome development. The military’s efforts have significantly eased movement and commerce,” Goronyo stated.
Despite these achievements, the coalition expressed concerns over continued attacks in some villages, including Sabon Birni and Isa in Sokoto state, as well as parts of Katsina, Kebbi, kaduna, Niger and Zamfara state.
“We acknowledge the persistent challenges in some areas but remain confident that security forces are doing their utmost to address them,” Goronyo remarked.
“Minister Matawalle’s unwavering support for the troops has been instrumental in boosting morale and sustaining these gains.”
The coalition also acknowledged the role of General Musa in coordinating the armed forces to maintain stability in the North. It urged the Federal Government to provide additional resources to the military and security agencies to consolidate on recent successes.
“We urge the Federal Government to bolster security efforts through increased funding and logistical support,” the statement read.
“The protection of citizens and their property remains paramount, and we implore security agencies to persist in their commendable efforts,” the group stated.
The Association of Online and Magazine Publishers has recognised the Foundation for Community Development (FUDECO), a Nigerian non-governmental organisation, with the prestigious Award of Excellent Performance for its tireless efforts in supporting the country’s most vulnerable communities.
Founded in 2019 by Sarli Sardo Nana, who serves as its chairman, FUDECO operates across Nigeria’s 19 northern states, delivering vital assistance to orphans, widows, the less privileged, and victims of disasters.
The organisation’s initiatives focus on community development and humanitarian services aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by marginalised groups.
The award was presented to Nana by Julius Peter, chairman of the Association of Online and Magazine Publishers, during a ceremony celebrating FUDECO’s impactful contributions.
The accolade is intended to inspire the organisation to continue its work in addressing societal inequalities and supporting those in need.
In his acceptance speech, Nana expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a motivating factor for FUDECO to expand its outreach.
“We deeply appreciate your organisation for recognising FUDECO. This gesture is our motivation to do more and meet the needs and yearnings of the vulnerable in our society,” he said.
Nana also underscored the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change, reaffirming FUDECO’s commitment to serving Nigeria’s underserved populations.
The award highlights the critical role of grassroots organisations in tackling systemic challenges in Nigeria, where poverty and displacement continue to affect millions.
FUDECO’s work remains a beacon of hope for communities striving for a better future.
By Nathaniel Irobi
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially confirmed that his term leading Nigeria’s electoral body will conclude later this year.
This announcement was made during his address at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) held in Banjul, The Gambia, as reported by PoliticsNigeria. He indicated that this would be his last appearance at an ECONEC meeting in his capacity as chairman, marking the end of his second and final term.
Since his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 9, 2015, Prof. Yakubu has held the position of INEC chairman for a total of ten years, overseeing the contentious general elections of 2019 and 2023.
In his speech, Yakubu expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration from his ECOWAS counterparts, highlighting the significance of upholding electoral integrity and promoting regional unity. He urged continued cooperation among election management bodies (EMBs) throughout West Africa to enhance democratic processes across the region.
His announcement follows recent online speculation regarding a potential removal from office by President Bola Tinubu, which the presidency promptly denied. The rumors intensified after INEC shared a social media post indicating that Sam Olumekun, referred to as the acting chairman, had met with a high-profile delegation from the Labour Party, led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti. However, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, clarified that Olumekun was merely filling in for Yakubu, who was attending the ECONEC meeting in The Gambia.
While in Banjul, Yakubu reflected on the successes and challenges encountered during his tenure with ECONEC, commending the efforts of previous members in strengthening democratic institutions in West Africa. He expressed concern about the declining state of democracy in the region, noting that four countries have recently reverted from democratic governance. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic that these nations would soon regain their democratic status.
Yakubu’s remarks received support from fellow EMB leaders, who acknowledged ECONEC’s essential role in promoting democratic practices throughout the region. The assembly convened chairpersons and vice-chairpersons from several countries, including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
(Report by Centurypost)
Onono Onimisi Rafatu, a writer and founder of the Onono Onimisi foundation, has challenged deep-seated misconceptions about the indigenous people of Kano State, calling for greater cultural respect and understanding.
In a statement titled “Misconception About the Indigenous People of Kano State,” issued on Thursday, Onono, who hails from Kogi State, debunked stereotypes that portray Kano residents as illiterate and culturally intolerant.
According to Onono, two major misconceptions dominate perceptions of Kano people: that they lack education and are cultural bigots.
“Many hold onto these views, such that when they meet educated Hausa individuals, they question their origins, which is debasing and fosters an inferiority complex,” she said.
She highlighted the contributions of Kano’s educated elites, who have represented Nigeria admirably in various fields, as proof against these claims.
Onono described the widespread nature of these stereotypes as “cantankerous,” particularly the assumption that Kano people’s pride in their language equates to poor command of British English.
She also addressed the misuse of the term “Aboki,” often taken to mean illiterate, when it actually means “friend” in Hausa. “It’s embarrassing when a Kano person is labelled this way,” she remarked.
Emphasising the need for cultural sensitivity, Onono advised visitors and residents to respect Kano’s traditions to fully enjoy the historic city.
“If you find it hard to adapt, areas like Sabon Gari or Jaba Axis, home to people from southern, eastern, and western Nigeria, offer more flexibility,” she noted. However, in Kano’s indigenous communities, respecting local customs is essential, she added.
Reflecting on her own experience as a non-indigene, Onono shared how she initially faced challenges adapting to Kano’s cultural norms.
“I wore body-tight clothes, and children and Almajiris giggled at me,” she recalled. Her guardian later explained the importance of culturally appropriate dress, and with time, Onono adjusted.
“I adapted, and it made all the difference,” she said.