Opinion
One year of Dr Raji’s Giant Strides at Driving Renewed Hope Agenda in National Productivity Centre
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
Dr Nasirdeen Olaitan Raji- Mustapha was appointed the Director General, National Productivity Centre NPC by the federal government on May 18th, 2023, after the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Director General, Dr Kashim Akor, (NPOM), who held sway for two consecutive term.
Raji, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), joined the services of the National Productivity Centre NPC many decades ago, and grew through the system with versed knowledge and experience, that saw him becoming a Director in the department of procurement for many years, before his elevation to the top notch of the agency.
His assumption of duty as the Director General, National Productivity Centre NPC coincided with the time the new administration of Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was preparing to take over the mantle of leadership of the country , after the landslide victory at the general elections held in March, 2023.
With the mantle of leadership entrusted in him at the NPC, Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha created an enabling environment along with other departments and agencies of government for the smooth transition from the outgoing administration to the new one, particularly on the issue that boardered on performance and productivity across all strata.
Without delay , he embarked on the decorations on behalf of the federal government prominent and notable Nigerians who had distinguished themselves both from the private and public sector confered with the National Productivity Merit Award (NPOM) for 2023, that took many weeks, and proceeded on international engagement at the International Labour Organization (ILO), in Geneva.
The new NPC Director General interfaced with the office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF), Yemi Esan on the way forward and advocated the introduction of Performance Management System (PMS) in the service that became a guide to the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The new leadership in NPC threw more light that led to the signing of Performance Bond (PM) by the federal government and the newly appointed Ministers, and top government officials.
He set the ball rolling as it became a norm and order of the day as performance and productivity became a national discourse, to enable the new administration settle down and consolidate on it’s Renewed Hope Agenda that will galvanize the new leadership.
Since , charity begins at home, Dr Nasir Raji embarked on wholistic training and retraining/capacity building of the workforce to prepare them for the new challenges both internally and nationally particularly on “Productivity, Tools and Techniques” that trickled down all strata of public and private sector, through workshops, seminars, symposiums, talk shops among many others and visitations to various organizations.
The new development in National Productivity Centre NPC enabled the staff access to producing more quality reports , imbibe corporate governance among online reorientation across the agency.
Through, the productivity officers and experts , he deepened the need to adopt the new parlance of “pay as you work” along with the understanding of the labour bodies to drive genuinely performance /productivity in all sectors of the economy.
He provided aside the enabling environment, working tools by acquiring new vehicles both for logistics and office use in some state offices, that expanded the scope of job execution of staff of the agency, including staff welfare.
He introduced Corporate Enhancement Programme (CEP), that will serve as a culture and official conduct of the staffers of the agency, in the course of carrying out it’s official engagement.
With the new working culture, there is no doubt that efficiency, to deliver on the required learning and teaching both in the private and public sector on the need to imbibe productivity has systemically been inculcated.
Dr Nasirdeen Olaitan Raji- Mustapha expanded the scope of coverage of the agency through constant training and retraining of staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the need to consolidate performance/productivity in their various activities.
In it’s efforts to catch them young, the new leadership in NPC had reinvigorated visitations to schools across the country, to reorient and reinvigorate students on productivity and national development, deploying it’s productivity techniques and tools.
Within one year in office , the new leadership of NPC has engaged in partnership with both corporate bodies, individuals and both national and international organizations, as well as collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
Aside statutory mandate, the National Productivity Centre NPC under the leadership of Dr Raji had expanded the scope of procurement in the agency, through synergy with the federal lawmakers to deliver their constituency projects to various communities across the country, as there is no doubt, the agency had become a beehive of activities.
Dr Nasir Raji leadership in the course of governance, encourage productivity across all spheres also proposed the introduction of productivity link wage system (PLWS), were workers on the same level and grade will be remunerated based on performance across all areas , away from the current system.
The new NPC also organized the 5th National Productivity Summit with it’s theme “Leveraging on Science, Technology and Innovation”, to move the country forward.
The program held at the NAF conference centre, Abuja, between the 14th and 15th, May , 2023 attracted the Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Rt Honorable Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, Chairman , Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, Senate Diket Plang and the House of Representatives counterpart, Mr Adefarati among many others were all presented papers and positions to move productivity forward leveraging on the new digital order.
Under the leadership of Dr Nasirdeen Olaitan Raji- Mustapha, there is no doubt that the quest for robust productivity across all sectors of the Nigeria economy, resolution of lingering wages or workers, training and retraining along capacity building across private and public sector will be tackled headlong, deploying Science, Technology and Innovation across board.
No doubt and going forward, the leadership in NPC is prepared to pilot the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to success and fruition across all areas.
ABUBAKAR YUSUF Writes from Abuja on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Saturday said the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Senate for six months, traumatised him and others.
Akpabio had come under heavy criticism following the sanction handed out to the lawmaker.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, cautioned the Senate against making the political atmosphere toxic for women.
Major opposition parties in the country have also expressed outrage over the manner in which the complaint was handled.
But Akpabio maintained his innocence, saying none of what she alleged was true.
Speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Akpabio raised concerns that he was merely her latest victim, saying previous allegations by Natasha had turned out to be false.
He said, ‘’It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know to happen from time to time.
“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023. So from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained myself from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul as the Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, is a masterstroke in academic leadership. With an impressive track record in academia, administration, and professional excellence, he is undoubtedly the right person to lead the institution into a new era of transformation. His wealth of experience and outstanding credentials make him well-suited for the task ahead, one that requires vision, strategic planning, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
Dr. Fashagba’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having served as the Director of the Academic Planning Unit at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, he demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen, successfully leading the accreditation and reaccreditation of over thirty academic programs—an achievement unmatched in the history of the institution. His tenure as Dean of Students’ Affairs further highlighted his ability to foster a student-friendly academic environment while ensuring discipline and quality education. In addition to his administrative competence, Dr. Fashagba is a well-respected scholar, researcher, and mentor, with numerous academic publications and conference presentations to his name. As a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and a distinguished member of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (CIFCN), he embodies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Now at the helm of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Fashagba must harness his expertise to drive meaningful reforms. The institution, like many teacher-training colleges in Nigeria, requires structural, academic, and administrative revitalization to remain competitive. One of the key areas of focus should be academic excellence and accreditation. Strengthening the college’s accreditation status by ensuring that all programs meet national and global standards is essential. A research-driven environment must be fostered, encouraging both lecturers and students to engage in innovative academic work. Additionally, modern pedagogical tools must be introduced to align with contemporary teacher education.
Beyond academics, institutional development and infrastructure must be prioritized. Improving physical facilities, including classrooms, hostels, and ICT centers, will significantly enhance the learning environment. Seeking partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders to attract funding and grants should also be a focal point. Establishing a robust e-learning system to complement conventional learning methods will further modernize the institution and expand its reach.
To build a well-rounded institution, the welfare of students and staff must also be taken into account. Policies that ensure a conducive learning and teaching environment should be implemented, while continuous professional development programs must be introduced for lecturers to keep them updated on modern teaching methodologies. Encouraging student participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service programs will also help in shaping well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
As an astute accountant, Dr. Fashagba is well-positioned to enhance financial management and transparency within the college. Prudent financial practices, revenue-generating initiatives, and reduced reliance on government subventions will be key to ensuring the financial stability of the institution. At the same time, fostering strong ties between the college and the local community will be instrumental in driving mutual growth. Building strategic alliances with education-based NGOs, international bodies, and government agencies will further enhance institutional development and open up new opportunities for students and faculty members.
The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul is not just another administrative change—it is a call to action. The weight of expectation is enormous, and the demand for impact is immediate. As he takes over the reins, he must bring on board the right strategies, policies, and personnel to reposition the college for greatness. The people of Kogi State, the academic community, and the students of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, look forward to a progressive, transformative, and prosperous tenure. With his sterling credentials, vast experience, and stoic commitment to education, there is no doubt that Dr. Fashagba will leave an indelible mark on the institution. Now is the time to deliver, and the future starts today.
Perfectly musing
BY Musa Ilallah
For the people of Hadejia emirate in the present jigawa state, their hope and optimism remains high now more than ever before that their 42 year old struggle to get a state of their own will soon see the light of the day. The movement had so far submitted a request for the creation of Hadejia state in 1982, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2009, and 2021.
This optimism beams its light and hinges its hope for 2 reasons.
First came the opener when the Jigawa North East Senator, Ambassador Ahmad Abdulhamid Malam Madori on the 25th day of February 2025 sponsored a bill for an act to create Hadejia state out of Jigawa state on the floor of the senate.
The bill, which sought to alter the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (Cap.C23), is presently awaiting further legislative action.
Second, the House of Representatives committee on the review of the 1999 constitution opened it’s door wide open and allowed all interested applicant seeking new states to be created in their domains to submit their request on or before the 16th of March, 2025.
Taking this opportunity with all the seriousness it deserves, the steering committee led by a former Commissioner in the old Kano state, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu had an interaction with the Chairman of the national Constitution review Committee and also the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Barau I. Jibrin, to press home the demand for the creation of Hadejia state and thereafter solicits his support for the noble cause.
Consequently, the Chair of the movement for the creation.of Hadejia state, Musa Shuaibu was at the National Assembly on Tuesday March 4th 2025 where he formally presented the demand.
Accompanied by Senator Malam Madori, 2 of the 3 members of the House of Representatives from the area, some members of the state House of assembly and some representatives of LGCs.
Also present were the Representatives of the State Governor, Naannabi Ahmad, Falakin Hadejia and Chairman of the state Civil service commission; Emir of Hadejia’s Representative and Galadiman Hadejia, Usman Abdulaziz, Representatives of 8 local government councils, representatives of State assembly members; members of the house of representatives, Dr Abubakar Fulata and Makki Yanleman; prominent sons and daughters and also some members of the steering committee of the movement led by elder Dr (Arch) Aminu Kano
According to Musa Shuaibu, in addition to the present 8 local government areas that make up the proposed state, the area has presently submitted request to expand the LGAs to more than 12. The present Senatorial zone has Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Kaugama, Malam Madori, Guri, Birniwa and Kiri Kasamna LGAs.
Some of the potentials that seem to work in favour of the demand for Hadejia state include an approximately 700, 000 hectares of total landmass of which 75% is arable for all year round farming.
Others include the economic viability, active and enterprising human resource, utilities and infrastructure, electricity via a 132 KVA, potable water, ethanol renewable energy resource, forests and wildlife. Others include industry and commerce, tourism and rich cultural heritage among others.
Formally receiving the request for the creation of Hadejia state, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Tajuddeen Abbas in his office, stated that he is 100% in support of the movement and gave an unflinching committment to get the aspiration through.
At the Senate, the Clerk to the Senate committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Innocent Mobere received the memorandum on behalf of the chairman and also promised to present the request to the whole house committee.
Meanwhile, Senator Ambassador Ahmad Malam Madori also during a 2day public hearing organised by the Senate committee on health on a bill to consider the creation of a Federal Medical Centre , Hadejia, had appealed to all and sundry to make the proposal a reality.
All eyes are.now on deck to see how fast the National Assembly will fast track the creation of more states and LGCs in the country for its growth and development.
Musa Ilallah, a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. He can be reached at musahk123@yahoo.com