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Residents of Kaura Namoda Commend Defence Minister for Crackdown on Bandits
Residents of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State have expressed their appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his role in the elimination of over 50 bandits who had been terrorising the region.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Suleiman Yusuf, the community praised Matawalle for his leadership in restoring security, describing his commitment as a major relief for communities that had long suffered from violent attacks.
“We, the residents of Kaura Namoda, express our deep gratitude for the improved security situation.
“We can now live without fear, resuming our daily lives with a renewed sense of safety,” Yusuf stated.
The security operation, conducted under Operation Fansar Yamma, targeted a gathering of armed bandits in Kaura Namoda. A precision airstrike successfully eliminated 50 bandits, while several others sustained injuries, marking a significant blow against criminal elements operating in the region.
In a separate mission in Tsafe Local Government Area, security forces tracked and neutralised a notorious bandit, Shehu Dan Kwale, further strengthening efforts to curb insecurity in Zamfara State.
The military’s actions under the directives of Matawalle have been widely welcomed by residents of Kaura Namoda, Tsafe, and Gusau Local Government Areas, who have endured years of attacks by armed groups. Many now express optimism that sustained efforts will restore lasting peace to their communities.
Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.
Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.
She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes
However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.
The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.
Nigeria is set to host the 7th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, marking the first time the prestigious competition will be held in a West African nation.
National Coordinator of the Nigeria Spelling Bee, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
Established in 2016, the ASB has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
The Nigeria Spelling Bee, operating under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, serves as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for this year’s event.
Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the organisation conducts spelling competitions across all Nigerian states and represents the country in international contests, including the ASB.
According to Ibrahim, the African Spelling Bee was founded with the vision of celebrating the African child, inspiring literacy, and creating a platform for connection and confidence-building among young learners.
He stated that the competition aims to enhance literacy and academic excellence while cultivating a strong reading culture.
The national coordinator noted that the competition also seeks to develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills while building human capital through capacity development.
He said it also aims to promote community-based partnerships and celebrate the cultural diversity and unity of African children.
He noted that this year’s event will bring together the top National Spelling Bee Champions from over 20 African countries.
They include; Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The ASB embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism by uniting young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate linguistic prowess and cultural heritage.
“Through spelling competitions, African general knowledge quizzes, and cultural exchanges, the event fosters unity and mutual respect among participants, nurturing a generation poised to lead and transform the continent”.
Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in the ASB, having secured multiple championship titles in previous editions.
He also noted that Nigerian spellers are preparing to defend the Senior Championship title won by Praises Minabowa in the last African Spelling Bee, reflecting the nation’s commitment to educational excellence and youth development.
“The upcoming event in Abuja is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 20 African countries anticipated to participate, each presenting their top six champions vying for the coveted title of African Spelling Bee Champion in both the senior and junior categories.
“Beyond being a competition, the event will be a celebration of Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the continent’s dedication to fostering education, unity, and excellence among its youth,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)
He was born some 53 years ago precisely the 17th day of March, 1972. Like most great leaders in this clime he shares a common Zodiac space with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with Prof Yemi Osinbajo, with yours sincerely, and with several other leaders and molders of thought whose Zodiac call is Pieces.
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a Lawyer with great interest in the Maritime sector, he is a Financial Analyst, and was the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited which is one of the most successful players in the Oil and Gas sector. He got to the pinnacle in his private business, BUT understanding however that one of the greatest vehicles of positive impact is political power geared at the common good. He chose to impact Enugu State like no one before him. Yes, he ran for political office and was elected Governor of Enugu in 2023.
Since he was sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th day of May 2023, Enugu State has become a huge construction site. Peter Mbah has lived true to the promises he made Ndi’Enugu. He has redefined governance with his ‘can-do’ disposition. To him the FUTURE IS HERE, and indeed Peter Mbah is a leader like no other.
One State has become the lead example of how the support for good Governance and profound leadership can be bi-partisan. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the Leader of the All Progressive Congress APC whilst commissioning some of the wonderful projects of Governor Peter Mbah was emphatic about the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah to Making A Difference and revolutionising leadership. The Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was at a forum in Enugu State not too long ago, and praised the Action Governor of Enugu State for showing how good leadership can transform a State. Take note Folks that Governor Peter Mbah belongs to a rival Party the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, but his strides in leadership defines a people’s predilection to Bi-partisan applaud for remarkable leadership. Yes, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a shining light, and he is unarguably the Star-Boy of the Fourth Republic.
The young man who is 53 years today maintains that his calling in leadership is to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ENUGU STATE (MAD IN ENUGU STATE), and he is remarkably MAD (Making A Difference) in just about everything that defines good governance. Yes, in the league of performing Governors, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a homo sequentum.
Peter Mbah is MAD about Infrastructural Development with the spread of Good Roads, ultra-modern infrastructure and Pipe-borne Water across the State. He is MAD about Healthcare with modern medical facilities springing up in the Wards and Local Government Areas of the State. His unalterable commitment is to make life better for Ndi’Enugu, and his creed is THE FUTURE IS HERE.
Peter Mbah is MAD about Education with Smart Schools and Improved learning infrastructure becoming the new norm in Enugu State. He is MAD about Urban and Rural Development. He is MAD about Wealth Creation, Skill Development, Agriculture, and Foreign Direct Investment for which an International Conference Centre, A complimenting Five Star Hotel, the Cargo Section of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, the repositioning of the Nike Lake Resort and many other world-class touristic and business enabling facilities are feats of the Enugu State government under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah.
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is MAD about the Security of Lives and Property, for which he set up the ultra-modern and sophisticated Enugu State Crime Control Centre from where premium time intervention in Crime Control is prime. From the Control Centre all the flashpoints of crime and violence are monitored, and within 5 minutes of any untoward action the Law Enforcement Agencies in the State are triggered to attend and put any untoward situation under control.
The Peter Mbah Government in pursuing a better secured State has supported the Security Agencies with Vehicles and several crime prevention facilities. The Government has also set up a Security Fund to augment State funding for improved security and expertise. To Governor Peter Mbah the task of securing and protecting Ndi’Enugu is the chief responsibility of his government.
I was opportuned to share a moment with Governor Peter Mbah 3 days after he was sworn in as the Governor of Enugu State, and when I enjoined him to make sure that he leaves his footprint on the sands of time, he retorted ‘Prof I am not just going to do that, I’m here to MAKE A DIFFERENCE’. And the difference is lucid as Enugu State is scoring remarkable firsts in several aspects of leadership in the Country.
Peter Mbah has done great in so many ways, and there are several mind-blowing and eye popping infrastructure in today’s Enugu State thanks to the enterprising commitment of the Governor and his Team.
The media is awash with the verifiable feats of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Partisans and non-partisans alike are awe-struck by the awe-inspiring strides of Enugu State under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah. Just a few weeks ago he was named the Governor of the Year 2024 by the Thisday and Arise TV Group. To the ebullient Governor of Enugu State the reward for good work, is more work, and such is the spirit and the commitment of the Peter Mbah led government.
Need I inform naysayers that no State in today’s Nigeria has the level of Pipe Borne Water Projects ongoing in today’s Enugu State. No State in Nigeria has the type of Smart Schools that Governor Peter Mbah is building across the State. And no State in Nigeria has the kind of Medical Centres and Facilities that Governor Peter Mbah is building across Enugu State. Indeed under the watch of Governor Peter Mbah the FUTURE IS HERE.
I celebrate Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as he turns 53 years today, and urge him to continue to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Enugu State. I commend his commitment to servant leadership. And challenge him to continue to redefine governance in Enugu State, for clearly Enugu State is unarguably one of the best governed States in today’s Nigeria, if not the very best.
Finally, I must challenge other State Governors to deeper commitment to the common good, for leadership is only true and right where the greatest number are catered to.
Happy Birthday to The People’s Governor. Happy 53rd Birthday to the Servant Leader whose resolve is THE FUTURE IS HERE. Enjoy Your Day, My Dear Brother.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.