National
Take It Back, Others Call Off Protest In Northern Central States
Three groups, Take It Back (North Central), Middle Belt Economic Forum, and Renewed Hope Prosperity Ambassadors have called off the planned protest in the Northern states, including Abuja.
The groups cited concerns about the potential for destabilization and harm to their communities as the reason for their decision.
The groups which made this known at a joint press conference on Tuesday in Abuja said the decision was made after a careful appraisal of the situation and a fruitful interaction with the Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev.
In his address, Dr. Amodu Ben also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and other critical stakeholders in the North Central for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region.
“We have come to this decision not out of fear or intimidation, but out of a deep understanding of the current political climate and the potential consequences of our actions,” said Dr. Amodu Ben.
Ben said they also took into account the developmental programs being driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda.
The groups recognized the right to protest as an inherent and fundamental aspect of citizenship but emphasized the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue to avoid catastrophic consequences.
Ben observed instances where peaceful protests have rapidly escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in widespread destruction, loss of life, and immense human suffering.
They, however, urged citizens to redirect their energies towards constructive dialogue and engagement with the government.
“Let us join forces to build a brighter future for the Middle Belt region, one that is founded upon the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation,” Dr. Ben said.
“We would like to seize this opportunity to express our heartfelt commendation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other critical stakeholders in the North Central,” he said.
“Their tireless efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region have not gone unnoticed, and their dedication to the well-being of our nation is truly commendable.
“These exceptional individuals have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to prioritizing the interests of our nation above personal agendas, exemplifying a profound understanding of the intrinsic value of peaceful coexistence and the preciousness of human life, which is a cherished asset to families, states, and our country as a whole.
“We also extend our unreserved and heartfelt commendation to President Tinubu for his indefatigable efforts in constructing the nation of our collective aspirations. Notwithstanding the formidable challenges, he remains steadfast in his endeavors, tirelessly striving to alleviate the burdens of our citizens and enhance their overall well-being.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the President’s diligent efforts to improve the lives of citizens, and we must unite in our support and collaboration with him to achieve our shared objectives. The President’s development agenda, as exemplified by the initiatives of the Ministry of Water Resources, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress and advancement.
“Let us join forces to build a brighter future for the Middle Belt region, one that is founded upon the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation, and where the collective efforts of our citizens can flourish, yielding a harmonious and thriving society for generations to come.”
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.