***Describes Him as a Model for Nigerian Governors

Former Kano State Governor and Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has praised the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his exceptional leadership and development strides, calling him a model for other governors across Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made these remarks at the 60th birthday celebration of Bishop Idahosa Isaac Odiri held in Lagos over the weekend.
A statement by Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser on Print Media to Governor Bago, quoted Kwankwaso to havecommended Bago’s focus on agriculture, education, and youth empowerment, which he described as critical areas for sustainable development.

“Governor Bago has demonstrated visionary leadership and a commitment to transforming Niger State. His achievements set a high standard that other governors in Nigeria should aspire to,” Kwankwaso stated.

Although Kwankwaso’s son-in-law, Abba Yusuf, governs Kano State under the NNPP, he emphasized that political affiliation should not hinder the recognition of good governance.

“You don’t have to be a member of my party for me to appreciate your good work. I believe in recognizing excellence wherever it is found, and Governor Bago is doing exceptionally well,” he said.

Kwankwaso revealed that Governor Bago had consulted him before assuming office to gain insights into effective governance, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, and infrastructure, based on Kwankwaso’s successes in Kano.

“It’s been two years now, and I can confidently say that Governor Bago has lived up to expectations. I urge other governors to follow his example and prioritize the welfare of their people,” he added.

Kwankwaso particularly highlighted Bago’s initiative to sponsor students abroad for science-related courses as a forward-thinking move, emphasizing that investing in youth is the key to long-term development.

“Investing in young people is the best investment any government can make. If you continue on this path, the youth will remember and appreciate your efforts in the years to come,” he advised.

Addressing the perception that leadership is about accumulating wealth, Kwankwaso stressed the importance of impactful governance.

“Leadership is not about amassing wealth; it’s about making a lasting impact. Governor Bago’s achievements within this short period show he understands this responsibility,” Kwankwaso said.

Governor Bago’s performance has earned him national recognition, including his recent nomination as The Sun Governor of the Year for his contributions to Niger State’s development.

The event in Lagos brought together prominent figures from various sectors, all united in celebrating Bishop Idahosa Isaac Odiri and discussing the role of leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central/PDP) has called on the Federal Government to adopt successful diaspora engagement strategies similar to those of Ethiopia, Egypt, and India to boost Nigeria’s economic growth.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the UNDP-supported SMEDAN Makerspace and Solarised Garment-Making Centre in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan cited Ethiopia’s flourishing textile industry as a prime example.
She noted that Ethiopia now hosts over 80 textile factories producing clothing for top international brands, including Levi, Wrangler, H&M, Calvin Klein, and Gap.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s leather goods sector supplies products to markets in Italy, showcasing the country’s broad industrial reach.
“All the cotton used by H&M is sourced from Ethiopia,” Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed out, emphasizing that such growth was made possible by the strong involvement of Ethiopia’s diaspora community, which attracted investment and built strategic international alliances.
Drawing parallels, the senator suggested Nigeria could mirror these successes by fostering deeper partnerships with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), international organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and global diaspora networks.
“As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, we met yesterday, and one of the key focus areas identified was harnessing diaspora funding, skills, and technology transfer,” she stated. “This would enable us to follow the path of African countries like Ethiopia and Egypt that have effectively leveraged their diaspora opportunities.”

The SMEDAN Makerspace, sponsored by UNDP, is designed to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The facility offers a solar-powered garment-making center with 24-hour electricity, addressing one of the most persistent challenges faced by entrepreneurs—unreliable power supply.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the transformative potential of empowering SMEs, noting that Nigeria’s estimated 40 million SMEs could significantly scale up and sustain the nation’s economy if provided with the right support.

“Empowering SMEs isn’t just about job creation; it’s about sustaining the grassroots economy and fostering innovation that can ripple through the national economy,” she said. The senator also pledged to replicate the project in all 36 states of Nigeria and advocated for similar facilities in her home state of Kogi to support garment makers and reduce their reliance on inconsistent electricity.
In his remarks, SMEDAN Director-General Dr. Charles Odii highlighted the Makerspace’s potential to revolutionize the garment industry in Abuja and beyond. He explained that the factory is a hub where tailors and entrepreneurs can access high-quality equipment powered by a reliable solar energy system.

“This is a space where talent meets opportunity. With 24-hour solar power, tailors can work, learn, and scale their businesses without the usual disruptions,” Odii said.

UNDP Country Representative Elsie Attafuah echoed this sentiment, noting the critical role young Nigerians can play in driving economic transformation if provided with the right environment. “We believe in the potential of Nigerian youths to lead the country’s economic revival. This facility addresses long-standing power challenges and enhances SME productivity,” she said, revealing plans to expand the initiative nationwide in partnership with SMEDAN.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Senators Ede Dafinone and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, and other UNDP representatives. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of SMEs as pivotal drivers of Nigeria’s economic future.

With the launch of the SMEDAN Makerspace, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for a diaspora-driven economic strategy could signal a new chapter in Nigeria’s development trajectory, harnessing both local talent and international support to build a more resilient economy.

Despite being held in detention in Finland, controversial Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa has continued to exert influence over the Biafran separatist movement, introducing two new bills aimed at addressing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The announcement, made during a virtual cabinet meeting of the self-declared United States of Biafra (USB), underscores Ekpa’s unwavering grip on the movement even from behind bars.
Ekpa’s legislative push comes in the wake of escalating violence in the region, notably the recent massacre in Nkalaha community where over 20 people were killed.

The two bills—the Rights to Bear Arms and Self-Defence Act 27/2025 and the Arms Manufacturing Bill Act 28/2025—are designed to empower Biafrans to protect themselves against what Ekpa describes as state-sponsored violence and unchecked aggression from non-state actors.
Ekpa, who has been a polarizing figure since taking up the mantle of leadership after Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, remains a force in Biafran politics despite his legal troubles abroad.
His detention in Finland, related to alleged incitement of violence in Nigeria, has not stopped him from maintaining control over USB operations.
The introduction of these bills suggests a calculated effort to solidify his leadership and reinforce his vision for a militarized Biafra capable of self-defense.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of USB, the urgency of these legislative measures was emphasized. “Self-defence is necessary to the security of liberty and a free state.
The right of the people to keep and bear arms for the purpose of defending themselves and the state shall not be infringed,” the statement read.

The second bill, which proposes the establishment of local arms manufacturing capabilities, is aimed at reducing dependency on external sources for weapons and increasing the self-reliance of the separatist state. “The United States of Biafra, as a state, is tasked with obtaining the means to locally manufacture weapons of a defensive nature to be used to defend the State and people,” Dr. Orabueze stated.

Ekpa’s legislative efforts are a direct response to recent violence in the South-East, where security forces and non-state actors have been implicated in a wave of killings. According to a report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), 180 people were killed in the Biafra territory between December 2024 and January 2025.

Despite these alarming statistics, Nigerian security agencies have remained conspicuously silent, offering no official response to the report. This silence has fueled accusations of complicity and further alienated the South-East from the central government, adding more weight to separatist rhetoric.
Ekpa’s ability to govern and legislate from detention highlights a unique dynamic in modern separatist movements, where physical presence is no longer a prerequisite for leadership. Leveraging digital platforms and virtual meetings, Ekpa continues to rally support and steer the Biafran cause from afar.

However, his activities have drawn sharp criticism both within Nigeria and internationally.
Human rights groups have accused him of inciting violence through his broadcasts, while others argue that his legislative push could escalate tensions in the region.
There are growing calls for his repatriation to Nigeria to face charges related to his alleged role in the violence.

Meanwhile, his supporters see his detention as part of a broader strategy by international powers to stifle the Biafran movement.
The proposed bills are seen by many in his camp as a necessary step toward self-determination and the protection of Biafran communities.

As Ekpa’s influence persists despite his detention, the question remains: how sustainable is a separatist government led from a foreign prison? The introduction of these bills could embolden supporters on the ground, but it also risks further militarizing an already volatile region.

With the Nigerian government’s continued silence and the increasing polarization in the South-East, the situation remains precarious.
Ekpa’s latest legislative maneuvers are not just an assertion of his leadership—they’re a challenge to the Nigerian state’s authority and a signal that the Biafran struggle is far from over, even if its leader is thousands of miles away.