Opinion
From Zik to Obasanjo to Yakubu, ‘fake death’ purveyors on the loose
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By Ehichioya Ezomon
There’s a resurgence of “false or fake” reports of death of prominent Nigerians spurned by the mischievous for inexplicable reasons. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, are among the latest victims of repeated reports of their deaths by mongers.
The canny thing about these reports is that they come mostly towards or at the end of the year, in November and December. Is it that the creators and spreaders of such rumours don’t want the affected to live into the New Year, or it’s mere coincidence that the news often appears at the twilight of the year?
The most (in)famous “false death” reports in Nigeria came in early November 1989 when news broke that the first President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Owelle of Onitsha, had passed away. He’s then 85.
Nigerians and members of the global community were shocked and saddened, such that many – even his kindred Igbo, friends and political associates – took the news on its face value, and began sending condolences to the Azikiwe family, and the Government and people of Nigeria, and making arrangements for a state burial for him.
But alas, the “Great Zik of Africa” was “alive, hale and hearty,” and unprepared yet to leave the world! He said so unmistakably by wishing the purveyors the death they’d wished him. Indeed, some of those emergency mourners and “arrangers” of Zik’s funeral died before he finally departed at 91 on May 11, 1996.
Prof. Olatunji Dare, a respected communication scholar, teacher, author, satirist, columnist and editorialist, is the first awardee of First Class in Mass Communication of the University of Lagos in 1973. A Professor of Communication, Emeritus, of the Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, USA, and a recipient of multiple Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards, he’s a journalism great, and among the best craftmen in the profession. He served as chair of The Guardian Editorial Board and Editorial Page Editor, and was one of the “intellectual editors” that moulded The Guardian into its mantra of “The Flagship of Nigerian Press”. The Editorial Adviser of The Nation since its inception, Dare recalled the media faux pas on Dr Azikiwe, in vivid prose, in a piece, “The day Zik didn’t die,” published in The Nation on November 8, 2016 (as excerpted below).
According to Dare, “Rumours of Zik’s death started swirling on Wednesday, November 8, 1989, apparently triggered by enquiries from a BBC correspondent about his condition. By Friday, the rumours had gained so much traction that two newspapers published speculations about his death.
“If any doubts lingered about Zik’s condition, they were dissolved by the newscast the NTA beamed to its fabled 30 million viewers the following night, almost one-half of it a moving depiction of Zik’s life and times. The newscast, a marvelous production featuring footage and archival material that captured Zik’s illustrious career, as well as moving tributes by those who knew him well, plunged the country into mourning.
“By Saturday, November 11, virtually every newspaper had the story of Zik’s reported death as front-page lead, in type size and headline vocabulary that sought to do justice to the great man’s memory. Even those newspapers that left some room for doubt still felt obliged to refer to Zik in the past tense. The obituaries were adulatory, as indeed they should be.
“At the convocation of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, in Kuru, near Jos, the assembled dignitaries reportedly observed a moment of silence in honour of Zik’s memory.
“The whole thing had begun with a ‘letter of condolence’ that Dr Kingsley Mbadiwe had sent with accustomed magniloquence to the Federal Government on the ‘passing’ of Zik. For good measure, he also sent a copy to the NTA. That letter, plus a statement issued on behalf of the ‘National Committee for the Transition of Dr Azikiwe’ by four prominent Nigerians, was all the NTA had relied on for its categorical pronouncement on so weighty a matter.
“Out-of-work politicians saw an opening and moved in swiftly. A First Republic legislator and former stalwart of the Zikist Movement, Chief RBK Okafor, panting as if he had sprinted all the way from Nsukka to Rutam House in Lagos, narrated breathlessly how he had cradled his “beloved Zik” in his arms and how, even as his life ebbed, the great nationalist had said to him: “Chief RBK Okafor, my political son, remember that I am a Pan-Africanist and should be given a Pan-African burial,” or words to that effect.
“When the tale appeared in cold print, Okafor denied it vehemently. He forgot that Ebube Wadibia, The Guardian’s resourceful and street-smart news editor, had caught him on audiotape word for word. It turned out that Okafor had not seen Zik in several years.
“Nor were desperate politicos the only groups with eyes on the main chance. At the airport lounge in Lagos, a person claiming to be a doctor told a Newswatch executive with critical solemnity that he had just come away from performing the autopsy on Zik and signing the death certificate. That disclosure won him instant celebrity.
“By lunchtime on Saturday November 11, reports of Zik’s death had fallen apart. Television network news on Saturday showed Zik alive and well in his living room talking with Colonel Robert Akonobi, the military governor of Anambra State and a team of journalists.
“Zik, it turned out, had been watching the newscast at his home in Nsukka with his vivacious wife Uche, thinking that it was his birthday tribute until he heard, ‘And may his great soul rest in peace.’
“What went wrong? Dr Azikiwe was of course not the most accessible of eminent Nigerians. Still, how was it that, for more than 36 hours, the entire news media and the government’s information machinery and the security apparatus could not establish his condition?
“Zik-gate (which Dare says was ‘invented’ by Eluem Emeka Izeze, ex-Editor, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of The Guardian) showed how narrowly the news media cast their net and how vulnerable they were. It was as if they had resolved not to let the facts get in the way of a ‘good’ story. If they had checked and re-checked, they would have saved themselves a shameful outing that they will never quite live down.
“And if a government obsessed with ‘national security’ had swung into action with all the resources at its disposal as the rumours spread, a national embarrassment would have been averted.”
Rounding off the beautiful article on the media failure on Dr Azikiwe, Dr Dare asked: Can Zik-gate happen today? And he answered in the negative, as “there are far more news sources, and the media have become more enterprising and sophisticated.”
But that’s before the age of social media in our clime! Because of the bitter lessons learned from the Zik episode, the media, for a while, appeared to self-censor from rushing to publish unverified news about the death of prominent Nigerians. It wasn’t that there weren’t false news about such occurrences, but they’re few and far apart.
On December 31, 2010, Obasanjo quoted one of his friends as saying that he’d “counted seven times” that Obasanjo’s rumoured to’ve died between 1999 and 2010. Obasanjo stated this at his Hill Top home in Abeokuta, capital city of Ogun State, when he addressed the news about his “demise.”
Obasanjo spoke to newsmen, thus: “I think people take delight in speculation and rumouring. A friend of mine told me this morning (December 31, 2010), breaking to me the news of my death, and he was trying to confirm. He said he had counted seven times that I have been rumoured dead since the eve of my inauguration in 1999 as a democratically-elected President of Nigeria till today.
“Those who indulge in this – and those who have superstitious belief that when there are rumours and speculations like this, it means longevity – will not give up. Whether longevity or not, what I know is that until the Good Lord, who has created me, decides to say yes, ‘I have reached my take-off point to return to Him,’ people may speculate, people may rumour and that will be their own handicap.
“My word to Nigerians is that wishes are not horses. People wish and God does not make it to happen. But I know that anybody created is bound to die sometimes. When my time comes, it will not be man that will decide; it is in the hands of God,” he said.
Obasanjo debunked the latest “fake news” about his death on November 26, 2024, during the inauguration of a dual carriageway in Osogbo, Osun State capital city, to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Going after the rumour peddlers with a “return-to-sender” message they’d intended for him, Obasanjo said: “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I was alive. Those who want me dead, that is their wish but God still keeps me alive.
“Why would anyone wish me dead? Those who harbour such thoughts will not escape tragedy themselves. This kind of rumour is not only disturbing but shows the extent to which some people misuse technology. It is unacceptable.”
As for Prof. Yakubu, the second rumour about his death came in December 2024, three years after a similar “fake news,” prompting the INEC chairman to declare that, “I am alive, hale and hearty,” and presented the itinerary of his activities in Nigeria during the timeframe of his reported hospitalisation in London.
A statement by Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media, claiming the purported death of the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December, 2024.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December, 2024.
“He also chaired the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December, 2024. Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday, 13th December, 2024.”
Recalling that “mischief-makers on social media carried a similar fake story in 2021,” Mr Oyekanmi warned that, “those who indulge in this practice, as well as those who spread it, should be mindful of its effect not only on the individual, but also the wider society,” pledging that the INEC “will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society.”
Will people stop to create and spread “false or fake” news about deaths of prominent Nigerians? Whose death will next be conjured? Will the media, as usual, fall for it without authentication? Such, in the words of Prof. Dare, will be a “shameful outing that they will never quite live down.”
Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. Can be reached on X, Threads, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp @EhichioyaEzomon. Tel: 08033078357
Opinion
2025 Budget Defence: JAMB Presentation and Policy Compliance
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By Yisa Usman MSc, FCA, FCTI
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently unveiled its 2025 budget proposal amid public scrutiny and growing concerns over transparency and compliance with fiscal policies.
A detailed examination reveals major issues, including breaches of government regulations, misclassification of JAMB’s operational framework, and questionable fund allocation. Lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Hon. Abiodun Faleke, have raised strong objections to its spending patterns, dual funding structure, and heavy dependence on exorbitant fees levied on financially burdened Nigerian families.
Compounding these concerns is a fundamental misrepresentation of JAMB’s status.
In the weekly JAMB Bulletin of January 20, 2025 (Vol. 4, No. 16), JAMB’s Public Relations Officer, erroneously described JAMB as a Government-Owned Enterprise (GOE). In the wake of the nationwide uproar that trailed the budget presentation, it is important first to correct the misleading characterization as JAMB’s role is that of a public institution, not a profit-driven enterprise.
Its primary mandate is to conduct matriculation examinations and facilitate equitable access to higher education in Nigeria.
JAMB operates as a service-oriented institution governed by Public Service Rules, Parliamentary Acts, and Extant Circulars. Its partial funding by the government further distinguishes it from a GOE, which typically relies solely on revenue from operations.
The misclassification of JAMB as a GOE risks distorting public understanding of its status and could justify operational practices inconsistent with its core mission.
The 2025 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance includes ₦1 billion for staff housing scheme and ₦1.1 billion for staff meals and refreshments.
These provisions violate the federal government’s monetization of fringe benefits policy (the Monetisation Policy) introduced in 2003 during the Obasanjo Administration.
The policy aimed to reduce the cost of running government, eliminate sources of wastes and leakages, improve attitude towards work, enhance the performance of the civil servants, and create a robust, efficient and effective civil service with improved service delivery.
The policy prohibits certain welfare expenditures in public institutions to reduce the cost of governance. Sadly, the prohibition is what JAMB under Prof. Ishaq Oloyede is trying to reverse unilaterally in clear violation of Section 13 of the Code of Conduct Act which prohibits public officers from undertaking actions that run contrary to any policy of the government.
JAMB’s justification for the listed expenses is not tenable. While citing rising food costs and the need to protect ICT infrastructure as reasons for the planned ₦1.1 billion for staff meals, for instance, it is notable that other public institutions with similar ICT infrastructure do not allocate funds for staff meals.
The argument on the increase in the cost of the meal from ₦1,200 to ₦2,200 per staff member, per day, is irrelevant, as the expenditure itself is illicit under the existing fiscal policy of the federal government.
A more sustainable and fiscally responsible approach to employee welfare lies in Section 4 of the Pension Reform Act 2014, which allows employers to make additional pension contributions for their staff.
By leveraging this provision, JAMB can enhance financial security in retirement through increased pension entitlements. Instead of allocating funds for staff feeding, redirecting these resources toward pension contributions would provide a more substantial, long-term benefit.
This strategy promotes prudent financial management while aligning with best practices in employee welfare and retirement planning.
Another notable concern is the excessive allocation of ₦850 million for security, cleaning services, and fumigation.
Realistic estimates suggest that these services should cost approximately ₦301.92 million annually, leaving an unjustifiable surplus of ₦548.08 million. Furthermore, JAMB’s claim of directly paying salaries to security personnel contradicts existing arrangements, as the agency outsourced its office security nationwide to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in 2016.
Since NSCDC personnel are already on the government payroll, any additional salary payments raise serious concerns about budget inflation and financial transparency. This discrepancy underscores the need for a thorough review of JAMB’s expenditures to ensure accountability and cost efficiency.
The proposed allocation of ₦6.4 billion for “Local Travel and Transport (Training)” appears to be inflated. Notably, historical Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditures, activities that fall outside JAMB’s statutory mandate, are embedded within this allocation, amounting to budgetary manipulation.
According to JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, a sum of ₦750 million is earmarked within this expenditure for the annual admission performance award, a CSR initiative of questionable relevance to JAMB’s core functions. It is worth noting that in the 2024 edition of this award, the University of Ilorin alone, an institution closely affiliated with the JAMB Registrar, received ₦500 million, raising concerns about the Registrar’s impartiality. Since the inception of the initiative, the University of Ilorin has remained the topmost beneficiary, further underscoring the need for scrutiny and transparency in JAMB’s financial allocations.
The inclusion of the ₦750 million further reflects misalignment with statutory responsibilities. Such funds should instead be redirected toward operational needs within the agency’s core mandate for fiscal efficiency. In the alternative, it should be applied to further subsidise the chargeable rates on candidates.
Public funds should be used strictly for JAMB’s statutory obligations, not for initiatives outside its mandate.
The unwarranted escalation of expenditure in JAMB’s budget is also largely driven by the excessive deployment of personnel for its examinations.
While ensuring the integrity of the process is important, the planned deployment of 10,500 personnel is excessive, especially considering JAMB’s substantial investment in technology to enhance operational efficiency. This overreach contradicts the agency’s widely publicized technological advancements and cost-saving measures.
JAMB must streamline its operations by reducing its reliance on excessive personnel. Investments in technology should be optimized to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Furthermore, inflated payments to ad-hoc personnel significantly contribute to rising operational costs, raising concerns about the Board’s financial prudence.
A thorough review of previous years’ payments is essential to determine whether the higher allowances granted to ad-hoc personnel are justified, particularly when compared to the compensation received by JAMB’s regular staff. Alarmingly, these payments exceed the federal government’s standardized rates for official assignments, with ad-hoc personnel receiving two to three times more than permanent staff. This disparity underscores serious concerns about transparency, budget discipline, and the overall efficiency of JAMB’s financial management.
To address these concerns, JAMB must prioritize transparency and fiscal accountability, ensuring its operations align with its statutory responsibilities and adhere to government regulations.
Public communication should accurately represent JAMB as a public institution rather than a Government-Owned Enterprise (GOE) to prevent the justification of inappropriate operational practices.
Additionally, JAMB should disclose its actual 2024 expenditures alongside the 2025 budget proposal to facilitate proper scrutiny. Illegal provisions, such as the ₦1.1 billion allocation for staff meals, must be eliminated, while inflated allocations for security, cleaning, and travel should be adjusted to reflect realistic requirements. Notably, the ₦850 million budgeted for security, cleaning, and fumigation is overstated by ₦548 million, raising serious concerns about financial prudence.
A thorough review of these expenditures is imperative to restore credibility and ensure responsible resource management.
Another critical concern is JAMB’s dual funding structure, which deviates from its statutory mandate.
Section 10 of the JAMB Act stipulates that government allocations should fund the agency’s operations, with revenue from other sources serving only as supplementary support.
However, JAMB has increasingly prioritized revenue collection, effectively operating as a revenue-generating body rather than a regulatory institution.
This shift imposes an undue financial burden on students and their families, contradicting the intended purpose of its funding framework and raising serious questions about the agency’s financial management and accountability.
Senator Oshiomhole described JAMB expenditures as exploitative, arguing that funds collected from poor students were being used to pamper staff and cover unnecessary costs.
The lawmaker also highlighted a lack of transparency in JAMB’s revenue disclosure, particularly the classification of over ₦1 billion as miscellaneous income. This lack of transparency runs contrary to Section 19 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 which requires that the estimates of revenue and expenditure is accompanied by a copy of the underlying revenue and expenditure profile for the next two years; and a report setting out actual and budgeted revenue and expenditure with detailed analysis of the performance of’ the budget for the 18 months up to June of the preceding financial year.
JAMB’s disclosure of its ₦4 billion remittance to the Consolidated Revenue Fund was met with criticism from Senator Oshiomhole, who argued that such remittances should not be commended, as they are extracted from struggling Nigerians. This underscores the urgent need for JAMB to reassess its fee structure to alleviate the financial burden on candidates.
With an estimated two million applicants, the remittance suggests an excess charge of ₦2,000 per candidate, highlighting the potential for a reduction in the basic application fee from ₦3,500 to ₦1,000. Additionally, Hon. Faleke questioned the rationale behind JAMB receiving ₦6 billion in government grants despite its substantial remittance, further emphasizing the need for financial transparency and policy review.
By addressing these concerns, JAMB can uphold its commitment to fiscal responsibility and refocus its resources on its primary mandate of ensuring equitable access to higher education.
This approach would not only align with fiscal discipline but also provide more meaningful welfare benefits to its employees in the long term. It will also foster the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu which emphasised economic empowerment as a core objective for both women and youths across the six geopolitical zones.
JAMB must also provide a comprehensive disclosure of all its revenue sources and applicable rates to ensure financial transparency.
This includes previously ambiguous categories, such as miscellaneous income, which is projected to generate over ₦1 billion in 2025. Given that chargeable rates range from ₦1,000 to ₦15,000 across various registrations and services, the lack of clarity in revenue reporting raises concerns about accountability.
A full breakdown of these revenue streams is essential to eliminate opacity, prevent financial mismanagement, and restore public trust in the agency’s financial operations.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) serves as a major revenue source, with a registration fee of ₦7,200. Similarly, candidates applying for Direct Entry admission are required to pay ₦5,700.
For cases requiring condonement, different rates apply based on whether the applicant possesses a JAMB number.
Condonement without a JAMB number costs ₦9,200, while those with a JAMB number are charged ₦5,000.
Inter-university transfers also incur fees depending on the origin of the institution. Transfers from foreign universities attract a fee of ₦5,000, the same amount charged for transfers from Nigerian universities.
Additionally, the normalization or change of admission letter for inter-university transfers costs ₦5,000, while the same process within the same university is charged at ₦2,500.
Applicants who need to correct errors in their records must also pay specific fees. Correction of names, gender, and state of origin or local government area (LGA) each costs ₦2,500.
However, correcting the date of birth is significantly higher at ₦15,000. Retrieval of a lost registration number is charged at ₦1,000.
Applicants enrolling in alternative study programs such as Open University, Part-Time, Distance Learning, and Sandwich programs registers with ₦4,200 each. Consultancy services for third-party examinations are available at variable rates, depending on the specific services required.
A detailed breakdown of the collections from the above sources in the past years shows that JAMB generates significant funds from fees beyond UTME and Direct Entry registrations which are the two main sources known to Nigerians. The lack of full disclosure further underscores concerns about transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, the calls for tenders published in the JAMB Bulletin of January 20, 2025 (Vol. 4, No. 16) and January 27, 2025 (Vol. 4, No. 17) for the supply of souvenirs once again raise concerns about compliance with government policies.
The Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, banned the procurement and distribution of souvenirs by Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2016 to promote fiscal prudence and prioritize essential services and infrastructure development.
The ban was part of a broader cost-cutting initiative to eliminate wasteful expenditures and ensure that limited financial resources were allocated to sectors that directly impact citizens’ well-being, such as health and education.
MDAs were encouraged to minimize expenses on non-essential items and focus on more impactful expenditures. This is also regularly amplified in the annual budget call circular.
Given this context, JAMB’s inclusion of souvenirs in its 2025 procurement plan appears to contradict the established government policy aimed at curbing unnecessary spending within MDAs. It is imperative for all government agencies to adhere to these directives to maintain fiscal discipline and uphold the principles of efficient resource utilization.
In light of the government’s ongoing efforts to manage public funds judiciously, it would be prudent for JAMB to review its procurement plans concerning souvenirs for efficient funds management.
JAMB’s 2025 budget proposal highlights significant deviations from fiscal policy and statutory responsibilities, imposing an undue financial burden on Nigerians. Importantly, it exposes systemic governance issues that demand urgent attention.
The agency’s presentation raises serious concerns about efficiency and adherence to statutory mandate.
The striking similarities in the budget presentation and budget padding, a scheme that inflates financial proposals beyond actual needs, further underscore the need for reform.
Such financial manipulation distorts transparency, facilitates corruption, and diverts scarce resources from critical socio-economic development initiatives. The consequences are severe. It fuels poverty, inequality, unemployment, and decline in living standards.
It would be recalled that in August 2023, JAMB again came under scrutiny for secretly recruiting about 500 staff without public advertisement, denying qualified Nigerian job seekers equal opportunities.
Sadly, the Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede openly disclosed on national television, during interrogation by the Committee on Federal Character on the secret recruitments, that he solicited applicants from State Governors, a statement that was promptly condemned by the committee for its insensitivity to the plight of those without God-father. Such violation raises concerns about transparency, favouritism, and systemic abuse.
To restore credibility, JAMB must uphold governance standards and ensure due process in all its practices.
It is also imperative that the agency align its practices with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda which aimed among other targets, to ease the sufferings of Nigerians and bring succor to the teeming population.
The Executive and Legislative arms must take decisive action to ensure that JAMB remains committed to its core mandate of facilitating admissions into tertiary institutions, rather than functioning as a revenue-generating entity.
The primary focus should be on conducting examinations at the most affordable rates for candidates, many of whom are teenagers, rather than prioritizing financial returns which the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede has increasingly emphasized since his assumption of office in August 2016.
It is deeply concerning that the agency is even now proposing initiatives such as a housing scheme for staff, free meals, and the procurement of souvenirs, all of which blatantly violate existing government policies. Such deviations must be swiftly reversed to realign JAMB with its rightful mission of serving aspiring Nigerian students, rather than pursuing expenditures that have no direct bearing on its core function.
Finally, to effectively address the concerns surrounding JAMB’s financial management, it is crucial for the presidency to commission an independent forensic audit of its operations under the current leadership.
Such an audit, devoid of partisanship, will serve as a vital tool in identifying and rectifying any irregularities, while simultaneously restoring public trust in the institution. It will also reinforce the principles of accountability and fiscal discipline. Moreover, ensuring that JAMB’s financial and administrative practices align with Mr. President’s broader reform agenda is critical to promoting fairness, inclusivity, and accessibility within the education sector, as well as advancing the ideals of responsible governance.
Yisa Usman is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. He is also a doctoral candidate in Accounting, specializing in Corporate Governance. ©Feb25.
Opinion
Trailblazing Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and Hassan Mamman Barguma: Visionary Duo for Adamawa’s future
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By Wilberforce Edward
In the annals of leadership and community development, few individuals have left as indelible a mark on their communities as Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguma. As Adamawa State prepares for its next phase of governance post-2027, these two trailblazers stand out as beacons of hope, progress, and transformative change. Their combined vision, experience, and commitment to public service make them an ideal duo to lead the state into a brighter future.
Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa, a young but accomplished leader, has already demonstrated his capacity to drive meaningful development across Adamawa State. Over the past decade, he has initiated and influenced numerous projects aimed at uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the people. Through his personal connections with stakeholders around the globe, Dr. Musa has significantly reduced unemployment among the youth by facilitating opportunities for over 600 young men and women to join the armed forces and paramilitary establishments. His efforts extend beyond military placements; countless unemployed youths have also secured jobs in various Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), thanks to his relentless advocacy and networking skills.
But Dr. Musa’s contributions are not limited to employment creation alone. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure in fostering development, he has taken it upon himself to build and rehabilitate rural roads, construct bridges, and establish skill acquisition training centers that cater to all segments of society, particularly marginalized groups such as indigent children. These initiatives reflect his unwavering dedication to empowering communities and bridging gaps in access to essential services.
Perhaps most commendably, Dr. Musa has sponsored—and continues to sponsor—numerous indigent students from across Adamawa State to pursue higher education in tertiary institutions nationwide. By investing in education, he is ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth and prosperity.
Complementing Dr. Musa’s achievements is Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguma, whose political career and community service credentials are equally impressive. Having served as Majority Leader of the Adamawa State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2019, representing Hong constituency, Barguma distinguished himself through his pragmatic approach to governance. During his tenure, he championed several people-friendly bills designed to address critical issues affecting his constituents and the broader populace. Beyond legislative work, Barguma invested heavily in infrastructural development, building and renovating schools, providing clean drinking water, and enhancing access to quality education—not only within his constituency but extending his reach far beyond.
Even after leaving office, Barguma remains deeply engaged in community development activities, leveraging his private business ventures to support initiatives that uplift lives. His commitment to serving others is evident in every project he undertakes, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated servant-leader.
The synergy between Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguma presents a unique opportunity for Adamawa State. Both leaders share common values and aspirations for the state, making their collaboration a natural fit. While Dr. Musa brings innovative ideas and global connections to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and spur economic growth, Hon. Barguma contributes deep-rooted understanding of local needs and effective strategies for implementing grassroots-level solutions. Together, they form a formidable partnership capable of driving sustained progress and inclusive development.
It is worth noting that the current administration under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has made significant strides in advancing the developmental agenda of Adamawa State. However, as we look toward 2027, it is imperative to consider fresh perspectives and new leadership paradigms that can build on existing successes and push the boundaries of what is possible. The duo of Dr. Musa and Hon. Barguma offers precisely this—a blend of youthful energy, visionary thinking, and practical experience poised to take Adamawa to greater heights.
Hon. Barguma, who is eyeing a seat in the National Assembly to represent the Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, shares Dr. Musa’s passion for collective advancement. If elected, he will bring the same level of diligence and foresight that characterized his tenure in the State Assembly, working hand-in-hand with Dr. Musa to ensure that the voices and needs of Adamawa residents are heard and addressed at both state and federal levels.
In conclusion, while respecting the contributions of those currently occupying public offices, it is crucial for the electorate to carefully evaluate the potential of emerging leaders like Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguma. Their shared vision, complementary strengths, and proven track records suggest that they possess the qualities needed to steer Adamawa State toward a prosperous future. As voters ponder their choices ahead of the 2027 elections, they would do well to consider supporting leaders who embody the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and integrity. Let us rally behind individuals who understand the power of unity and collective action, for in doing so, we secure a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and generations to come.
Let us think deeply and act wisely, bringing aboard leaders of like minds who will champion our collective development. In Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguma, Adamawa State may just find the perfect architects of its destiny.
Wilberforce Edward is a public affairs commentator writes from Abuja.
Opinion
NWDC: A timely intervention to accelerate North-West transformation
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By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
In recent times, the North-West region has been challenged with emerging threats to the security of lives, property with particular reference to banditry and kidnapping which have displaced thousands of families, dislocated communities from meaningful progress, and stunted economic activities, rendering the agricultural sector comatose and dimming hopes of industrialisation of the region.
The challenge above has negatively impacted the overall prosperity and development of the zone and this has become a cause for worry to all stakeholders in the region.
With an estimated population of 60 million people which is 28% of the country’s population occupying 23% of the total landmass of the country, North West Nigeria is home to over 10 million of the country’s 22 million heads of cattle; yet, the zone has been reported to have over 90% of its populace remaining in a state of multidimensional poverty, with an intensity ratio of 42.7 per cent, as of 2022, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
With this frightening rate of poverty and food insecurity in spite of the huge potential of the zone in becoming an agribusiness and agro-industry hub in Nigeria, many have canvassed for strategic intervention to complement what the state governments are doing in the region and thankfully the North-West Development Commission came in like an answered prayers to help connect the people of the zone to wealth while improving infrastructural development and driving good governance to the grassroots.
The establishment of the NWDC has been projected by stakeholders to, if well operated, would change the future of the North West and propel the transition and transformation of the region from its present state to a well nurtured, peaceful and flourishing region with economic advancements that will be a reference point in the country.
The North-West Development Commission was set up to facilitate the reconstruction of roads, houses, and business premises destroyed by multidimensional crises and tackle poverty, literacy level, ecological problems, and any other related environmental or development challenges in North-west states.
The Commission has a mandate to develop and implement strategies that promote economic growth, social development, and infrastructure improvement in the region
Overall, the North West Development Commission has the potential to drive meaningful development in the region. However, it must address concerns around governance, representation, and inclusivity to ensure its success.
The Commission being a Federal establishment is expected to tackle the key drivers of insecurity in the North-West Zone of Nigeria and it is in view if this that the commission has been seen as a crucial step in addressing the region’s challenges with the primary objective of serving as a catalyst for the development of the North-West region, leveraging its vast potential.
To achieve this, the commission is expected to focus on initiatives that promote economic growth, social development, and infrastructure improvement; this gives a sigh of relief to a region that needed all the necessary interventions and supports towards driving an economically viable region where its people would be empowered out of poverty.
The commission which is saddled with a huge task, didn’t just happen but was birth through determination, love and patriotism exhibited by a leader whose constant concern is about the wellbeing of not just Kano State or the entire North-West but Northern Nigeria as a whole; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, is the man in this good context.
Senator Barau Jibrin, representing Kano North, sponsored the bill to establish the commission, which was first read in the red chamber in November 2019, and the second reading was in 2020 until it became an Act on 24th July 2024 and today, the North-West now have a Commission original to it.
History, it’s said, has a way of being kind to those who fought for the good of others.
In the words of Harold Samuel Kushner, an American best-selling author and lecturer, “When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world”
Sen. Barau Jibrin has in more ways than one changed the world of the North-West region with his kind-natured approach to leadership which ensured that he not only sponsored the bill but stood gallantly and firmly towards the realisation of the North West Developmebt Commission which has been described as the dawn of a new era for development in the region.
Without mincing words, discussions about NWDC will never be complete in any good context without acknowledging the unwavering commitment and timely contribution of the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin which snowballed into the Commission we now have in the region to address the longstanding yet numerous socio-economic issues that have plagued the region.
No doubt, the NWDC will create jobs, impact lives and lift millions of people from the region, out of poverty. One of the highlights of whatever benefits that will come out as a result of the establishment of the NWDC, will always revolve around Jibrin’s doggedness to ensuring that the bill never became a miscarriage but delivered though with the Deputy Senate President’s tireless efforts yet refreshing results for the entire region.
Many political observers have tagged this effort from Senator B. Jibrin as the best legislative outing ever seeded by him and whose fruits would ripen with time for everyone to truly appreciate especially as the Commission, hurriedly embark on activities that would spearhead the reconstruction and development of this strategically important region which holds a whole lot to the agricultural wealth of the region and Nigeria at large.
The NWDC is one of the proves that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is undoubtedly a great pursuer of development and inclusive growth of every part of Nigeria.
In July 2024, Tinubu gave a presidential assent to the establishment of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) alongside the South East Development Commission (SEDC), marking a significant milestone in efforts aimed at addressing developmental challenges and promoting regional growth in Nigeria.
The NWDC Bill becoming law remains a pathway towards revitalising one of Nigeria’s most critical yet beleaguered regions.
No doubt, the NWDC’s programmes and activities would in no small measure play critical role in restoring hope of a stronger and united country while ensuring stability, security, and development for the North-West zone.
Barely two weeks ago, the Senate confirmed the nominees for the North West Development Commission (NWDC) led by Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman of the commission and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Other confirmed board members of the NWDC include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq, Yahaya Aminu Abdullahi, Hon. Engr Muhammad Ali Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali, Chukwu Chijtoke, Ahmed Mohammed, Engr. Ahmed Rufai, Timasantyu, Macdonalds Michael Uyi And Hon. Babatunde Dada.
With the confirmation and the pedigree of Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director and CEO of the North West Development Commission alongside the team of professionals in the commission, there is no doubt that the NWDC is an harbinger of good fortunes for the region.
For those who know Prof. Ma’aji and his penchant for professionalism, integrity and sheer commitment to diligence, it could be said that the NWDC is in good and capable hands to achieving its mandate and liberating the people of the North-West region and it is in that light that all hands must be on deck to support Prof. Ma’aji and his team, to deliver the goods for the region.
We hope that Prof. Ma’aji will quickly hit the ground running so that our people in the North -West region will start benefitting from the good intentions behind the establishment of the commission.
Ibrahim Sani Shawai is a public analyst from Kano and can be reached via shawai2000@yahoo.com
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