The Russian President, Vladimir Putin has announced that his government has forgiven African nations’ cumulative debts amounting to $23 Billion The Russian President, spoke at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit at the weekend. He said that Russia is participating in efforts to relieve the debt burden of African countries, saying: “to date, the total amount of debt we have written off is 23 billion dollars. “According to the latest requests from African countries, we will allocate more than $90 million more for these purposes and their development.” This followed his earlier promise that Russia would give six African nations up to 50,000 metric tons of free grain in the next three to four months in spite of sanctions on Russian exports.
Operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) have queried the Kogi State candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 11 governorship election, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. Usman Ododo was said to have been invited by the security agency on the basis of a strong petition written against him by a group of opposition political parties. He was said to have been quizzed for several hours yesterday, July 29, in the Lokoja office of the DSS and finally allowed to go. The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, was among government officials who accompanied Ododo to the DSS office. Fanwo, who spoke to newsmen shortly after Ododo was asked to go, described the petition against the APC governorship candidate as “frivolous.” “We commend the professionalism of the DSS and pledge our co-operation to whatever measures taken or that would be taken to ensure a peaceful Kogi and a peaceful poll in November 2023. “We assure supporters of the APC governorship candidate that he has since left the DSS Office to continue his consultations with Kogites ahead of the Guber poll. “Our commitment to peace and tranquility is iron cast. Every Kogite and every supporter of Ahmed Usman Ododo should endeavour to be peaceful in all their activities towards the election,” Fanwo said.
The newly turbanned members of the Ebira Council of traditional title holders in Kogi State have assured the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, of putting their best to improve the socio economic and political situation in the land. Speaking today, July 29, on behalf of the beneciaries of the titles, the crowned Onizeiza (Truth Bearer or Dan Amana) of Ebira, Alhaji abu IMAM (Mayor) said: “for this honour done to us by Your Royal Majesty sir, we declare that we will live to do more for Ebira. “We will do as much as we can to lift up the downtrodden as much as possible, and to restore hope and encourage our young ones to know that it pays to do good for the land and its people.” abu IMAM said that the honour being conferred on them because of the little contributions they have made for the community, would gear them up to contribute more to the peace, unity and progress of Ebira land. “We pledge to Ebira land to work tirelessly to preserve her peace and unity and to be our brother’s keepers, in harmony, tolerance and perseverance. “We promise you all, to uphold the virtues for which our titles are given, as to whom much is given much is expected.” abu IMAM thanked God that it was during the reign of the present Ohinoyi, Ado Ibrahim, that an Ebira man, in the person of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, became the governor of the state, which Ebira people fought for it to be created. “We pray for the repeat of the blessing of God on our brother, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the APC gubernatorial candidate, come November 11, 2023, to emerge as the next Governor of our dear State.” The turbanning of the three illustrious sons of Ebira land, Hon. Kabiru Ajana, Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta and abu IMAM, drew a lot of personalities, including the representative of Attah Igala, representatives of the state government, traditional rulers from the neighbouring communities to the palatial Azad Palace, rated as the best Palace in West Africa.
The turbanning was supervised by the Chiroma of Ebira land and former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Ataba Mohammed Sani Omonori.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the payment of another batch of half salary debt alongside the state workers’ July salary. A statement today, July 29 by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said that the fresh payment is the third time the Governor will pay the half salary debt in line with the template issued early this year to pay the debt on a quarterly basis. The statement said that the administration has paid that of the first and second quarters while workers will receive the third quarter payment alongside their July salary. It said that Governor Adeleke had, during the electioneering campaign, promised to pay the salary debt on installments basis. The statement said that Governor Adeleke inherited about 26 billion naira in half salary debt and about 50 billion naira in pension related debt from the previous government. The Governor was quoted as restating his commitment to the faithful implementation of the template for the payment of the inherited salary debt. According to him, the template is a consensus among all stakeholders on how to exit the half salary rope. “I want to assure Osun workers that the payment is progressing as scheduled. Despite the tight fiscal situation, we are prioritising workers welfare by paying the inherited debt on installment basis. “As a government of the people, by the people and for the people, we will remain focussed on human development even as we work to upgrade our infrastructure and develop our local economy.”
Today, July 29, abu IMAM popularly known as Mayor, was crowned as Onizeiza (Ebira word for Honest Person or Truth Bearer or Hausa word for Dan Amana) of Ebira, by the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Dr. Ado Abdulrahman Ibrahim, in his palatial palace, Okene, Kogi State.
The turbanning of abu IMAM as Truth Bearer, brings to mind, a popular saying that one would reap whatever one sows. If you sow evil, be rest assured that evil is what you will reap no matter how long it takes. The good thing about sowing and reaping is the length of time; days, months and even years it would take to manifest in tandem with what has been put forth.
A philosopher, a mother and author of Amazon’s top 100 best sellers, J. B McGee, put it this way: “Cultivate your craft. Water it daily, pour some tender loving care into it, and watch it grow. Remember that a plant doesn’t sprout immediately. Be patient, and know that in life, you will reap what you sow” This is even as Germany Kent says: “Keep expecting and believing that your due is coming. Declare that the good you have harvested in your life will manifest.”
Talking about truth, trust and honesty upon which abu IMAM (Mayor) was being crowned, brings home succinctly, the saying in the Christendom that truth shall set one free. It’s also a justification of the saying by Daniel Webster, the 14th and 19th U.S Secretary of State under Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler and Millard Fillmore, in his speech that “there is nothing so powerful as truth – and often, nothing so strange (like it).”
Human beings know the beauty of truth but ironically, keep it at arm’s length because of the “damages” it can cause the untruth.
However, abu IMAM had long chose to thread on this delicate part of life, moulded through the family he found himself in, and beyond that, through the path Allah had chosen for him.
Of course, there could be temptations as he journeyed through life, to deviate from this difficult path, but he decided to doggedly cling to it, whatever it would amount to.
And, like a clearing dew in the dark sky, his aversion to truth and honesty have come into the open, recognized and being celebrated by no other than the community into which he was born and sprang up, through no other personality than the first class traditional ruler and acting chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council; the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Dr. Ado Abdulrahman Ibrahim (CON).
This is coming to him while he’s still alive, long after choosing the right but difficult path of being averse to, and being in love with truth: the truth that has not just set him free from the yolk of dangerous innuendos of humanity, but has been recorded and being reworded, with the traditional title of Onizeiza (Truth Bearer – Dan Amana) of Ebira.
And who is abu IMAM?
Alhaji Abubakar Imam, abu IMAM, as he preferred to be addressed, was born in the early 1970’s, in Okene, Kogi State, to the family of Sheikh Imam Yahaya Tajudeen of blessed memory, the official appointed Chief IMAM of Ebiraland. His birth heralded the end of the Nigerian civil war on the12th January 1970. He can, therefore, rightly be described as a harbinger of peace.
As a matter of fact, abu IMAM comes from a religious background where the fear of Allah was instilled in him. His grandfather, Sheikh Imam Yahaya Tajudeen, the first Chief Imam of Ebiraland, his father, Imam Abdulrahim Yahaya Tajudeen, along with his brother, Alhaji Jimoh Abdulrahim, the Wali of Ebiraland, who are all now late – (May Allah accept and grant their souls the highest place in paradise (Aljanah firdaus), are among those he looked up to on their legacies of selfless service to humanity and working towards being able to measure up to the standards they set.
abu IMAM was brought up to be honest, hardworking, and disciplined with integrity and service to humanity, which is the hallmark and legacy of his family who are notable Islamic scholars in Ebiraland and beyond.
He commenced his educational pursuit when he attended the Native Authority Primary school (NA) from 1976 – 1982, before enrolling into Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial college for his primary and secondary school education between 1982 – 1987 both in Okene, Kogi state.
Upon obtaining his first bachelor’s degree in economics from the prestigious Bayero University in Kano (between 1992 – 1998), Alhaji Abubakar Imam proceeded to bag his Master’s Degree in Political Economy and Social Development from the University of Abuja.
The young abu IMAM began his independent career pursuit at LAKESIDE ESTATE COMPANY LIMITED with his brother Alhaji Zakariyau Saka Abdulrahim, one time Director for Lands Administration in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Where he underwent the compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC).
Impressed by his diligence, effectiveness and efficiency, he was thereafter retained at Lakeside Estate Company Limited and employed as the firm’s Manager from the 1998 – 2002. It was at Lakeside Estate Company Limited that Alhaji Abubakar Imam picked interest and chose a career path in the Estate and Property Development sector, before taking the bold step to set up his own estate Company in Abuja, known as LEASIDE ESTATE & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. LTD, which he has diligently ran as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Alhaji Imam’s career is fueled by an insatiable curiosity to excel and a passion towards helping people to meet their property needs. He has and continues to make extraordinary contributions in the real estate and property development industry to the admiration of many.
The MAYOR, as his friends and business associates fondly call him, has mentored and encouraged many young people at every stage in their careers, motivating them to reach their highest potentials.
As Almighty Allah wills, he is blessed to be married to a beautiful and virtuous woman, Hajiya Saidat Obadaki Imam, and their union has been blessed with five bright and wonderful children, namely;
Imam Ali-assad
Imam Omar-sudais
Imam Othman-fawaz
Fatima-Nadia Iman and
Yasmin-Zainab Imam.
With the support of his lovely family, they have continued to uphold the dictates of Islam and continue to contribute to peace and community development.
It is not surprising therefore that he initiated and champions the Ebira Peace Project and the ProudlyAnebira Group for the unity, peace and development of Ebiraland in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
With his successful achievements both in business and personal life, along with his deep involvement in community development, the business icon and philanthropist has received several recognitions in appreciation of his human capital development and services to humanity.
To mention a few of the honours and awards, both local and international, held by Alhaji Abubakar Imam are;
Kwame Nkrumah leadership Award.
IPCR/UNDP Youth Award – 2007-2008
UNESCO peace Award as Ambassador of Peace.
National Association of Ebira Students Awards as a Mentor to the youths.
Youth Federation for World Peace – as Youth Ambassador for Peace
The pan African transparent leadership center awarded him the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah gold award for leadership, in recognition of his exemplary antecedents and transparent virtues.
Most Supportive Personality by Ebira Carnival Award.
Award for Meritorious Service in International Peace by Rotary Club, District 9130.
Ohueje Ohinoyi Ebira cultural heritage festival, awarded him as cultural ambassador for his contributions and commitment to the empowerment of women and youth towards the progress of Ebiraland.
Ebira community secondary school old students association awarded him the golden jubilee community development award for youth community development effort in Ebiraland.
He was Recognized as a youth ambassador for peace by the Universal Peace Federation and youth federation for world peace. Among others.
abu IMAM, in a nutshell, is one of Nigeria’s distinguished and established estate and property consultant, developer, manager and Agent. He is an illustrious son of Ebira, whose outstanding achievements represents nothing but excellence.
His trajectory in life is guided by the pursuit of truth, justice, fairness, right over might, and selflessness, portraying him oozing with abundant energy and driven by desire to help others to succeed and achieve the highest goals in their field of endeavours.
abu IMAM is, indeed, one of the few individuals that always stands for the truth no matter how it affects him. He finds deep pleasure in assisting others to make their lives more meaningful. He has inspired others to achieved greatness. His drive and passion are infectious and what he has been able to achieve through his contribution for the betterment of the society over the years cannot be covered in this short citation.
With such strength of character, courage and contributions to societal development which confirms him as worthy son of Ebira land, His Royal Majesty, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland did not find it difficult to confer on him “THE ONIZEIZA” ( Dan-Amana) Ebira on him.
On the whole, abu IMAM, the son of Imam Abdulrahim and the grand son of Sheikh IMAM Yahaya Tajudeen, being one of the most ebullient personality in the society, with great faith, loyalty, faithful and honest, now enters the TRUTH BEARER, which translates to mean, HONEST, TRUTHFULL and TRUSTWORTHY man in Ebira nation.
One of the Ministerial nominees presented to the Senate on July 27 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is Muhammad Idris, a renowned entrepreneur. He is easily known as the Publisher of Blueprint newspapers, based in Abuja, Nigeria, but people refer to him simply as chairman. Muhammad Idris, who holds the traditional title of Kakaaki Nupe, in Niger State, is a nominee from Niger State, North Central Nigeria. His mission statement is based on providing a purposeful and result-oriented leadership at the highest level of policy formulation and implementation in the executive branch of the Nigerian government to engender national growth and development. PERSONAL PROFILE Accomplished media entrepreneur, Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) philanthropist, political leader and a family man. PERSONAL DATA Marital Status: Married with Children Date of Birth:May 2nd 1966 State of Origin: Niger state Local Govt. Area: Gbako EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WITH DATES 1995: Masters Degree in English (M.A English) -Bayero University, Kano 1987: Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (B.A English) -University of Sokoto (now Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto) 1984: Pre-Degree Programme at the University of Sokoto (now Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto) 1983: Zungeru College of Advanced Studies, Bida, Niger State 1982: Senior School Certificate – Government Secondary School, Rijau, Niger State 1977: First School Leaving Certificate-Central Primary School, Kontagora, Niger State COURSES, CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED Attended several local and international workshops and conferences on public relations, media entrepreneurship and leadership POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS 2019-2023: Helped to Reposition and Rebrand the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State WORK EXPERIENCE BIFOCAL COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED (a leading Public Relations company in Nigeria) 1996-Date: Chairman and Lead Consultant Has been the Lead Consultant and visioner of the company for over 30 years; leading the team to provide communications solutions to clients in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy Served as Communications Consultant to the Federal Government Project to promote Girl Child Education in Nigeria from 2007 to 2009 Served as Communications Consultant on the Promotion of Nomadic Education in Northern Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2007 to 2009 Led the committee that developed and implemented Training Guide for Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) across Nigeria from 2009 to 2011 Appointed as Communications Consultant by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 2017 to 2021 Facilitated the Design and Implementation of Strategic Communications Guidelines for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in 2019-2022 BLUEPRINT NEWSPAPERS (Publishers of Blueprint, Blueprint Weekend and Manhaja (the Hausa language title) 2011- Till Date: Publisher and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Created a major disruption in the coverage of government policies, incisive analysis and reportage of major events in Nigeria Led the Editorial team of the Newspaper on a ground-breaking approach to the coverage of security issues and counter terrorism efforts of the Federal Government in Northern Nigeria. Hosted The Blueprint Annual Impact Series and Awards, one of the largest and longest-running conferences on social, political and economic policies by a Media Organization in Northern Nigeria since 2019. Led Blueprint Newspapers (Blueprint, Blueprint Weekend and Manhaja) to become the second most read newspapers in Northern Nigeria Recognized as one of the most astute Publishers in Nigeria by the Northern Media Forum and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) BLUEPRINT TELEVISION (BTV Hausa) The Newest Hausa Language Television channel in Nigeria 2023-Date: Chairman/Chief Executive Officer ABUJA PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (APDC) Served at F.C.T.A – Owned Property Development Company January, 2023-June, 2023: Re-appointed Chairman, Board of Directors 2017-2022: Chairman, Board of Directors ADMINISTRATIVE INTERVENTIONS AT APDC. Led the management of APDC to the completion of a Permanent Head Office Complex after over 10 years of operating from a rented office space OTHER POSITIONS HELD 2000-2011: Editor-in-Chief, The Market (the first Business-oriented Magazine in Northern Nigeria) 2004-2008: Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kaduna State Chapter 2004-2007: Vice Chairman, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) 2008: Became a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 2018-2021: Publicity Secretary, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) 2020-Date: Secretary General, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) 2021-Date: Member, International Press Institute (IPI) 2021: Nigerian Delegate to the World Press Congress in Switzerland by the IPI Member, US-based Online News Association Member, Northern Media Forum Member, Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 2022: Media Icon Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists 2022: Special Recognition Award by National Association of Niger State Students (NANIS) 2021: Meritorious Service Award by Abuja Property Development Company (APDC) 2021: Appointed and Turbaned as Kakaaki Nupe by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar 2021-Date: Chairman, Kings Broadcasting Limited; owners of WE FM 106.3, Abuja 2014: NIPR Presidential Special Recognition Award for Meritorious Service to the Public Relations Profession and Humanity. 2007: Distinguished Service Award by the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) HOBBIES Reading and Networking. Other nominees and their profiles are as follows: Abubakar Momoh is from Etsako East LGA of Edo State. A civil engineer, and a two-time member of the house of representatives for Edo North senatorial district. He was the leader of the mass defection from PDP to APC in 2019 elections
Mohammed Dangiwa, a Nigerian politician and chieftain of Kankian Katsina. He has over 30 years of experience in real estate, infrastructure development, and management. He has held positions as Managing Partner of AM Design Consult and in Jarlo International Nig. Ldt. Dangiwa is a professional architect, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects. He holds an MSc and MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is an alumnus of Wharton University, Pennsylvania. Mr Dangiwa contested in the APC governorship primary election in Katsina State in May 2022.
Hanatu Musawa, is a lawyer, a newspaper columnist, and the Deputy Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). She is the current Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment to President Bola Tinubu. She holds a degree in law from the University of Buckingham, UK, and took a Postgraduate master’s Degree in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales. She also has a Postgraduate master’s Degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen. She is completing a Doctorate, which she has been doing part-time.
Yusuf Maitama Tugar: a Nigerian politician and diplomat, has been the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany since 2017. Born in 1967, Tukur served as a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing Gamawa and twice running for Bauchi State Governor. He was involved in the 23rd Session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and facilitated German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s state visit to Nigeria. In 2020, he attended a meeting with Siemens in Germany over Nigerian power sector projects but tested negative for COVID-19.
Uche Nnaji, a businessman and politician from Enugu State, was born into a coal-city family. Nnaji was a one-time senatorial aspirant in the Enugu East Senatorial Zone. He Won the senatorial ticket of the AD in 1999 but later stepped down for the former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo. He was the governorship candidate of the APC in the state for the 2023 election. He lost to Peter Mbah of the PDP.
Betta Edu, F, 36, is the current national women leader of All Progressive Congress. She was Cross River State Commissioner for Health until her resignation in 2022. She was also National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum. In 2015, Betta Edu became the youngest person to be appointed Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Cross River State Benedict Ayade on Community and Primary Healthcare. The 36-year-old politician is a Fellow of the Royal School of Public Health and the African Institute of Public Health Professionals.
Doris Aniche Uzoka, F, is the current Imo State Commissioner for Finance. She has also served as the SA Presidential Policy Advisory Council (National Economy). Uzoka is said to have had decades of political and professional affinity with Lagos and was an easy pick for Tinubu because of her background in the finance sector.
David Nweze Umahi CON, M, born 25 July 1963 is a Nigerian politician, senator currently representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District since 2023. He previously served as the governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023, and as deputy governor from 2011 to 2015. David Umahi, who served as the Governor of Ebonyi State and represents Ebonyi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, is getting ready to step down from his position as a senator.
Nyeson Wike
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, M, a member of the People’s Democratic Party, was born December 13, 1967 in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria. Wike began his political career as the Executive Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers in 1999, a position he held until 2007. In 2007, he was appointed as the chief of staff to the governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi. In July 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the Minister of State for Education and was promoted to Federal Minister of Education in September 2013. From 2015 to 2023, he served as the governor of Rivers State.
Mohamed Badaru: Mohamed Badaru served as governor of Jigawa from 2015 to 2023. The 60-year-old graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained a B.Sc Accounting degree. After his graduation, he established his business, the Talamiz Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests in automobiles, manufacturing, agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as commodity distribution. He appointed Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sunusi as the new Emir of Dutse after the death of his father. He also led the Jigawa APC campaign council during the last elections.
Malam Nasiru El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai, 63, served as minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007 and also served as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2013. As governor of Kaduna, Rufai introduced a school feeding programme to encourage thousands of Children to attend school. In 2008, El-Rufai went into self-imposed exile and became a vocal critic of the Umaru Yar’Adua administration.
Ekperikpe Ekpo was senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the last 2023 general elections. He lost his senatorial bid to the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Nkiru Onyejiocha is from Abia State. She graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was one of the longest-serving members of the House of Representatives until 2023. She was first elected a member of the House of Representatives in 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), then Nigeria’s ruling party. She defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018 and won her re-election bid for a fourth term in the house of representatives in 2019. She lost her reelection bid to Chief Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) in the just concluded 2023 general election.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, M, was born 1 May 1982. He is a Nigerian politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is a member of the House of Representatives (Nigeria), representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State. He is the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).He is currently serving his first term in the National Assembly (Nigeria) having been elected in March 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Stella Okotete graduated from Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, where she majored in International Studies and Diplomacy. She was appointed the Executive Director (Business Development) at the Nigeria Export and Import Bank( NEXIM) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022. Between 2011 and 2015, she served as the Special Assistant and Adviser to the Executive Governor of Delta State on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye was the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s only female presidential candidate but later withdrew to back President Bola Tinubu. She is a legal practitioner and businesswoman based in Abuja.
Bello Mohammed Goronyo was the former Commissioner of Information and Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Council before he defected to the ruling party, APC in 2019 alongside 7400 others. He considers Sen. Wamakko, his respected father.
Dele Alake
Dele Alake was born 6 October 1956. He has been a journalist, activist and technocrat. He was the communication advisor and confidant of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola- the winner of the annulled June 12 1993 presidential election in Nigeria. He was a former commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State between 1999–2007 under the then Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. In 2010, Alake revealed intentions to contest the senatorial seat of Ekiti Central but was hindered by an intra-party crisis which made him quit the senatorial race. In 2014, he became director of Media and Communication of the Buhari Campaign Organisation to help Nigeria’s former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari to victory in the presidential election in Nigeria in February 2015.
Lateef Fagbemi is a Senior Advocate of Nigerian (SAN) from Ijagbo, Kwara State. Born on June 22, 1956, the legal luminary who has been involved in some high-profile cases in the country, served as a counsel in the law firm of Gani Fawehinmi & Co before founding his own. The ministerial nominee is the APC’s team lead attorney defending the 2023 presidential election result in Court. Also the counsel to the All Progressive Congress during Governor Oyetola versus Adeleke’s election tribunal hearing appeal. And the legal counsel to Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu who is being prosecuted by the EFCC for financial crimes.
Olawale Edun is an astute financial and banking expert born in 1967. He served as a two-term as commissioner of finance from 1999 to 2007, under the then Lagos Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He was nominated by Tinubu as a member of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) after his declaration as winner of the 2023 presidential elections. In February, 2023, he was also a member of the Governing Council, Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) with a charge to raise the value of its portfolio from the current N18 trillion to N100 trillion ($233m) by 2033. Tinubu penned his name as a potential vice-presidential candidate for Former President Buhari alongside Professor Yemi Osibajo and Yemi Cordozo.
Waheed Adebayo Adelabu, born September 28, 1970, is a former deputy governor, Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He was the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2019 election in Oyo State but lost to Seyi Makinde of the PDP. Prior to 2023, Adelabu dumped APC to contest again on the platform of Accord Party but lost to Seyi, the incumbent governor.
Iman Suleiman Ibrahim, F, was educated at the University of Abuja with a degree in sociology. She was the Director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, she was redeployed as the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ali Pate, a Harvard professor of medicine, is a former Minister of State (Health) in the defunct Jonathan Administration. Muhammad Ali Pate CON, born 6 September 1968, formerly served at the World Bank. He resigned as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health effective 24 July 2013 to take up the position of Professor in Duke University’s Global Health Institute, USA. Professor Mohammed Ali Pate was the gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State, after losing his bid for the ticket under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Joseph Utsev, an academic, politician, philanthropist, entrepreneur and administrator. Born into the Utsev Akaa family of Mbaakura, Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. Utsev was appointed Deputy Director and later confirmed as full Director in the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi from 2013 – 2017. He became Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources and Environment Benue State where he was instrumental to the design of the Idye Basin Phase II (Police Zone 4 – Mobile Barracks) drainage. In 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari approved his appointment as the Executive Director Engineering, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority Makurdi. Within his short stay at the Authority, he led the engineering team and supervised the construction of many dams, bridges, roads, boreholes, drainages, amongst other engineering projects. He is currently the pioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Benue State
Abubakar Kyari, 60, was the senator representing Borno North Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly (2015 until his resignation in April 2022). He is currently the Acting National Chairman of the APC. In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
John Enoh, M, Enoh was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015 representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in the 8th Assembly of the Senate. He was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) up until May 2017 when he defected to the ruling All progressive Congress (APC) and contested for governorship and lost to incumbent governor Ben Ayade. Enoh runs a philanthropy including founding a foundation tagged JOE (John Owan Enoh) Foundation where he provides help for people living with diabetes in Nigeria.
Abubakar Sani Danladi, a member of the All Progressives Congress party was born on May 20, 1967 in Bachama, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. Danladi began his political career in 2006 when he served as the Local Government Chairman of Karim Lamido LGA, Taraba State. In 2011, he became the deputy governor of Danbaba Suntai in the Taraba State. In 2014, he became the acting governor of Taraba because Danbaba took ill after being involved in an air crash. Also, in 2015, he won the Taraba North Senatorial seat on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party. However, the Supreme Court sacked him as a Senator on June 23, 2017. Eventually, he defected to the All Progressives Congress, ran for Taraba State governor in 2019 but was again defeated by PDP candidate Darius Ishaku.
The paramount King of Ebira land in Kogi State, the Ohinoyi Ado Ibrahim, today, July 29, turbanned abu IMAM, a renowned Estate Management Giant in Abuja and grand son of the first Chief Imam of Ebira land, late Sheikh Yahaya Tajudeen, as Onizeiza (Truth Bearer or Dan Amana) of Ebira.
abu IMAM is one of the three illustrious sons of Ebira that was so turbanned. Others are Honourable Muhammad Kabir Ajana of the Federal House of Representatives and and Dr. Abdulmalik Atta.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is set to delist about 100,000 firms for failure to file annual returns in the last 10 years. The Registrar General of the commission, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, who spoke at a training workshop on the use of the Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR) in Lagos said that it is part of CAC’s enforcement drive. A statement by Rasheed Mahe, head of the Commission’s media unit, said: “the commission would soon send notices of striking off to the affected companies before embarking on the action as enshrined in section 692 of the CAMA, 2020.” According to him, firms are, however, entitled to be relisted upon payment of their outstanding debts and an order of a court, as provided by the law. Abubakar was quoted as advising companies to ensure timely payment of their annual returns to avoid being struck off it’s record. On Africa’s first Beneficial Ownership Register, built by the CAC with the support and assistance of the World Bank, the registrar general said that it would go a long way in curbing corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing. He enjoined stakeholders, especially investigating agencies, legal practitioners, journalists and civil society organisations, to utilise the BOR in discharging their responsibilities. The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Dr. Adeyeye Adefulu, commended the CAC for introducing the beneficial ownership register which he said, would go a long way in enhancing company transparency.
The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has prayed that the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) would quickly swing into action to reverse the military coup in the Republic of Niger. This is even as the ECOWAS meeting has been scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital on Sunday, July 30, to look into the coup. A statement today, July 28, by the senior special assistant to ex President Buhari on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying: “it is heartening to note that the ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already dealing effectively with the matter and our hope and prayers are that the unwanted situation will be completely reversed and the safety and wellbeing of President Bazoum and his family are ensured.” The statement said that the former President was shocked by the latest turn of events in Niger Republic. “Concerns have been raised about the fate of democracy as a system of government in the country and in the wider subregion, and equally so, about the safety of President Mohammed Bazoum and his family. “I and my family are as much concerned about these as is everyone else.” Meanwhile, the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu, has summoned a special meeting of the body to be held in Abuja, for the purpose of addressing the coup in Niger. A statement by the Presidential spokesperson, Dele Alake, said: “following the coup in Republic of Niger that has upended the constitutional political leadership in the West Africa country, the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu will host a special meeting of the regional leaders on Sunday, July 30th in Abuja. “President Tinubu as Chairman of ECOWAS, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday July 26, 2023, condemned the current political situation in the neighbouring country and promised that ECOWAS and the international community would do everything to defend democracy and ensure democratic governance continues to take firm root in the sub-region. “US Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in separate telephone calls Thursday evening with President Tinubu affirmed the support of the US and UN for the position taken by ECOWAS and the Nigerian leader to restore constitutional order in Niger.”
“Google has deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the government’s efforts to create 1 million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. “We will also help ro secure Nigeria and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser.” These were the words of the Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, when he visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa, Abuja, today, July 28. The Google boss also promised that he would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, adding that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government. the Google Vice President who said that he is in Nigeria for West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference, said that he is inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy. Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and is ready to support the Federal Government. He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs, adding that Google subsea cable, Equiano named after Nigerian slave abolitionist that will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands landed in Nigeria in April 2022. “I come to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative and talented young people who are embracing innovation. “We will continue to support your programmes to expand your digital economy,” Gingras said. Responding, President Tinubu expressed the willingness of the Federal Government to support Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria. President Tinubu confirmed that Nigeria has creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn, especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence. He stressed that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel. “I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria. “We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous.” On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu said that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded. “It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society.” The Google boss was accompanied on the visit by Adewolu Adene, Government and Public Affairs Manager for Google in West Africa; Adewolu Adene and Premium Times Publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi.
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abu IMAM, As Truth Bearer Of Ebira, Kogi State: Reaping The Fruit Of Honesty, Truthfulness
Today, July 29, abu IMAM popularly known as Mayor, was crowned as Onizeiza (Ebira word for Honest Person or Truth Bearer or Hausa word for Dan Amana) of Ebira, by the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Dr. Ado Abdulrahman Ibrahim, in his palatial palace, Okene, Kogi State.
The turbanning of abu IMAM as Truth Bearer, brings to mind, a popular saying that one would reap whatever one sows. If you sow evil, be rest assured that evil is what you will reap no matter how long it takes. The good thing about sowing and reaping is the length of time; days, months and even years it would take to manifest in tandem with what has been put forth.
A philosopher, a mother and author of Amazon’s top 100 best sellers, J. B McGee, put it this way: “Cultivate your craft. Water it daily, pour some tender loving care into it, and watch it grow. Remember that a plant doesn’t sprout immediately. Be patient, and know that in life, you will reap what you sow” This is even as Germany Kent says: “Keep expecting and believing that your due is coming. Declare that the good you have harvested in your life will manifest.”
Talking about truth, trust and honesty upon which abu IMAM (Mayor) was being crowned, brings home succinctly, the saying in the Christendom that truth shall set one free. It’s also a justification of the saying by Daniel Webster, the 14th and 19th U.S Secretary of State under Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler and Millard Fillmore, in his speech that “there is nothing so powerful as truth – and often, nothing so strange (like it).”
Human beings know the beauty of truth but ironically, keep it at arm’s length because of the “damages” it can cause the untruth.
However, abu IMAM had long chose to thread on this delicate part of life, moulded through the family he found himself in, and beyond that, through the path Allah had chosen for him.
Of course, there could be temptations as he journeyed through life, to deviate from this difficult path, but he decided to doggedly cling to it, whatever it would amount to.
And, like a clearing dew in the dark sky, his aversion to truth and honesty have come into the open, recognized and being celebrated by no other than the community into which he was born and sprang up, through no other personality than the first class traditional ruler and acting chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council; the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Dr. Ado Abdulrahman Ibrahim (CON).
This is coming to him while he’s still alive, long after choosing the right but difficult path of being averse to, and being in love with truth: the truth that has not just set him free from the yolk of dangerous innuendos of humanity, but has been recorded and being reworded, with the traditional title of Onizeiza (Truth Bearer – Dan Amana) of Ebira.
And who is abu IMAM?
Alhaji Abubakar Imam, abu IMAM, as he preferred to be addressed, was born in the early 1970’s, in Okene, Kogi State, to the family of Sheikh Imam Yahaya Tajudeen of blessed memory, the official appointed Chief IMAM of Ebiraland. His birth heralded the end of the Nigerian civil war on the12th January 1970. He can, therefore, rightly be described as a harbinger of peace.
As a matter of fact, abu IMAM comes from a religious background where the fear of Allah was instilled in him. His grandfather, Sheikh Imam Yahaya Tajudeen, the first Chief Imam of Ebiraland, his father, Imam Abdulrahim Yahaya Tajudeen, along with his brother, Alhaji Jimoh Abdulrahim, the Wali of Ebiraland, who are all now late – (May Allah accept and grant their souls the highest place in paradise (Aljanah firdaus), are among those he looked up to on their legacies of selfless service to humanity and working towards being able to measure up to the standards they set.
abu IMAM was brought up to be honest, hardworking, and disciplined with integrity and service to humanity, which is the hallmark and legacy of his family who are notable Islamic scholars in Ebiraland and beyond.
He commenced his educational pursuit when he attended the Native Authority Primary school (NA) from 1976 – 1982, before enrolling into Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial college for his primary and secondary school education between 1982 – 1987 both in Okene, Kogi state.
Upon obtaining his first bachelor’s degree in economics from the prestigious Bayero University in Kano (between 1992 – 1998), Alhaji Abubakar Imam proceeded to bag his Master’s Degree in Political Economy and Social Development from the University of Abuja.
The young abu IMAM began his independent career pursuit at LAKESIDE ESTATE COMPANY LIMITED with his brother Alhaji Zakariyau Saka Abdulrahim, one time Director for Lands Administration in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Where he underwent the compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC).
Impressed by his diligence, effectiveness and efficiency, he was thereafter retained at Lakeside Estate Company Limited and employed as the firm’s Manager from the 1998 – 2002. It was at Lakeside Estate Company Limited that Alhaji Abubakar Imam picked interest and chose a career path in the Estate and Property Development sector, before taking the bold step to set up his own estate Company in Abuja, known as LEASIDE ESTATE & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. LTD, which he has diligently ran as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Alhaji Imam’s career is fueled by an insatiable curiosity to excel and a passion towards helping people to meet their property needs. He has and continues to make extraordinary contributions in the real estate and property development industry to the admiration of many.
The MAYOR, as his friends and business associates fondly call him, has mentored and encouraged many young people at every stage in their careers, motivating them to reach their highest potentials.
As Almighty Allah wills, he is blessed to be married to a beautiful and virtuous woman, Hajiya Saidat Obadaki Imam, and their union has been blessed with five bright and wonderful children, namely;
Imam Ali-assad
Imam Omar-sudais
Imam Othman-fawaz
Fatima-Nadia Iman and
Yasmin-Zainab Imam.
With the support of his lovely family, they have continued to uphold the dictates of Islam and continue to contribute to peace and community development.
It is not surprising therefore that he initiated and champions the Ebira Peace Project and the ProudlyAnebira Group for the unity, peace and development of Ebiraland in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
With his successful achievements both in business and personal life, along with his deep involvement in community development, the business icon and philanthropist has received several recognitions in appreciation of his human capital development and services to humanity.
To mention a few of the honours and awards, both local and international, held by Alhaji Abubakar Imam are;
Kwame Nkrumah leadership Award.
IPCR/UNDP Youth Award – 2007-2008
UNESCO peace Award as Ambassador of Peace.
National Association of Ebira Students Awards as a Mentor to the youths.
Youth Federation for World Peace – as Youth Ambassador for Peace
The pan African transparent leadership center awarded him the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah gold award for leadership, in recognition of his exemplary antecedents and transparent virtues.
Most Supportive Personality by Ebira Carnival Award.
Award for Meritorious Service in International Peace by Rotary Club, District 9130.
Ohueje Ohinoyi Ebira cultural heritage festival, awarded him as cultural ambassador for his contributions and commitment to the empowerment of women and youth towards the progress of Ebiraland.
Ebira community secondary school old students association awarded him the golden jubilee community development award for youth community development effort in Ebiraland.
He was Recognized as a youth ambassador for peace by the Universal Peace Federation and youth federation for world peace. Among others.
abu IMAM, in a nutshell, is one of Nigeria’s distinguished and established estate and property consultant, developer, manager and Agent. He is an illustrious son of Ebira, whose outstanding achievements represents nothing but excellence.
His trajectory in life is guided by the pursuit of truth, justice, fairness, right over might, and selflessness, portraying him oozing with abundant energy and driven by desire to help others to succeed and achieve the highest goals in their field of endeavours.
abu IMAM is, indeed, one of the few individuals that always stands for the truth no matter how it affects him. He finds deep pleasure in assisting others to make their lives more meaningful. He has inspired others to achieved greatness. His drive and passion are infectious and what he has been able to achieve through his contribution for the betterment of the society over the years cannot be covered in this short citation.
With such strength of character, courage and contributions to societal development which confirms him as worthy son of Ebira land, His Royal Majesty, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland did not find it difficult to confer on him “THE ONIZEIZA” ( Dan-Amana) Ebira on him.
On the whole, abu IMAM, the son of Imam Abdulrahim and the grand son of Sheikh IMAM Yahaya Tajudeen, being one of the most ebullient personality in the society, with great faith, loyalty, faithful and honest, now enters the TRUTH BEARER, which translates to mean, HONEST, TRUTHFULL and TRUSTWORTHY man in Ebira nation.