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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the faculty of social sciences lecture theatre and office complex at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

The agency said it spent a N717,374,213.75 on both projects.

The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, commissioned the projects at the University campus in Keffi on Tuesday.

The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.

Speaking during the commissioning, Masari said the projects were executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The former governor of Katsina praised Nasarawa State University for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the university to commission projects within two to three years.

He said: ‘It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results.

‘The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be commissioned shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

Masari said TETFund has recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.

He also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, noting that about 80 per cent of these funds have been accessed and the evidence of utilisation is visible all over this campus.

The new facility, he added, is expected to ‘aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.

He also explained that the Fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions.

‘We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,’ he said.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the project symbolised the agency’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, said: ‘This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.’

He noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines.

The executive secretary urged universities to prioritise maintenance.

Echono added: ‘As we commission this facility today, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to protect and maintain it to avoid deterioration. Together, we can ensure this investment yields dividends for generations to come.’

Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.

She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.

The vice – chancellor said: ‘These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff.

‘This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.’

She revealed that NSUK had recently been ranked Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for ‘being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.’

Prof. Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.

‘We remain deeply committed to accountability and due process in all our dealings,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.

He assured that the state will continue to give maximum support to the education sector.

Oyo State governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kareem (AKK), has announced plans to present copies of his new book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, to prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State by December.

The announcement follows the hosting of his Town Hall Meeting, Book Launch, and Fundraising in Doonside, Sydney, Australia – an event that drew Yoruba leaders, professionals, and community figures from New South Wales.

Kareem lauded Nigerian Association of New South Wales, Odua Group, Newcastle Muslim Brothers, and other community bodies for support. He said the gathering is a blend of cultural pride, intellectual dialogue, and shared vision.

According to him, the book, his roadmap for sustainable development and people-centred governance, will be presented to Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and others ahead of Oyo State AKK Town Hall Meeting and Book Launch, in January.

‘Our mission is not only politics; it’s about purpose, vision, and unity,’ he said. ‘Our fathers will be first to get my book because their blessings and guidance are central to the progress of the state and realisation of our dream.’

Dr. Kareem also revealed that following the success of the Sydney event, similar engagements would be held in Western Australia, the United States, and Canada before June 2026, targeting members of the Oyo and Nigerian diaspora to further strengthen the movement.

The Doonside event, characterized by rich cultural displays and robust discourse, also served as a rallying point for supporters of the ‘Oyo 2027 Project,’ with participants pledging moral and financial commitment to the cause.

Dr. Kareem, widely respected for his humility and vision, reaffirmed that the slogan ‘Aseyori ni tiwa’ – meaning Success is Ours remains the driving spirit of his campaign for a more united, progressive, and prosperous Oyo State.

About Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)

Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem is a scholar, community leader, and development advocate with a record of excellence in both public service and the private sector. A native of Oyo State, he is deeply committed to promoting education, innovation, and inclusive governance.

His book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, presents a comprehensive blueprint for Oyo State’s socio-economic transformation. As the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Kareem’s campaign is anchored on accountability, infrastructure renewal, job creation, and human capital development – guided by his conviction that ‘good governance must be felt, not just promised.’

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has restated its commitment to building a transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven tax system that fosters clarity, trust, and shared prosperity among Nigerians.

Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this known in his keynote address at the Abuja Edition of the 2025 Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, held on Tuesday.

According to Adedeji, the FIRS is focused on bridging the gap between citizens and government through open communication, modernized systems, and simplified processes that make tax compliance easier for individuals and businesses.

‘This Tax Clinic is not just a program, it is a bridge between the government and the governed, policy and people,’ he said. ‘Our tax reforms are designed to simplify compliance, reduce bottlenecks, and build trust with taxpayers. A modern revenue system can only thrive on fairness, empathy, and collaboration.’

He explained that the ongoing tax reforms aim to remove complexities that often discourage compliance, while ensuring that revenue collection supports national growth and development in an equitable manner.

Speaking during a panel session at the event, Mr. Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman, said the FIRS is transforming public perception of taxation.

‘What we are doing is changing the narrative-from tax being seen as a burden to being understood as a shared responsibility for national growth,’ Omokaro said. ‘This Clinic reflects the power of clarity and collaboration.’

The Abuja Tax Clinic featured multilingual community outreach programmes and media campaigns in English, Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, ensuring that the message of voluntary compliance and taxpayer support reached Nigerians across different backgrounds.

The event also provided a platform to deepen public understanding of the recently enacted four new Tax Reform Acts: Nigeria Tax Act; Nigeria Tax Administration Act; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act; and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

These laws, described by participants as a landmark in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, are designed to simplify tax administration, harmonize revenue systems, and place taxpayers at the center of policy design and implementation.

According to FIRS, the Tax Clinic continues to serve as a strategic tool to strengthen voluntary compliance, improve service delivery, and foster trust between taxpayers and government institutions.

Participants benefited from expert presentations, interactive service desks, and panel discussions that provided practical guidance on registration, filing, dispute resolution, and available incentives under the new tax administration framework.

There was strong institutional representation from key partner agencies, including the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Joint Tax Board (JTB), Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Also in attendance were major professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

These partners operated service desks at the event, providing hands-on support to taxpayers, responding to inquiries, and offering real-time guidance on various tax-related issues.

FIRS, in a statement, expressed appreciation to its institutional partners, professional bodies, and the thousands of taxpayers who participated both physically and virtually, describing the Abuja edition as ‘a resounding success.’

The Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, which has held in several states across the country, forms part of the Service’s broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s tax administration, improve compliance rates, and promote an inclusive, technology-driven tax culture that supports national development.

The House of Representatives yesterday passed for the second reading a Bill to strengthen the recovery and management of the proceeds of crimes in the country.

The Bill, sponsored by Yusuf Adams Gagdi (APC, Plateau), seeks to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management Act Number 92 of 2022.

In his lead debate on the general principles of the Bill, Gagdi recalled that the Bill was enacted to provide a uniform legal framework for the recovery, management, and disposal of proceeds of crime or unlawful activity in Nigeria.

The lawmaker said it was a landmark legislation aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption, money laundering, and economic and financial crimes.

According to him, in the course of implementation, certain legal, procedural, and practical gaps have become apparent.

Gagdi noted that the gaps have limited the effectiveness of the Act in facilitating non-conviction-based forfeiture, protecting whistleblowers, safeguarding witnesses, and ensuring expeditious judicial processes.

He said the amendment Bill seeks to strengthen the Act by closing the identified gaps, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and expanding its operational scope to align with contemporary anti-corruption and asset recovery standards.

Justifying the rationale for the Bill, Gagdi, who heads the House Committee on Navy, said the Bill is rooted in the need to make the proceeds of crime act more effective, responsive, and just in the recovery and management of proceeds of unlawful activities.

He said: ‘The fight against corruption and illicit financial flows in Nigeria must go beyond conviction-based recovery of assets. Many cases of corruption, economic sabotage, and illicit enrichment cannot be effectively prosecuted due to death of suspects, flight from jurisdiction, or complex legal hurdles.

‘Non-conviction-based forfeiture provides an important tool for recovering assets in such situations, while still ensuring due process and judicial oversight.

‘Furthermore, the amendment seeks to introduce clarity, consistency, and procedural fairness in the operation of interim and final forfeiture orders, admissibility of evidence, and management of forfeited assets, including digital or virtual assets. This is in line with global best practices and Nigeria’s international obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.’

Gagdi said the key objectives of the Bill include strengthening the legal framework for non-conviction-based forfeiture by expressly providing for the recovery of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds or instrumentalities of unlawful activity, even without a criminal conviction.

The lawmaker said it would provide for whistleblowing and witness protection mechanisms under a new Section 81 of the Act, empowering relevant agencies to receive, investigate, and act on credible information while ensuring the safety and welfare of whistleblowers.

Also, the Bill will streamline judicial procedures by defining clear timelines for publication, response, and hearing of forfeiture applications, ensuring expeditious determination of cases and minimizing abuse of court processes, while recognizing virtual assets and digital proceeds of crime by establishing a National Confiscated Wallet for Virtual Assets to be managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria alongside the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

Besides, the law, he said, would enhance the admissibility of evidence, including hearsay evidence, where necessary for the effective prosecution and recovery process, consistent with civil forfeiture standards, strengthen institutional coordination by empowering relevant organizations to act efficiently and transparently in the recovery, preservation, management, and disposal of forfeited properties and ensure victims’ rights are protected, by allowing proceeds of forfeited properties to be applied for restitution where applicable.

He described the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as a forward-looking reform aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.

He said: ‘It will make asset recovery more efficient, enhance transparency and accountability, and build public confidence in the justice system.

‘By supporting this Bill, we will be strengthening the institutional and legal capacity of our nation to trace, recover, and manage proceeds of crime both within and outside our borders.’

Performer ‘Fake Flavour’ has responded to allegations of impersonating award-winning highlife artist Flavour N’abania.

Fake Flavour claimed that his stage name is a tribute to the artist he admires and he has no intention of scamming anyone.

‘I’m not using Flavour’s name to scam people; I just love him,’ he said in part.

According to Fake Flavour, his booking fees range from N700,000 to N800,000, which he believes is significantly lower than what the genuine Flavour would accept for performances.

He stated confidently: ‘Flavour would never perform for that amount. People who book me know I’m doing my own thing, and I’m not pretending to be him to get money.’

He maintained that his brand is built on respect and admiration, not deception.

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users finding his honesty amusing and others questioning the potential for public deception.

A public presentation of two books may appear ordinary, as many books have been presented in the past by an author at a go. But, when such books are written by a police officer, Superintendent of Police Chidi Okoye, then such efforts are more than ordinary. It is simply a commendable feat.

Little wonder colleagues, relations and friends converged on Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, recently to witness the unveiling of two books, The Syndicate Affairs and Checkmate by Chidi Okoye. It was organised by CO Books Enterprise and Solomon Arase and Associates. The books were not only educative and morally instructive, but also products of a fertile mind for analysis, reasoning and imagination as well as creativity.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone Two Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who was impressed by Okoye’s efforts at documenting some of his major cases, said despite the 24/7 duty call, Okoye still found time to write such books.

‘He has been up and doing, improving himself, and he is a very versatile and deep investigator. My experience of him within the short period I had matters to do with him showed he is competent. Give him any matter to handle, he goes deeper into it and makes sure he unravels the mystery behind it,’ Fayoade said.

Recalling how Okoye who is Head, Zonal Quick Interventions Squad at Zone Two, started writing the books, Fayoade said: ‘When he approached me that he is writing a book, he gave me a copy of it to go through. I discovered that the book is a collection of some of the cases we had handled in the past. And you will find that those cases are very interesting, as he is able to bring out the criminal aspects of them. He is also able to bring out the major elements of those cases, as if he is a qualified lawyer. In fact, the way he wrote this book, you think he has been to the law school. That’s why I’m imploring him to enrol for a degree in law without wasting time.’

According to Fayoade, Okoye’s effort is a confirmation to the fact that police officers also have time to read and are deep in intellect unlike the impression people have about policemen.

‘This is an example of a police officer who is highly intellectual, who is an author, and has made us proud today. He has made Zone Two headquarters proud, made Nigeria Police proud, and we are very proud of him,’ he added.

Reviewer of one of the books, The syndicate Affairs, Art Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, described the book as an expository narrative that reveals how people are framed sometimes for crimes and made to pay through their noses to prove their innocence.

He noted that Okoye maintains via his creative narrative, that ‘not every scandal is real. Some are fabricated for culprits to cash out. Sadly, some rogue officers smile to the bank through blackmails.’

‘The title of the book is apt. The cover is beautifully designed with props indicating the nature of the subject matter. Employing real settings such as police stations, headquarters, towns, and estates in Lagos makes the plot convincing as more of a faction than fiction. Speaking of the genre, it’s not certain whether the account of detective Dikko on pages 175 to 177 about his entanglements with Funmi should be classified as faction or pure fiction. ‘However, it is a smart way of cooling the tempo of the successive actions and letting the storyteller himself and the reader breathe. The chronicle of their intimate scene was also done with some level of decency, yet, you’ll know Dikko is a ‘bad boy’ in that field. But as grave as the subject matter is, it is commendable that the author sees the need to infuse some element of romance into the plot.

‘The crime novel is un-put-down-able. It is informative, educative, and generally makes an interesting read, he asserted. Professor of Public Law and Criminology, and Head, Dept. of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Olugbenga Akingbehin, was the reviewer of the second book, Checkmate.

Chairman on the occasion, Chairman, Ailes Group, Chief Micheal Onuoha, described the author as a huge asset not only to the police, but also to the nation, adding that he would remain an inspiration to other officers and men of the force.

Chief Onuoha assured that he will continue to support the work of the author, believing that Nigeria will create true men of his kind.

Guests at the presentation included Hon. Lawal Pedro, The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Assistant Inspector General of Police Abutu Yaro Fdc (Rtd), The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, Rev. Dubus Achufusi GO (Spiritual Father of the Day), CEO Chisco Group of Company, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, (Father of the day), CEO Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika (Mother of the day), and Dr. Monday Oyekachi Ubani (SAN).

Rapper Erigga has expressed reservations about polygamy, citing the harm it can cause to women and children.

Drawing from personal experience growing up in a polygamous home, he noted that such arrangements often lead to conflict and hurt feelings, with women and kids typically bearing the brunt.

In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, he said: ‘I am trying not to be like my father. I don’t like polygamy; one person gets hurt, which is the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt; it’s always the woman and the kids.’

Erigga stated that he is making a conscious effort to avoid polygamy, opting instead for monogamy, which he believes is a more straightforward and fulfilling choice.

In his view, polygamy can be complex and painful, particularly for the women and children involved.

Former Senate President Pius Anyim yesterday said that economic recovery and industrial development are only possible through the protection of the local market.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said the local productive base should be expanded and strengthened.

He said: ‘There is no gainsaying that every successful local productive economy not only enjoys policy protection but also operates within a competitive production environment.

‘If we must expect a quick turnaround in local production, we must protect our market and enhance our environment. No productive economy thrives without policy protection and a competitive production environment,’ he said.

Anyim spoke in Abuja at the 4th Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN).

The theme of the conference was: ‘Boosting Nigeria’s productive capacity for national growth and self-reliance: The role of leadership, industry, and innovation in policy implementation.’

He argued that no economy could thrive without deliberate efforts to safeguard its domestic production base,

The former President called for a national reawakening on patriotism and shared vision, adding that there is no magic wand to reverse decades of economic decline without sacrifice and a united resolve.

He stressed: ‘We must accept that our national institutions and sense of patriotism have been weakened,

‘There is no simple fix, but with collective resolve and a renewed determination, we can rebuild like China, Singapore, and Vietnam did. It can work for us if we commit to it.’

Anyim said patriotism, policy consistency, and institutional commitment are essential ingredients for reviving the industrial base and achieving sustainable national growth.

He recalled that Nigeria’s earlier attempts at industrialization from the First National Development Plan (1962-1968) to the Indigenization Decree of 1977 had laid solid foundations that once made industrial clusters like Bompai (Kano), Kakuri (Kaduna), Onitsha (Anambra), Aba (Abia) and Ikeja (Lagos) vibrant manufacturing hubs.

The ex-Senate President attributed the collapse past efforts at industrialisation to past military interventions and the oil boom.

He said: ‘The collapse of past efforts was not for lack of understanding of their benefits, especially in job creation and economic stability.

‘The military coups of 1966 dislocated our sense of nationalism and values, replacing patriotism with ethnicity and nepotism. This weakened the rule of law and fostered recklessness in public office.’

Anyim also attributed the collapse to ‘the oil boom of the 1970s, which shifted consumer preference to foreign goods, and Nigeria’s signing of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement in 1994, as major setbacks that turned the nation into a dumping ground for imported products.’

He called urged Nigerians to recommit to a shared vision of national renewal built on patriotism and accountability.

Ayim added: ‘For any meaningful respite to be achieved in record time, we need the combined efforts of our leaders and the people to redirect our nation on the path of patriotism and national aspiration. Without this, no government’s industrial policy can succeed.’

FFDGN’s National Chairman and former Deputy Governor of Abia State Dr. Chris Akomas noted that nation-building is not a sprint, but a continuous process.

He explained that the event was not just another gathering of minds but a reminder that the destiny of the nation rests not in the hands of a few, but in the collective resolve of all citizens.

Akomas described the conference as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and practical recommendations aimed at accelerating industrial productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring effective policy implementation,

He said: ‘Nation-building is not a sprint; it is a continuous process. At the heart of it lies one indispensable ingredient a shared vision. This is the story of the FFDGN.’

Akomas added: ‘Nigeria is blessed with immense human and natural resources. Our challenge has never been the absence of potential but how to harness and translate it into tangible progress and improved quality of life for our people.’

He called for a grand coalition of purpose where leadership, industry, innovation, and civic responsibility converge to drive sustainable progress.

Akomas said: ‘Our leaders must embody integrity and foresight; our industries must be productive and globally competitive; our innovators must be empowered to create solutions; and every citizen must embrace patriotism, discipline, and a shared vision for national development.’

Former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamako commended the group for its evolution into a respected institution for policy dialogue.

Wamako, who represents Sokoto North in the Senate, was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi.

He said: ‘ In 1999, I was part of a team that attempted to form an umbrella body for former deputy governors. Our principals truncated it then. Today, I am delighted to see that the vision has not only been revived but has become impactful.’

He pledged his full support for the group’s initiatives and promised to champion legislative actions that would strengthen sub-national development.

Wamako said: ‘We must design a shared vision and work plan to build trust and enhance development at all levels. With the calibre of resource persons here today, actionable solutions will emerge to revitalize Nigeria’s industrial base.’

FFDGN’s Director-General, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu hailed the unprecedented growth and development currently being recorded within the organization.

Ibe-Kalu said that the group has never experienced such steady progress and robust advancement in all areas since its inception.

He noted that the group has also strengthened internal unity, leading to increased collaboration with serving deputy governors, who now serve as Associate Members and have been instrumental in supporting the Forum’s initiatives.

Ibe-Kalu disclosed that the group has fulfilled one of the key resolutions from last year’s conference by establishing a Peer Review Group to monitor the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said Poland remains a friend of Nigeria and will continue to collaborate in areas of trade, innovation, and capacity development to strengthen Nigeria’s productive base.

The event brought together serving and former public officials, diplomats, scholars, and industry leaders.

At the conference were former Deputy Governors Azeem Gbolarunmi (Oyo State), Mukthar Shagari (Sokoto), Philip Shuaibu (Edo) and Lasisi Oluboyo (Ondo).

Other speakers agreed that rebuilding Nigeria’s economy requires patriotism, innovation, and leadership built on shared national aspirations.

A wave of defection appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders of the party have indicated plans to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

On October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents the district in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to APC.

He also paid a similar courtesy visit to the APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba in Calabar, where he pledged readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.

Jarigbe, on Tuesday, in continuation of his consultations, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course.

Special Assistant on Media to the Senator, John Agom Agom, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed the development.

Agom stated that the meeting which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja – focused on aligning with what participants described as ‘the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

The statement quoted Jarigbe while addressing the gathering to have said that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the President’s vision of national renewal.

‘My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,’ he said ‘Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.’

Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.

The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally join the APC with Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a ‘strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.’

Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.

Abike Dabiri first made her name as one of the shining stars of Broadcast Journalism in the 90s with NTA Network Service. Her knack for breathing life into what might have otherwise passed as nondescript features made her stories for Newsline, the popular human angle Sunday night programme on NTA, unforgettable.

She became the natural choice to take over as Anchor of the programme after the departure of the effervescent Frank Olize.

Abike had a heart for people, her strong sense of empathy evident in the stories she took on. She had a passion for the underprivileged and she demonstrated that not just in the stories she brought to our screens, but the humanitarian interventions she championed.

It wasn’t just the stories though, it was her way of telling them, leaving no one in doubt about the kindness of her heart and the genuineness of her connection with the people involved in the stories was never in doubt.

She wrapped her heart around the subjects of her stories, which were often ‘ordinary’ people that viewers often found themselves emotionally entangled thirsting for more. I was only just cutting my teeth in broadcast journalism at the time, and she was one of the people I paid close attention to and looked up to.

Even though I would eventually step aside only a few years after, it just happened that I didn’t fully disengage from the industry. Soon after, I was back, moonlighting as Producer of MEE and YOU Show for MEE Mofe-Damijo, even with a full-time job with a Bank.

It was in the course of producing the TV programme that our paths formally crossed.

She had only just launched the story of the ‘miracle baby’. An intriguing story that would capture the imagination of all for almost a decade, a story that would define her sterling career as a Broadcast Journalist, cementing her place in the history of Journalism in Nigeria.

It was the story of the 65 year-old Mama Wuraola Abayomi, who claimed to have miraculously given birth to a baby. When that story broke, it sent quite a few tongues wagging, including that of the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council.

I remember accompanying Abike Dabiri along with officials of the NMDC, led by Dr Nwokoro, to her home in Ojota, where the Doctors conducted a check on her in our presence, which didn’t suggest that Mama could have been the mother of the baby.

But Mama insisted she was the mother of the baby, even when she, along with the proprietress of the clinic, Mrs. Esther Kobari, appeared on our programme, despite the pointed questions by Doctors from the

Nigerian Medical and Dental Council who were also present.

The story would eventually become a full-blown saga, with 3 women – Mama, Folashade Adeyemi and Kikelomo Obikoya laying claim to the ‘miracle baby’. It took years and a forensic test for the matter to be eventually. The baby was found to belong to Kikelomo. Mrs Kobari ended up in jail.

For Abike Dabiri, it wasn’t just a story that ran for years, it was a commitment to the child caught up in the saga. She took up responsibility for the education of Mary, the miracle baby, seeing her through graduation from school.

It was no surprise to see Abike Dabiri take to politics, seeing the ease with which she connected with people at the grassroots. Three terms in the House of Representatives. She had distinguished herself as Chair of the Committee on Information and Spokesperson of the House, and it was a surprise when she was assigned to the Committee on Diaspora Affairs, which, at the time, looked more like a posting to Siberia.

But Abike Dabiri would make lemonade of the lemon handed to her. She deserves credit for virtually single-handedly taking diaspora affairs mainstream. Perhaps on account of her record in the House, she was appointed in 2019 by President Buhari as Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, and in 2019, as Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The passion and dedication she brought to the assignment was such that many erroneously assumed her as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, passing onto her responsibilities that were not directly hers.

In many instances, she rose to the occasion, taking on an often enhanced mandate to the best of her ability despite the limitations and challenges that inevitably come with that. Also, often in the face of criticism from people with limited or inverted understanding of foreign affairs and her mandate.

But she has largely taken the pressure and criticisms that have come in her stride, occasionally responding to traducers who often argue that the public official is only allowed to receive, and not hit back. For someone who has been in the public space for a long time, it is to her credit how she has been able to maintain her steeze, delivering on the different assignments she has undertaken.

It is also interesting to see that many of those who troll her on social media know next to nothing of her journey and record, with their frame of reference often limited to post-2015. Yet, by all standards, Dabiri’s record as a Journalist, Politician and public official has been exemplary.

As I have always argued, the media doesn’t celebrate its own enough, which might be the reason why there is not in the public space enough about her to let some of the new-age cynics better know her. Glad that Afe Babalola University deemed it fit to honour Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with Doctor of Letters, D.Lit (Honoris Causa).