Category: Auto Guid

Newly matriculated degree students of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, have been warned against drug abuse, sexual harassment, cultism, cybercrime and other forms of social vices.

The warning was given by the Vice Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Ibrahim Garba, and the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Alhaji Sani Usman, in their separate remarks during the matriculation ceremony for 120 admitted students into the affiliated degree programmes of both institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Speaking, Ibrahim Garba, who was represented by Professor Abubakar Sadiq Bappa, Chairman, Central Admission Screening Committee of ATBU, said both ATBU and the Polytechnic have a policy of zero tolerance for all forms of vices and anti-social behaviour.

He further warned that students who fail to conform to the rules and regulations governing their stay on campus would be shown the way out.

The VC added that their duty is not only to provide students with access to knowledge but also to help shape their character so they become responsible citizens.

He said, ‘The oath you have taken today is an indication of your readiness to abide by ATBU laws and statutes as well as a promise that you will conduct yourself with decorum during your stay in this institution.’

According to him, ‘As for your stay here, everything has been done possible to ensure an acceptable standard of educational facilities and welfare for your studies.’

‘You should therefore give the Polytechnic all the needed support to realise the vision and mission of both the Polytechnic and our University,’ said the VC.

Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Dalhatu Sa’idu Abubakar, reiterated that any student found culpable of engaging in these vices would face appropriate disciplinary actions, including rustication, suspension or outright expulsion.

He urged students to demonstrate respect for constituted authority, including lecturers, administrative staff, and institutional regulations guiding their conduct.

The Rector said, ‘This institution is determined to maintain a peaceful, disciplined, and academically conducive environment for all.’

He added, ‘I encourage you to direct your energy towards purposeful academic engagement, apply yourselves diligently to your studies, and maintain regular attendance at lectures.’

‘You are also advised to participate actively in all academic activities and nurture values that will set you apart as worthy ambassadors of both Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi,’ he added.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment, resulting in lighter or white areas. Vitiligo is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that causes the skin to lose its natural colour due to the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour. The affected areas may appear as small spots (macules) or larger patches, and hair in these areas can also turn white or silver.

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy melanocytes. Genetic factors may also play a role, as about 30% of people with vitiligo have a family history of the condition.

Certain triggers, such as sunburn, emotional stress, or chemical exposure, may worsen or initiate the condition. Loss of skin colour in patches, which may appear anywhere on the body, including hands, feet, face, genitals, and mucous membranes. Hair colour changes in affected areas, turning gray or white.

Itching may occur before depigmentation starts in some cases.

The condition can be localised (focal), segmental (one side of the body), or generalised (symmetrical patches across the body), with universal vitiligo affecting most of the skin.

Vitiligo affects people of all ages, races, and sexes, though it is often more noticeable in individuals with darker skin. Most cases appear before age 30, and people with other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or lupus, may have a higher risk.

While vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, it can affect self-esteem and quality of life. Treatments aim to restore skin colour or slow progression, including topical medications, light therapy, and, in some cases, surgical options. However, treatment does not guarantee permanent results, and new patches may still develop. Some people choose not to treat vitiligo and manage it with cosmetic approaches like makeup or skin camouflage.

Vitiligo is a manageable condition, and support from dermatologists and patient communities can help individuals cope with its physical and emotional effects.

Three people have been confirmed dead in a lone accident along the Oke-Onigbin and Omu-Aran road after the Workers’ Day celebration in Kwara State.

The Tribune gathered that those involved in the accident were members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara Command, Kabir Kazeem, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred around 3 p.m. when the celebrants were returning to their local government from Ilorin, the state capital.

‘A commercial bus, a black Mazda with registration number ARP627KY, was on May 1 involved in a lone accident due to overspeeding.

‘Seven people were involved in the accident, comprising three males and four females, but unfortunately, three females died on the spot,’ he said.

Kazeem noted that FRSC officers rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured passengers and the bodies of the deceased to the nearest hospital in Omu-Aran.

He added that the driver lost control after one of the vehicle’s tyres burst at high speed, leading to the fatal crash.

The Sector Commander said the FRSC would continue to sensitise drivers on road safety and urged passengers to caution drivers where necessary.

The Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Mr Awelewa Gabriel, described the incident as a painful blow to the council, the health sector, and the state as a whole.

‘Our hearts are heavy. These were dedicated professionals who left their homes to celebrate the dignity of labour, only to meet this unfortunate fate on their way back.

‘We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment,’ he said.

The Chairman assured that the local government would work with the state government and relevant agencies to support the affected families and assist with medical expenses.

As a party, we’re studying the implications and the importance of these two court judgments. We think that the judiciary has reinforced its place in the manner in which the electoral process functions. Our prayer is that the judgments they delivered are consistent with fairness and justice. I’m sure the parties involved, the PDP and the ADC, are studying the judgments as well and they will take appropriate steps either to take advantage or any advantages if they exist or to minimise damage. We (PRP) are free of any legal encumbrances to welcome people. Our platform has integrity and we are ready to receive anybody who wants to come. We’ve only barely about 24 hours to the deadline for submission of registers to INEC. We have a large number of people coming from all parties, including PDP and ADC. If they choose to come to us in view of what is happening in their parties, they are welcome. If they choose to stay in their parties and fight it out, we’ll respect their wishes and we’ll stand by it.

Nigerians are of the opinion that the country is heading to a one-party state with the way things are going. On Thursday, the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation called for the deregistration of some political parties, citing some constitutional provisions for his submission. What do you think could have made him call for party deregistration at this point in time?

Democracy is defined by free association and free operation of political parties. When you begin to interfere in the operations of political parties, you are operating very close to the boundaries that can completely damage the democratic process. I’ve read the same thing that you read, that the Attorney General of the Federation is asking a court to deregister five parties. I think this is coming at the wrong time and from the wrong quarters. INEC registers parties, not government. And it should be the call of INEC. The rules regarding whether a party should continue to exist or not, or whether they are registered or not, should be left to INEC. It’s not the business of the government to go to court and ask parties that are opposing it to be deregistered. This represents an assault on the fundamentals of the democratic process. We condemn it.

What is the prospect of your party as the 2027 elections draw nearer? Do you see the PRP winning the presidential election? Then how prepared are you for the forthcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti States?

Let me take Ekiti and Osun. We are as prepared as we can be. We have good candidates. PRP is sound in those two states and our prayer is that the people of Ekiti and Osun will vote for change. They shouldn’t return any of the parties that have destroyed the foundation of good governance, of the economy. People who use offices only to get money to come back again. They should vote for our candidates. Our candidates represent the real spirit and substance of change. Our candidates are good people. If voted into power, they will make a change. They will represent the New Nigeria that we are trying to rebuild. And they should not make the mistake of voting on ethnic or religious lines. PRP is a national party. We are serious in asking these two states to vote for our candidates.

Our prospects are bright. In fact, our prospects are even brighter. We have existed for over 70 years and now, by the combinations of both the misfortune of some of our parties, the misfortune they are suffering in the hands of the judiciary, perhaps INEC and the government, we are having a large number of people coming into our party. We are the only party that exists in principle and ideology that says very clearly that there shall be justice and competence and development of the people with their own resources. Other parties have no ideology, they just want power. We are the only party that exists on the basis of an ideology and we’re very proud of our ideology. Our prospects are bright. We think Nigerians will look very critically at the parties, look at us and then choose us.

Was PRP part of the opposition parties’ coalition that met in Ibadan recently to take a stand on 2027? Or your party, like some parties, will adopt President Bola Tinubu as its candidate or your party will field its own presidential candidate for the poll?

We’re part of it because we were invited and we attended. Outside the APC, I don’t know of any party that is adopting President Tinubu. Maybe there are one or two; you are a journalist and know what you mean. But I don’t know any party, but if there is any party, they wouldn’t have come to Ibadan. It was a meeting of parties in the opposition. We envisaged some possibility of some form of alliances with other parties in future. For now, everybody is registering their own members, they are selling forms to people. But we’ll not rule out cooperation, collaboration, alliances with parties that seek to reinforce the strength of the opposition. The important thing, the key issue for us, is that this administration must be brought to an end in February 2027. It has no plan for Nigeria. A second term for this administration will be a disaster for this country. And we think that Nigerians now know enough not to vote for this administration again. There are other parties who think like us. We will collaborate, we’ll cooperate and we’ll convince enough Nigerians to actually vote for the opposition.

You were an appointee of President Tinubu until some months ago when you resigned your appointment and gave the reasons for doing so. Has the President worked on those reasons that made you leave the government?

He (President) is not doing any of those things. On the contrary, things are worse than when I left. I went in in 2023 and the understanding was that I was going to be the special adviser to him in the office of the vice president. I never had a chance to contribute to anything that would help either the polity or the politics. On the contrary, I saw mistakes being made. I saw the country being allowed to drift. I saw a lot of attempts to hoodwink this country with figures and statistics that we are making progress. I had a nice office in the Villa and I would come to town, go into Nigeria and I would see misery, insecurity, poverty, hopelessness, young people without hope. I would come back again and I would advise that we need to put things in place and nobody listened to me. I got tired of giving advice that would not be used and I left.

Some Nigerians are saying that there is a gang up against the President because some of his policies are not in favour of the political class. Do you agree with that assertion?

If there is a gang up, it will be a gang up of criminals and bandits and killers and kidnappers that the same president has not been able to contain. Those are the only people who will gang up so that Nigerians will be killed and maimed and be made poorer. It’s no gang up. The President is incapable of securing Nigerians and is blaming criminals. He’s blaming politicians rather than dealing with the sources, the manifestation of insecurity. If he said there is a gang up against him, it’s not coming from law-abiding citizens, it is coming from those who think President Tinubu should mobilise to protect them. There must be a gang up involving criminals and bandits and kidnappers. We don’t know about that.

What is your general view on the state of the nation?

We’ve never been in a war situation more than we are now. We have a government that is too removed from the people. They don’t really understand the state in which Nigerians live. We are living with the highest level of insecurity that we have ever lived with. Poverty levels are unprecedented, young people have no hope. There is nothing to inspire them to be good citizens and to grow up in a country that does not care for them to be productive adults. We are fighting each other, we are hating each other. The country is more divided now than it has ever been. And it’s very important that we put an end to this drift in 2027. As I said before, another term for the same administration may just put an end to this country.

One would have thought that you would settle for a party like ADC instead of coming to the PRP. What’s the attraction in PRP?

If I ask you, what is the attraction in ADC? ADC is a collection of politicians who are more or less being recycled for a long time. PRP is a party that has stood on principles and values for all its time. If you want real change, genuine change, you don’t change parties, you pick a party that says we would take Nigeria in the opposite direction from where this administration has taken it. So the choice for me was very simple. It was not even a choice. First, I’ve been a PRP person all my life, from the university. And secondly, it’s the only party that represents, for me, the future for Nigerians, for my children, for my grandchildren. PRP can fix Nigeria. We don’t want power just for the sake of it. We want power to change this country. The people who come to our office buying forms, express their support to us, and ask what they can do too. We tell them if you are serious about coming into PRP, please understand that this party is committed to a number of key issues.

One is that if we form government or when we form government, the most important thing or the first thing we are going to do is that we are going to restore credibility, integrity and competence at all levels of leadership. The second thing is that we are going to resecure Nigeria; we have to make Nigerians feel secure in their homes, in their farms and on the road because right now they are left unattended and not secure. Number three, we have to rebuild the Nigerian economy to cater for the poor and the rich. Right now, our economy is not working. It’s only working on a piece of paper for Tinubu and his close people. Number four, we have to reunite Nigeria. We have to remove the anger and the hatred in the hearts of Nigerians against each other. For no reason, Muslims hate Christians and vice versa. For no tangible reason, we hate each other; we hate people of different faiths, we hate people of different tribes, we hate people from different parts of the country. Our party, if we form government, we’ll put an end to this hatred. There is enough room for everybody. There’s no reason why we should fight just because we worship different gods. And finally, we’ll restructure Nigeria. We believe the country is not working. We will put Nigeria on the table and ask Nigerians to advise us on how we will restructure Nigeria. We have to change this country’s structures and processes and systems and even its values. We have to have the emergence of leaders who will use power to improve the lot of people and not to steal our money and become rich.

The Zamfara State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has elected new executives to run its affairs for two years in the state.

The election was held on Friday at the INEC headquarters in Gusau, under the supervision of IPAC national headquarters, led by the National Organising Secretary, Bashar Bala, who represented the National Chairman. He said the keenly contested exercise was peaceful and orderly.

Members of the Zamfara State IPAC elected Suleiman Bungudu of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) as Chairman, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Bangaje of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as Deputy Chairman, while Hon. Bashar Abdullahi of the Accord Party emerged as Secretary in the state.

Others elected include Mr Paul Ezeanya of the Action Alliance (AA) as Treasurer, Mamuda Garba of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) as Legal Adviser, while Kabiru Garba of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as Public Relations Officer of IPAC in the state.

The newly elected executives, who are to run the affairs of IPAC for two years, were sworn in by the Zamfara INEC Head of Litigation and Prosecution, Barrister Abdulkarim Shehu Bello.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of IPAC in Zamfara State, Suleiman Bungudu, promised to carry every member along and assured that he would run the affairs of the council without fear or favour.

‘My doors are open. I will carry every member along for our success, and I welcome advice from any member,’ he stated.

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of pilgrims from the state as preparations continue for pilgrimage activities.

The Director-General of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, gave the assurance while receiving the Commander of the 3 Brigade, Kano, Brigadier General A.M. Tukur, during a courtesy visit to the board’s office.

This was contained in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Suleiman Dederi, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.

Matawalle stated that since assuming office, he has prioritised fostering strong relationships with security agencies to ensure adequate protection for pilgrims.

He emphasised that collaboration with relevant authorities remains central to achieving a safe and hitch-free pilgrimage exercise.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Tukur said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation and synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Pilgrims Welfare Board in Kano State.

In a separate engagement, the Director-General also hosted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kankarofi Ward in Kano Municipal Local Government Area. During the meeting, he distributed Federal Government forms intended to facilitate access to assistance and support.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the APC Ward Chairman, Alhaji Sha’aibu Gambo, and the Chairman of Mai Taimako Organisation, Alhaji Nura Bako, commended the Director-General for his continued support and outreach.

Also, members of the Abba/Tinubu Support Organisation, led by Sa’ad Sulaiman Gezawa, paid a courtesy visit to the board as part of ongoing stakeholder engagements.

The developments highlight the board’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional partnerships and community relations ahead of pilgrimage operations.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Kunle Kareem Jenrade, has died at the age of 76.

He passed away on Friday after a brief illness, which had kept him away from social and political activities for some weeks prior to his death. Until his demise, Jenrade was a committed progressive and a foremost leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Reacting to the development, a House of Representatives aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Kazeem Akinola, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the late Jenrade as a dedicated leader whose contributions to party growth and grassroots development would not be forgotten.

Akinola noted that the deceased lived a life of service, commitment, and total belief in progressive ideas, adding that his leadership and experience would be sorely missed. ‘I will miss him personally. He has always made himself available for my aspirations and offered political advice and guidance whenever needed and at his best,’ he said.

He extended condolences to the family, political associates, and the people of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, praying that Almighty Allah grants the deceased Aljanah Firdaus and gives those he left behind the strength to bear the loss.

Political appointees in the Oluyole Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disbursed ?2 million raised from statutory deductions among members across the various wards.

This forms part of a renewed push for unity and grassroots consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was disclosed at a meeting held at the Local Government Council Secretariat, Idi-Ayunre, convened by the Executive Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, alongside the party chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat.

Addressing stakeholders, Olatunji reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, in line with what he described as entrenched standard practice under the leadership of Governor Makinde.

He disclosed that over ?2 million had been realised from the 10 per cent statutory deductions contributed by elected officials and political appointees in the council.

He explained that the funds are being deployed to support party members, assist leaders, and strengthen the PDP’s structure across all 10 wards in Oluyole, noting that such internal support systems are critical for sustaining political cohesion at the grassroots.

The council boss commended Governor Makinde for what he described as unflinching support for grassroots development, adding that the best form of appreciation from beneficiaries is to give back to the party to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Olatunji further urged party leaders and members to remain steadfast in their alignment with the governor’s political structure, popularly known as the GSM, stressing that loyalty remains key to reaping the rewards of their collective efforts.

‘The surest path for us is to stay united and continue to support His Excellency. That is how we can sustain progress and secure our future politically,’ he said.

The meeting also addressed compliance with the 10 per cent deduction policy, with a call on state-level appointees from the local government to key into the initiative in order to bolster party strength at the grassroots.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, disclosed that he had consistently fulfilled the obligation even before it was formally emphasised, and pledged to mobilise other appointees to ensure wider compliance.

Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Olumide Akinlade, endorsed the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and development of the PDP in Oluyole Local Government.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Depo Oyedokun, described the meeting as unprecedented in the political history of Oluyole, noting that since 2003 there had never been such a unifying stakeholders’ gathering, despite the area previously holding multiple elective positions.

He commended Olatunji for fostering unity and deepening the culture of visionary leadership among party leaders, expressing optimism that the renewed cohesion would translate into electoral success in 2027.

Also speaking, the PDP chairman in Oluyole, Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat, urged leaders across the 10 wards to actively participate in local meetings, stressing that strengthening the party cannot be left solely to ward executives.

Hamzat further praised the council chairman’s openness and transparent approach to governance in managing party-related funds, noting that the initiative has created an inclusive system where members can clearly see how contributions are utilised for collective benefit.

According to him, ‘With the recent increase in salaries of local government appointees by Governor Makinde, this initiative could have been handled differently.

‘However, the chairman’s transparency and exemplary leadership has ensured trust and shared ownership among party members.’

The meeting was attended by prominent stakeholders, including party chieftain Hon. Ayuba Balogun; Chairman of the Oyo State Education Trust Fund, Hon. Abdul Rahmon AbdulRaheem; immediate past PDP chairman in Oluyole, Alhaji Adegbola Mukaila; and former council chairmen, Hon. Popoola Olaide (Settle) and Hon. Kehinde Abore.

Others present were the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Taofeek Azeez; representatives of supervisory councillors and special assistants, as well as local government executives, ward chairmen, and other party stakeholders.

In their final remarks, stakeholders, in separate submissions, unanimously reaffirmed loyalty to Governor Makinde’s leadership and a commitment to strengthening party unity as preparations gradually intensify for the next electoral cycle.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to its social contract with Nigerians, declaring that key promises on security, economic reform and poverty reduction remain on course.

The President made this known on Saturday in Abuja at the 10th anniversary memorial lecture of late legal icon and political activist, Dr Olatunji Akintunde Braithwaite.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Tinubu said his government was implementing policies and programmes designed to improve the welfare of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

‘Our social contract is very clear. From conditional cash transfers to support for the poorest of the poor, to cultural development and rural growth initiatives that help farmers move their produce from farms to markets, we are taking deliberate steps to improve lives,’ the president said.

He highlighted ongoing reforms in the education and healthcare sectors, noting that the government had introduced measures to expand access to university education for underprivileged but talented students.

According to him, financial support systems, including student loans, are now in place to ensure that lack of resources does not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

Tinubu also pointed to interventions in the health sector, particularly for pregnant women, as well as funding initiatives targeted at small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), describing them as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.

‘The list is endless,’ he said, adding that the administration remained focused on delivering inclusive development.

The President used the occasion to reflect on the life and legacy of the late Braithwaite, describing him as a principled advocate for justice, equity and true federalism.

He noted that Braithwaite consistently challenged the status quo through activism and public engagement and was a strong voice for restructuring Nigeria’s governance system.

‘In 2014, he was a revived voice at the National Conference, advocating for a more equitable and united Nigeria,’ Tinubu said. ‘His contributions were not limited to politics alone but extended to broader national discourse.’

The President added that Braithwaite’s intellect and commitment to national development would have made him a valuable contributor to ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and deepen democratic values.

Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, called on political leaders to emulate the ideals of the late elder statesman, stressing the need for integrity and courage in leadership.

‘As we honor Dr. Braithwaite, we must ask ourselves difficult questions,’ Akande said. ‘Where are the leaders who will speak truth without calculation? Where are those who will serve without seeking reward?’

He emphasised that Nigeria’s future would depend not only on policies but also on the character of its leaders, urging public office holders to see power as a trust rather than an entitlement.

Akande described Braithwaite as a man who stood firmly by his convictions, even in the face of adversity, and whose legacy should inspire a new generation of leaders.

‘He showed us that leadership is not about winning elections, but about earning the trust of history,’ he said. ‘That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.’

In an emotional tribute, the late Braithwaite’s daughter, Omowunmi, said the memorial lecture was an opportunity to reconnect with her father’s legacy through shared memories and reflections.

‘I want to know him through stories, through public records, and through the impact of what he did,’ she said. ‘This gathering brings together those threads and allows us to revisit the ideas he stood for.’

She explained that the event aimed to preserve and celebrate Braithwaite’s contributions to national development while inspiring continued dialogue on the values he championed.

The memorial lecture brought together political leaders, legal practitioners, academics and civil society actors, many of whom paid glowing tributes to Braithwaite’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

The event also served as a platform for renewed calls for principled leadership and sustained commitment to national development, echoing the ideals that defined the late elder statesman’s life and work.

Lisa Gable has served four United States presidents and two governors. The former US ambassador and United Nations delegate is advisor to Fortune 500 companies and CEOs. She is the Chairperson of World in 2050, and has served as the CEO of FARE. She is a bestselling author and CEO of several organisations. In this interview conducted online by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her work in government, profit, and non-profit organisations, and how she met her husband.

You have had an impressive personal and professional career – you worked in the President Ronald Reagan administration at the age of 19, worked at the White House and the Pentagon, served four United States presidents and two governors, counselled Fortune 500 CEOs, and worked with many profit and non-profit organisations. How has this almost 40-year multi-career journey been for you? And what keeps you going?

I learned early that careers don’t have to be linear to be meaningful. While many follow a traditional path within one sector, I’ve taken what a friend calls ‘the scenic route’ – moving across government, business, and the nonprofit world in roles where I could have an impact.

Some of those changes I pursued, but others found me. It’s been a mix of diligence, a focus on what I wanted to achieve at each stage of my life, and opportunity. What ties it together is my enthusiasm for stepping into unfamiliar spaces and applying lessons from one sector to another.

For almost four decades, you have worked in the leadership, government, technology, and corporate sectors. In today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world, how would you define leadership, especially the kind that humanises the daily uncertainties that governments and organisations face?

Leadership is about creating conditions where teams can move forward with confidence and purpose, especially in uncertain environments. It starts with a simple mindset: I am not defined by what I was, but by who I am and will be – one that helps identify inflection points and pursue cross-sector opportunities, bringing forward ideas that serve as benchmarks for what comes next.

Most importantly, it’s about focusing on commonalities and building momentum around shared values.

In the course of your work and career in government, what is the toughest challenge you have ever faced, and how did you manage it? How did it shape your perceptions about life and people?

One of the toughest challenges I faced was leading a national medical research organisation that was financially unsustainable and behind in research. We had to raise $100 million, rebuild industry relationships, and restructure about 85 per cent of the organisation – much of it during COVID.

The hardest part wasn’t the strategy – it was the people. Turnarounds create real churn, and it requires clarity and compassion – being honest about what the future demands while respecting those who built the past.

In 2004, you were appointed by President George W. Bush as US Ambassador and Commissioner General to the 2005 Aichi World EXPO. What was the EXPO experience like for you?

Serving as ambassador to the 2005 Aichi World Expo was one of the greatest honours of my career – an opportunity to represent the United States with a message of hope, optimism, enterprise, and freedom through high-touch engagement that delivered value at no cost to taxpayers.

We focused on relationships, not transactions – showing up from global meetings to small village visits. Most importantly, we delivered on President Bush’s mandate for US engagement: ensuring Japan, one of our closest allies, felt our presence and support in a meaningful, personal way.

Your profile reads, in part, ‘As co-Chair of the Women’s Democracy Network, I recognise that a full and robust democracy depends on the equal participation of women.’ In the US, how would you rate women’s participation in politics and democratic endeavours? What role do you play in educating and empowering women with the skills to participate robustly in democratic leadership?

There has been progress, but not enough. Women are participating more, but representation still does not match potential.

My focus has been on practical support – training, mentoring, and helping women understand how systems work and how they can achieve positions of power in elected office, party leadership, and politically appointed positions. When women are fully supported, prepared, and confident, they step into leadership roles more effectively.

You served as the CEO of FARE, the world’s largest funder of food allergy research, education, and advocacy. And you are reported to be fascinated by the merger of food, medicine, and technology. On this note, what is your take on the production and safety of genetically modified crops/food? Do you think it is something the world needs in these times?

We need to look at this through the lens of science and safety. The world needs reliable food systems, and technology can help.

At the same time, people need clear information. Trust matters. It is about using innovation responsibly and ensuring strong standards.

Are a keynote speaker and author of the best-selling book ‘Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things Are Going South’ published in October, 2021. What inspired you to write this book, and what lessons does it offer to its readers?

During COVID, a publisher saw that business, government, and philanthropy would all need turnarounds and believed my experience across all three uniquely positioned me to help.

I share my four-part method for turning around an organisation that is struggling: Visualise the future – don’t fix what’s there; start from scratch; break down the present – ditch what isn’t working; keep what does; create a path to your future – map out critical decisions and actions needed; and execute with confidence and diplomacy – speed up by partnering well with others.

You are a Chairperson at the World in 2050. What is this initiative or organisation about? Which kind of world do you want to see in 2050, and what roles are you playing towards the actualisation of that world?

The World in 2050 is a forward-looking initiative of the Diplomatic Courier Global Affairs Media Network that examines how major forces – demographic change, resource stress, technological advances, and shifting economic power – will shape our future. Our goal is to ensure the ‘world arrives well’ by guiding technological breakthroughs toward expanding economic opportunity, strengthening resilience, and improving global health and well-being to create an inclusive, innovative, and stable world.

Have you been to Nigeria before? What is your perception of Nigeria, and what three things do you like about Nigerians?

I have not yet been to Nigeria, but I admire your country’s strong entrepreneurial spirit, the depth and influence of your faith communities, and your global cultural impact – especially through the rise of Nollywood and the work of my dear friend, Stephanie Okereke Linus.

As a leader and women’s advocate, what is your message to African women on how they can contribute their quota to policies that shape their lives and leadership that reflects their best interests?

When you are given a seat at the table, decide on your one key point in advance and do the work to back it up. Then, find the moment and address the issue others may be avoiding – real progress begins when the root problem is named.

At the same time, surround yourself with a strong, trusted circle of advisors and experts who can sharpen your thinking and expand your reach. And just as importantly, invest in others. When you actively help those around you succeed, you build networks that are resilient, influential, and capable of shaping the policies that affect your lives.

Recently on LinkedIn, you made a post about your husband, Jim Gable, which began with ’30 years ago, two entrepreneurs said ‘I do’.’ What could you tell us about your husband (including how you first met him), and the unique memories and experiences you shared together?

In 1994, Jim Gable – who led Apple’s hardware effort for the Power Macintosh transition – stood on a New York stage as the company introduced a platform that helped reset its future.

This was a time when hardware launches carried real weight: months, sometimes years, of preparation, real risk, and an industry watching closely. I met him in California soon after. We adopted our daughter in 1998 and travelled the world together.

While founding the internet radio company Kerbango, Jim was diagnosed with a rare cancer and multiple autoimmune diseases. Through surgeries and setbacks, he and his partners sold the company to 3Com. For the next 26 years, he kept building – companies, ideas, and a life centred on family.

Jim passed away last July. His resilience was not denial, but a deliberate choice to live fully in the face of difficulty. I am pleased that Jim’s legacy will live on for years.

Today, his papers and the Kerbango radio are in the Computer History Museum in Northern California. His medical records are being used to train AI in the early diagnosis of rare diseases, and a tissue bank has been established to support those researchers.

With your busy life and schedule, how do you relax and manage stress, and what do you do for leisure? Though you have had an active life and career, where do you see yourself in ten years?

I stay focused on the things I want to accomplish and the deliverables I want to leave behind. Time with family, reading, and quiet space help me reset. I value stepping away from constant activity.

In ten years, I expect to stay engaged, but more focused on mentoring, writing, and contributing where I can support democracy, faith, and freedom. And who knows – perhaps, I will have some grandchildren by then!