Category: Daily Trust

Ikorodu today is clearly on a steady path of growth. From population increase to expanding infrastructure and rising economic activity, the constituency continues to move forward in many positive ways. With this progress also comes a simple expectation from the people: that representation should remain focused, responsive, and consistent in delivering development.

In Ikorodu Federal Constituency, leadership is about staying close to the people and working steadily to support ongoing growth across communities.

Over the years, Babajimi Benson has remained consistent in his approach to representation. His style has been practical and community-focused, with attention on projects and programmes that continue to support development across different parts of the constituency.

Across Ikorodu, there are clear signs of interventions in areas such as road infrastructure support, educational development, youth empowerment initiatives, healthcare outreach, and community-based projects. These efforts have contributed in different ways to improving access and opportunities for people at the grassroots.

A key feature of his approach has also been balance. In a constituency as diverse as Ikorodu, development must reach different communities fairly and steadily. This helps strengthen a shared sense of progress among residents.

Ikorodu is made up of many communities with different needs and priorities. In such a setting, leadership is strengthened when there is continuous engagement with traditional institutions, community associations, religious bodies, youth groups, market leaders, and other stakeholders. This kind of engagement helps keep representation connected to the people it serves.

Rep. Babajimi Benson has maintained this pattern of engagement over time, ensuring that different voices within the constituency are heard and considered in the development process.

As Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, I have seen the importance of coordination and steady cooperation between different levels of governance. When leadership works together with shared understanding, development becomes more structured, and communities benefit more effectively.

This is why continuity in leadership and policy direction is important for any growing constituency. Development is not a one-time achievement; it is a continuous process that requires stability and sustained effort to maintain progress already made and build on it.

In Ikorodu, the focus remains on strengthening infrastructure, improving education, creating more opportunities for young people, supporting small businesses, and enhancing community development. These are long-term goals that require consistency, experience, and clear understanding of local realities.

Rep. Babajimi Benson has, over time, demonstrated familiarity with these development priorities and has remained focused on supporting initiatives aligned with them.

The conversation around representation is therefore about ensuring that Ikorodu continues to move forward in a steady and stable manner. Communities progress best when there is consistency in leadership direction and when development efforts are sustained over time.

Ikorodu’s growth story is one that continues to evolve positively, supported by collaboration, community engagement, and leadership commitment at different levels.

As we look ahead, the priority is to maintain this steady momentum and continue building on the progress already achieved across the constituency.

Ikorodu deserves continued focus on unity, development, and collective progress for all.

Hon. Prince Adebayo Ladega writes From Ikorodu and he’s presently the Local Government Chairman.

As thousands of pilgrims continue their spiritual journey across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, technology and Artificial Intelligence are increasingly playing a vital role in bridging communication gaps among pilgrims and service providers.

For a group of Jigawa state pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah, a journey that began a few minutes past 4 p.m. turned into a practical demonstration of how AI-powered translation applications are easing language barriers during pilgrimage operations.

The journey commenced smoothly with a stopover at the Miqat around 6 p.m., where the pilgrims observed necessary rites before proceeding towards Makkah.

After several hours on the road, the bus conveying the pilgrims stopped at a food court, allowing them to observe Maghrib and Isha prayers before resuming the trip around 9 p.m.

However, around 2 a.m., the vehicle made another unexpected stop which lasted for nearly an hour.

Concerned by the prolonged delay, some of the pilgrims approached the driver around 3 a.m. to seek clarification.

Communication quickly became difficult as the driver spoke only Arabic while many of the pilgrims could communicate mainly in English and local Nigerian languages.

Attempts to understand the reason for the stop initially proved unsuccessful due to the language barrier.

The situation, however, changed with the introduction of a translation application powered by Artificial Intelligence. Through voice-to-text and instant translation features, the driver was able to explain the reason for the pause, while the pilgrims also communicated their concerns effectively.

The translated conversation helped calm anxieties among the travellers and enabled both parties to understand themselves clearly before the journey resumed.

The pilgrims eventually arrived in Makkah around 4 a.m., but another challenge emerged as the drop-off location did not correspond with the hotel details printed on some of the accommodation cards issued to pilgrims from Nigeria.

This created temporary confusion and delays as officials and coordinators worked to verify the correct hotel destinations before the pilgrims were finally directed appropriately.

For many on the journey, the experience highlighted the growing importance of AI and digital technology in modern Hajj operations, especially in overcoming communication barriers among millions of pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds across the world.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has criticised the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project over its reaction to a recent court judgment involving two operatives of the Department of State Services.

NANS described SERAP’s comments against the judiciary as reckless and capable of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.

The students’ body stated this in a statement signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

The association threw its weight behind the judgment delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in favour of the DSS operatives.

The case stemmed from the September 2024 incident at SERAP’s Abuja office, which the organisation had allegedly described as an ‘unlawful invasion,’ ‘raid,’ and ‘intimidation.’

According to NANS, the court found the allegations against the DSS operatives to be false and defamatory, awarding damages and ordering public apologies in their favour.

The association said the ruling reaffirmed the rule of law, judicial independence and the constitutional right of citizens to seek legal redress against defamatory publications.

‘NANS considers the judgment as a courageous and commendable reaffirmation of the sanctity of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the constitutional right of citizens to seek lawful redress against defamatory and injurious statements,’ the statement read.

The students’ body also faulted SERAP for allegedly describing the judgment as a ‘travesty’ and a ‘dangerous precedent.’

It argued that while parties had the constitutional right to appeal court decisions, no organisation should undermine the judiciary because a verdict did not favour it.

‘Such inflammatory commentary against the judiciary poses grave dangers to democratic stability, institutional confidence, and public trust in the administration of justice,’ NANS stated.

The association further commended the DSS for clarifying that the lawsuit was filed by the affected operatives in their personal capacities and not directly by the agency.

According to NANS, the clarification showed that the matter centred on personal dignity and the constitutional right to seek remedy against defamation.

The group maintained that the judiciary must be respected and protected from attempts to discredit it.

It also urged advocacy groups to avoid sensational narratives capable of inciting distrust against state institutions.

NANS called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to continue safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and uphold constitutional order in the country.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to justice, responsible civic engagement and respect for the rule of law.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, has said that Sokoto State now has the financial capacity to pay a minimum wage of N150,000 to civil servants and significantly improve social services and infrastructure if the increased federal allocations are prudently managed.

The lawmaker stated this while receiving a delegation of retired civil servants from Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency led by Alhaji Sani Mode Dagon Daji, a retired Director in the civil service, during a courtesy visit to appreciate the inclusion of an earth dam project for Dogon Daji Town in the federal budget.

Speaking during the visit, Rep Dasuki noted that Sokoto State has witnessed a substantial increase in revenue from federal allocations over the past three years, particularly from the last quarter of 2023, creating an opportunity for transformational development across critical sectors.

According to him, ‘The current financial inflow to Sokoto State is enough to support the payment of a reasonable minimum wage of N150,000 monthly for civil servants, while also addressing major challenges in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture and rural development through prudent allocation and responsible management of resources.’

He stressed that workers in the state deserve better welfare considering the rising cost of living and the strategic role civil servants play in governance and development.

The lawmaker also emphasized the need for improved pensions and retirement benefits for retired civil servants, describing them as citizens who devoted their productive years to the service of the state and deserve dignity and security in retirement.

He expressed concern over the socio-economic realities facing Sokoto State, including high poverty rates, poor healthcare delivery, low school enrolment and the alarming number of out-of-school children.

Dasuki further noted that insecurity continues to pose serious challenges to economic activities and the wellbeing of communities across the state, calling for greater commitment and strategic investment in social and economic development.

Addressing the retired civil servants, the lawmaker urged them to continue playing active roles in shaping the future of Sokoto State through responsible civic engagement and informed participation in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘As respected elders and opinion leaders in society, your voices and choices matter. The future of Sokoto State depends on electing leaders who possess competence, accountability and genuine concern for the welfare of the people,’ he said.

The federal lawmaker also announced empowerment initiatives targeted at youths in the constituency. He directed the delegation to submit 350 names for participation in his ICT/Digital Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Programme supported by NITDA.

In addition, he disclosed his plans to provide laptops to 70 students from the constituency currently studying in higher institutions as part of efforts to promote digital literacy and educational advancement among young people.

Dasuki reaffirmed his commitment to attracting projects and programmes that directly improve the lives of constituents, describing the inclusion of the Dogon Daji earth dam project in the federal budget as part of broader efforts to support agriculture, water supply and rural economic development.

The delegation commended the lawmaker for his representation and developmental initiatives, particularly the successful inclusion of the earth dam project in the federal budget, which they described as a major intervention for the people of Dogon Daji and surrounding communities.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has commenced a three-day professional training programme aimed at strengthening synergy, interpersonal relationship skills, protocol etiquettes and attitudinal change among its officers.

The training, which was declared opened on Friday at the NRS Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, was organized under the Platinum Protocol and Verity Consultants Ltd and sponsored by the Nigeria Revenue Services following approval by the Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

Speaking at the opening session, the Chief Consultant of Platinum Protocol and Verity Consultants Ltd, Ambassador Ibrahim M. Bashir, OFR, said the programme was designed to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism of officers in service delivery.

According to him, participants would be equipped with practical knowledge on synergy among security personnel, protocol staff, media officers and other key officials, as well as interpersonal relationships, personal diplomacy, protocol etiquettes, ceremonies, order of precedence and attitudinal change in the workplace.

He explained that the training also feature interactive sessions where participants engaged in discussions, ask questions and share experiences to ensure maximum benefit from the programme.

Ambassador Bashir expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of the NRS for creating what he described as an enabling environment and committing resources towards staff development.

He also noted that the NRS remains one of the leading organisations in the country to organize such a comprehensive training programme for a cluster of officials in a single forum.

The consultant urged participants to see the training as a rare opportunity to improve their professional competence and workplace relationships.

He also shared several motivational quotes during his remarks, including one by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill which says, ‘Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.’

Also speaking at opening the Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Service of the NRS, said the training was organized to address the growing need for stronger collaboration, cooperation and coordination among the various security units within the organisation.

The Executive Director acknowledged the sacrifices and critical contributions of security personnel in safeguarding the leadership, facilities, information and operational environment of the service.

According to him, operational overlaps among security units had sometimes resulted in duplication of efforts, communication gaps, misunderstandings and delays in response.

He stated that the training was intended to strengthen collaboration, improve interpersonal relationships, promote attitudinal change and establish a more coordinated and efficient security structure within the NRS.

The Executive Director encouraged participants to engage openly, professionally and constructively throughout the programme in line with the goals and values of the organisation.

The training is expected to end with renewed commitment among officers toward improved teamwork, professionalism and effective service delivery within the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The defunct New Nigerian first appeared on the streets on January 1, 1966. Two weeks later Nigeria experienced its first military coup which shook the country to its very foundation. Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Northern Premier who had launched the newspaper as his region’s mouthpiece, was assassinated in his residence in Kaduna in the early hours of January 15.

He was assassinated along with the country’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the number two man in the ruling Northern Peoples Congress {NPC). His assassination took place in Lagos, then Nigeria’s capital.

The two, of course not the only casualties. The rather flambouyant Minister of Finance, Chief Festus Okotieboh, the Premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and virtually all the Northern military top brass were also killed. But clearly the Sardauna was the greatest casualty.

Perhaps because of its proximity to the Premier’s residence, the New Nigerian was able to give the most accurate and factual account of his killing the following day. And before long the newspaper acquired a great reputation for the high standard and reliability of its reporting, the quality of its production and, above all, the eloquence and fearlessness of its editorials.

You can hardly have a better testimonial to the greatness of the newspaper at the time than the words of the first Premier of Western Region and, subsequently, the Leader of the country’s leading opposition party, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Seven years after its first appearance, the New Nigerian became the first newspaper in the country to be printed simultaneously at two locations, first in Kaduna and then at Ijora, Lagos, from February 28, 1973 with what was then the country’s most modern printing press. It was to Chief Awolowo that the newspaper’s management gave the honour of formally opening the plant.

‘The New Nigerian from day to day’, the Chief said in the course of his speech, ‘consistently deals with contemporary issues as they arise with candour, constructiveness and detachment unexcelled in the annals of Nigerian Journalism.’

‘There is,’ he added, ‘not the slightest trace of government or official influence in the news, views and editorials’ which the newspaper published.

It was at this newspaper that my colleague, friend and brother, the late Yakubu Mohammed, in whose memory we are gathered here this morning, cut his journalistic teeth professionally. He and I joined the newspaper on the same day in 1976 after our youth service the year before. However, even though we started work on the same day, it was obvious that he was head, if not shoulders as well, above me.

First, he had the advantage of being a student of Mass Communications while I read Politics, he at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and I at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Second, even as a journalism student, he had demonstrated great journalistic potential if only by the exclusive headline news in New Nigerian that carried his byline, most notably the expulsion in May 1974 of about 200 UNILAG students, some of them in their final year, for certificate forgery to gain admission, and the drama in February 1975 in which UNILAG students held several policemen hostage as a bargaining chip for the release of their own colleagues who had been detained by the police following a student riot in Ibadan.

Third, Yakubu had his primary assignment as a corper at the newspaper at its own request. Both of us had been regular contributors of news and views on campus affairs as undergraduates, he from UNILAG and I from ABU.

Not surprisingly, my friend became the first to be promoted Associate Editor (South) among the lot of us who had joined the newspaper at about the same time as university graduates, the late Rufa’i Ibrahim, Sully Abu, Clem Baiye, Mvendaga Jibo, Sule Iyaji, Musa Shafi’i and myself. In time he soon rose to become its Managing Editor and head of its operations in Lagos and next in line to the Editor.

Then his troubles began. By this time, the late Malam Turi Muhammadu who had mentored all of us, first as Editor and then as Managing Director, had been succeeded by the late Malam Tukur Usman, himself a veteran of the newspaper. It soon became apparent that Malam Tukur was hardly as fond of Yakubu – or for that matter, the rest of us – as Malam Turi. In any case, he seemed to have a different idea from those of his illustrious predecessors – Malams Adamu Ciroma, Mamman Daura and Turi – on how to run the newspaper.

Soon enough it became obvious that some of us – Yakubu especially – were no longer wanted in the newspaper. However, unlike me, Yakubu eventually decided to jump instead of waiting to be pushed. He had been offered the position of pioneer Deputy Editor by Chief MKO Abiola at the newspaper he had decided to float and he was aware of Yakubu’s travails at the New Nigerian. Yakubu accepted the Chief’s offer. He, the late Dele Giwa and Ray Ekpu both of whom had joined Abiola’s Concord from Daily Times soon became the superstars of the new newspaper. Quickly, it overtook Daily Times as the country’s widest circulating newspaper.

Envy soon set in. For some inexplicable reason, the publisher allowed himself to be convinced by other senior staff that all three superstars were living it off at his expense. Worse still in the eyes of these envious staff, all three were not even Yoruba in a newspaper owned by a Yoruba.

Pretty soon, it became obvious to the three that their days at the Concord were numbered. Once again, Yakubu decided to jump instead of wait to be pushed, and in doing so, managed to persuade Dele and Ray to jump with him. This time, however, it was truly a leap of faith; their decision was to start and own the first weekly newsmagazine in the country similar to the American Time or Newsweek when all they had to their names was their reputation as three of the country’s best journalists and columnists.

As we all know, their gamble paid off, at least for a long while; Newswatch quickly became the platinum standard of Nigeria’s journalism and although it lasted all of only 26 years, it remains the country’s longest running weekly newsmagazine, winning prestigious awards at home and abroad.

As a friend and brother, Yakubu, I can reveal today, wanted me to be part of this history; long before he invited the late Dan Agbese, who was then editing the New Nigerian, to join the three of them, he had invited me, knowing as he did, that I too was facing my own share of frustrations at the newspaper. Fortunately or unfortunately, I was too much in love with the newspaper, and more importantly, I was too much in love with Kaduna as my second home town- Bida in Niger State being the first – to accept his offer.

Yakubu was not only a true friend in need, for me he is one of the most humble and modest human beings one can come across. It is a mark of his humility and modesty that, for example, even though Newswatch was his idea, he decided to take the back seat and let his older and more experienced partners run the show.

Such a gentlemen was he that he was simply incapable of envy and malice against anyone.

Needless to say, his death on January 13 this year came to be as a big shock, especially as we had even exchanged texts just a few hours before he passed on.

May Allah forgive his short comings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna firdaus. May He also grant those of us he has left behind, especially the members of his family, the strength to bear his great loss. Amin.

Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s National Commissioner, wrote from Abuja

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the football fraternity in Nigeria was thrown into another round of mourning following the sudden passing of Pa Ibrahim Galadima, a fine gentleman who lived all his life serving the round leather game. He didn’t only serve football. He made immense contributions in extraordinary ways. One thing that stood him out was his uncompromising integrity and commitment to meritocracy in sports governance.

Talking about his integrity and incorruptibility, Galadima was the first and still the only Nigerian sports administrator who refunded money to government coffers after an international tournament. This rare incident of transparency and accountability is well known in Nigerian sports circles. He was the head of the Kano Centre during the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Championship and reportedly returned all unspent funds to the federal government. That was widely reported, and nobody has come out to deny that uncommon display of integrity and accountability.

Apart from his fiscal prudence, which stood him out among his contemporaries, Alhaji Galadima was known for being remarkably unassuming. Although a decent man in appearance and character, he didn’t live a flamboyant lifestyle. No wonder, despite his status, he preferred to live all his life in his community. He successfully balanced his modern sports career with deep roots in his community as the Galadiman Fagge, a prestigious traditional title in Kano.

Another thing worthy of note about the life of Galadima was his realistic nature and bluntness, especially when it had to do with getting results in sports. He famously made a controversial remark after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, stating that the ticket wasn’t a ‘birthright.’ While it angered many at the time, it only showed he was a fearless, upright and realistic man by nature.

When I had the opportunity to interview him in his house in Fagge, I asked if he actually made that controversial statement. He confidently repeated the ‘offensive’ remark, and I reported accordingly. Heavens didn’t fall even as it kind of reopened old wounds.

Indeed, Galadima was the face of sports, especially football, in Kano State. Before he served as Chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association from 2002 to 2006, he had served meritoriously as Chairman of Kano State Football Association, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, 1st vice president of the Nigeria Olympics Committee, member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for Stadia Development for the FIFA World Youth Championship, and as Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports in Kano State. He was also the founder of Kano Pillars football club.

It was, therefore, not surprising that he became an encyclopedia of sports in Kano State and Nigeria in general. Highly respected and revered in sports circles, his house in Fagge, a sprawling community in Kano, became a ‘temple’ for young sports administrators who visited him regularly to tap from his fountain of knowledge and experience. That was why many of the new generation sports administrators idolized and referred to Galadima as their mentor even as they consistently refused to imbibe the virtues that made him an uncommon leader.

Sadly, our mentor is gone, but the history of sports and football in particular, in Kano State, and Nigeria in general would remain incomplete without a mention of his name. Therefore, the good legacies he left behind after decades of unwavering dedication and selfless contributions to sports in Kano and Nigeria must not be forgotten.

One thing that gladdened the hearts of his followers was the solemn pledge by the Kano State government to immortalise him. The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, who spoke during Galadima’s funeral on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, hinted that the iconic sports figure would be immortalised in a special way. That was a moment of deep reflection and acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of the Galadiman Fagge to sports development in the state.

Even as Nigerian politicians are known for grandstanding and bogus promises that are usually abandoned as quickly as they are made, most of us are praying fervently for the Kano State Government to act fast to immortalise this extraordinary sports administrator.

I learnt from a credible source in Kano that even as he became less active due to his fragile health, the government was planning to saddle Galadima with a responsibility to draw another blueprint for sports development in the state. He was always the one to fix sports in Kano because, apart from his proven integrity and deep understanding of administration, he was courageous enough to make hard decisions.

While we wait for the Kano state government to redeem its pledge to immortalise Galadima, I have decided to offer these unsolicited suggestions borne out of my love for the state and the man who deserves to be remembered forever. Nothing should be too much as we seek to confer ‘immortality’on the father of sports in Kano State. Therefore, the state should first consider renaming after him a major sports facility, such as a stand at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano or the Kano Institute for Sports. It would be a befitting recognition for his enormous contributions to sports in the state.

A sports management foundation could be established in his name. Such a foundation could offer scholarships or training for aspiring sports administrators, reflecting his reputation as a mentor and father figure in the industry.

Institutionalising an annual lecture on integrity in sports administration or a youth football tournament in Kano would keep his principles and passion alive. Through the Ramat Cup – a grassroots football tournament – the name of one of Nigeria’s most admired former leaders, Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, is immortalised. The same thing should be done in honour of Galadima, who personified sports.

Since he was also a revered leader of the Fagge community, the Kano State government should consider establishing or naming a landmark or community centre in Kano in his honour to celebrate his transition from sports to traditional leadership.

Galadima’s unflinching support to sports was felt beyond his state to the national level. The national assignments he performed creditably are well documented. Therefore, while he held the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for rendering meritorious services to the country, a higher posthumous award could be considered by the Federal Government to reflect the breadth of his service. He was indeed a national figure whose image loomed large over the entire Nigerian sports ecosystem.

So, to conclude this tribute to my mentor – a man who was above reproach in many ways, let me remind the people and government of kano state that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Whatever is delaying the eagerly awaited immortalisation of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima should be stopped immediately for the good intentions of the government of Kano state to manifest for all to see. Our mentor of inestimable value must not end like another prophet without honour at home.

Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe has emerged as the new National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

His emergence, alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), was announced on Saturday during the SDP 2026 National Convention held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

Other elected national officers include Dr Olu Agunloye as National Secretary; Sen. Dr Ugochukwu Uba as Deputy National Chairman (South); Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batube, National Treasurer; and Barr. Joseph Achille Abu, National Organising Secretary.

Others are Araba Rufus Aiyenigha as National Publicity Secretary; Barr. Aderemi Ahimbela as National Legal Adviser; Bello Ado Hussaini as National Financial Secretary; Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as National Woman Leader; Hon. Daniel Ibe as National Youth Leader; Mrs Rosemary A. Effiong; and Chief Lekan Alabi as Leader of Persons with Disabilities.

Eku Edewor, the British-Nigerian actress and television presenter, has publicly praised Oasis Medspa’s newly launched premium skincare line, saying the products have left her skin ‘smooth, healthy and absolutely radiant.’

In a post shared to her social channels, Edewor described her experience using the collection as visibly transformative, positioning the products as an effective at-home complement to professional aesthetic treatments. Oasis Medspa recently rolled out the range for online sale, marketing it as a medical-grade option designed to extend the results of in-clinic procedures.

Celebrity endorsements such as Edewor’s can boost visibility for emerging beauty lines and influence consumer interest, particularly for brands connected to established clinics. Oasis Medspa has highlighted quality and clinical oversight as selling points for the collection, though full ingredient lists and clinical data have not been widely publicized in the initial rollout.

Dermatologists generally recommend that consumers review product ingredient lists and consult a skincare professional if they have sensitive skin or underlying conditions, especially when introducing a new medical-grade regimen. Prospective buyers can find Oasis Medspa’s products through the spa’s official online storefront and verified social accounts.

Malam Murtala Aliyu, a former minister and Matawallen Gombe, is the embattled Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). In this interview, he faulted the claim by the Board of Trustees (BoT) that his tenure has ended, stating that while he is not bothered about leaving, it would be unfair to embarrass him out of office.

The BoT said your tenure has ended. What is your take on that? And where did the NEC get its powers to suspend the BoT chairman?

Well, let’s take it one by one. The issue of my tenure has been under discussion for some time. Some people wrote petitions that my tenure had ended in March 2026, based on the consideration that three years plus another three-year tenure would add up to six years.

There have been arguments here and there, but the truth is that the constitution is very clear: the two tenures are separate.

You have to serve for three years, which is renewable at the pleasure of the ACF. And as secretary-general, the engine room and the accounting officer, even when your tenure finishes, you do not just walk away. You wait until another secretary-general is either appointed or somebody is brought in on an interim basis to hand over to.

That had not happened, and I was holding forth until July 25, 2023, when a letter of appointment was given to me for another term. It did not say ‘reappointment.’ That letter, dated the 25th, was signed by the then chairman of the selection committee of ACF and the secretary of that committee: General Akilu, the chairman, and Malam Bukar Zarma, secretary of the committee. They signed the letter, and a copy of the letter is here.

They said that my tenure begins on my inauguration, and I was not inaugurated until December 12, 2023, together with all other members of the National Working Committee and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, who was appointed to complete the tenure of Alhaji Shehu Malami, Sarkin Sudan.

Now, the petition was sent to the chairman of the BoT, which was wrong. A petition on leadership should go to the chairman of NEC, and instead of the chairman of the BoT passing it to the chairman of NEC, he erroneously just gave it to me, saying there was a petition against me and that I should go and answer it.

My initial reaction was to disregard that, but then I thought, since I had said okay in front of him, I answered the petition. The petition was regarding the tenure of the secretary-general. This was the answer I gave because this is the letter he wrote and signed, and this was my answer to him.

Then, after that, he sent another letter saying that I should vacate the office and hand over to the administrative secretary. Now, probably he did not understand the importance of the secretary-general.

But even if I am to hand over, I am not going to hand over to the administrative secretary. I will probably hand over to the chairman of NEC and tell him, ‘Okay, look, get somebody to handle this.’

So, I replied to him in very detailed terms. I told him about the infraction he was committing and so on. After this, I went to meet General Akilu, who was the chairman of the then Leadership Selection Committee. But I also made him understand that their own tenure, or rather their own mandate, is also terminated at the same time as the secretary-general’s. And I gave him a letter stating that this was an issue under his responsibility. He acknowledged it, and I have copies of this letter.

So, now they came – the Elders Committee – that is, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Anthony Sani, who was the previous secretary-general, the one I took over from, and Malam Bukar, who was the secretary of the committee. Anthony Sani was one of the petitioners.

So, when we sat down, initially I wanted to protest that Anthony Sani should not be there in the first place, since he was one of the petitioners. But I said, okay, since the elders are there, let’s talk.

Then the chairman of the Board of Trustees looked at me in the face and said, ‘I cannot work with you.’

Now, it is not for him to tell me that he is not going to work with me because both of us were appointed through the same procedure. He has a constitutional mandate, which is to chair the BoT, and I have a constitutional mandate as the secretary-general and chief accounting officer.

Anyway, the elders said, ‘Okay, look, since you have served for this long and you have done very well, do you still want to continue?’

I said, ‘No, but I don’t want to be just walked out of this place because somebody doesn’t like my face. I’ve served diligently. I’ve faced some challenges. There was no salary, no allowance. I used my own resources, so I need some respect.’

And the elders said, ‘Okay, fine. Would you want to take time to prepare your handover notes and so on?’

I said, ‘I have no problem with that, as long as it is done respectfully.’

Then he said, ‘Okay, maybe till when?’

I said, ‘My son was getting married on April 25, and between now and that time, I will not be available. After that, we will look at what time I will be back to put things together.’

The man said he could not give me beyond the middle of May.

Well, I said, ‘Okay, go ahead and do whatever you want. I will also do the needful.’

Then the National Executive Council chairman, the NWC chairman, called me and said, ‘Look, summon a meeting for the 5th and 6th.’

The next thing I saw after summoning the meeting was a statement from Bashir Dalhatu, the BoT chairman, saying that the meeting should not hold because I was no longer the secretary-general. And even by their own calculation, I was supposed to remain secretary-general till May 15. So I said, ‘Okay, fine. Please, Chairman, some people think I am not the secretary-general. You are the one to summon the meeting. Call the meeting yourself.’

So the chairman called the meeting.

The working committee met on the 5th. But before the meeting, we wrote to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of DSS to inform them that we were going to hold the meeting on the 5th and 6th.

And, of course, after our meeting on the 5th, there was another letter again signed by Bashir Dalhatu stating that people should keep off from that meeting because the person who called the meeting was an ex-secretary-general.

And the chairman again wrote and said, ‘Look, I am the one calling for the meeting.’

The next thing we saw, the police came in and took over the building.

And so we called the members and said, ‘Let’s meet at another venue.’

Even while we were meeting at that venue, the police came and said we could not meet. I think we had already started, so they left us.

And that was when other developments took place.

Some people are contesting the powers of NEC to suspend the BoT chairman. Or was it an arbitrary decision?

The NEC is the executive. Just like somebody wrote a petition that my tenure had finished, somebody also wrote a petition pointing out the infractions or improprieties committed by the BoT chairman.

These improprieties included unilaterally determining the tenure of an official and also opening an account for the ACF, of which he is a signatory.

The mandate of the chairman of the Board of Trustees is only to chair the BoT and not to perform executive functions. So they were questioning that, and then also instructing the movement of funds unilaterally from the main account to an investment account of the ACF.

Before we get deep into his suspension, you are the chief accounting officer of ACF. Where did he derive the power to actually open the account?

Yes, there was an error from my own side. Because when he came and told me that we should open an account with the bank, I said, okay. So he brought the forms. I should have raised an alarm then. But he said it was just to open the account so that immediately after the launch of the endowment, the proper committee would be put together to manage the funds, and then we would transfer the responsibility to them. So I agreed.

But then subsequent events happened. They requested that the account be moved to Kano from Kaduna, and that made me a little uncomfortable. But I just cautioned him, and he said, ‘No, no problem.’

You cautioned him?

I cautioned him against moving the account because all our accounts are in Kaduna. Why would this one be in Kano, and then to a specific branch? So this was the thing that frightened the leadership. Like I said, the Board of Trustees has no executive power and has no mandate to manage finances. Again, what became curious to the leadership was that when he called an emergency board meeting, he unilaterally set up a committee to manage the funds and another committee to advise the management committee.

Those two committees were set up by him and presented to the Board of Trustees. But by the Constitution, the Board of Trustees cannot set up committees like these. So ordinarily, the NEC should set up those committees and confer with the Board.

Why were you not suspended also, if he was suspended, because it was the two of you who opened the account?

Yes, I did, first of all, take responsibility. But like I said, the money is still intact; nothing is missing. But the procedure was wrong. And it was based on the respect we have for elders in the North. So when he gave the instruction, I obliged, erroneously. I accept responsibility for that.

And, for instance, the Ethics Committee also believed that I did that, especially because I explained the situation to them. But if the account had been transferred back, then there would have been no problem.

But I can also tell you that the NEC had instructed, and we had written to the bank to restrict the account to the proper location and also with the proper signatures.

Then where are the financial infractions, because you just said that the money is intact?

The bank told us that our average expected return was about 8%, and he agreed. He told the meeting that, look, since the bank is majorly ours, we should accept that, even if another bank gives us more. So, the finance committee said, no, there is no emotion about that. Either we discuss with Jaiz Bank and get the appropriate return, or we can decide what to do with the bank. And we communicated that to the bank.

And when we finished the procedure for the proper appropriation of the account, then we would go into that. So that is one of the issues. They said, look, why would he negotiate on behalf of ACF and also just accept that?

Secondly, just a few days before the meeting, N19.4 million dropped into the account as proceeds.

Now, if you put N2.5 billion in an account and, three months later, N19 million comes in, people will ask, ‘What is happening?’ So who will negotiate on behalf of ACF?

So these are things that are just to be investigated. Nobody is accusing him. They are to be investigated to determine what happened, what was discussed with them, who is in charge of what, and so on. And he did not respond.

The BoT chairman has accused you of not managing the funds raised for the 25th anniversary the way expected. What would you say?

In the first place, the approved budget for the whole anniversary was N742 million, which included N176 million for football and golf tournaments. I did not spend a kobo outside of the budget. As the accounting officer and the engine room of the Forum, I do not need piecemeal approval to carry out any task that has already been approved by the necessary approving authority.

All monies received for the event were from donors and sponsors. The total amount spent was N641 million and not N700 million. The budget included items that were added to the event, like the furnishing of the ACF main conference hall, the ACF documentary, both totalling over N60 million.

Additional events like cultural display, security, and women’s pavilion were added. Despite that, we made a saving of over N100 million from the budgeted sum. Details are with the accounting department and can be audited.

So there was nothing that I did, as the accounting officer, that was outside the budget. Moreover, the issues that he claimed he instructed me not to go ahead with, such as sports without sponsors, were not disregarded since the whole monies received for the event were from sponsors and donors, for which I personally had played a more than significant role in raising.

Furthermore, the directive as to what should be added or dropped from the programme should come from the main organising committee and not from individuals. Let us get it clear. He is not an approving authority in the ACF; approval of expenditure is by the Secretary-General (with a limit), the Chairman (with a limit), the Chairman on the advice of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, and then the National Executive Council. The Board of Trustees or its Chairman have nothing to do with approval.

The BoT chairman also explained that he proposed that the endowment money should be kept separately to avoid tampering with it for the day-to-day running of the ACF…

Regarding the monies for the endowment, first of all, the account was opened before the event. The bank was Jaiz Bank. That means that preparation and expenses were still ongoing. And I, as the accounting officer of the Forum, am the co-signatory. So who is the money being kept away from?

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees should have nothing to do with opening or operations of accounts. At the time the account was opened, no member of the management was aware of it. Everyone saw it for the first time when it was flashed on the screen for the benefit of donors.

What was disturbing, however, was that he relocated the account to a particular branch in Kano to a specific person who, curiously, was also his bank relationship officer. Not trusting the Secretary-General (who is a co-signatory), the National Working Committee, but especially the National Executive Council, or even the Board of Trustees with monies belonging to the Forum is curious. ACF is not a personal estate.

So far, all accounts are audited by external auditors, and right now they are at work. Will it not be sensible to await the outcome of the external audit report before making insinuations? I have worked in private and public institutions, and till today there is never a time I have been accused of or invited for financial or any other impropriety.

All documents concerning the budget, donors, and expenses are available should you require them to verify.

Can we now conclude that the crisis in the ACF is about money?

No. It is true that the fund may have contributed to it, but the whole issue started with getting rid of the Secretary-General, who is the accounting officer and the other signatory, the co-signatory.

Who are actually the signatories to ACF accounts?

In all accounts, I am Category A. The treasurer, the financial secretary, and the assistant treasurer are Category B. Two people have to sign.

Then why the concern? Is it because Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu gave approval for another account to be opened?

That shows a little concern. Secondly, he also gave a unilateral instruction because when additional money came in, N1.4 billion, it was moved to the investment account without the co-signatory.

So now people became concerned, saying, ‘Ah! So this can happen.’

If he can unilaterally give instructions and money can be moved, who knows what can happen in the future? These are the things that frightened the leadership in ACF. So now, to correct the aberration, we have written to Jaiz to say, ‘Look, these are the statutory signatories of the ACF from now on.’ Secondly, the money should be allocated to Kaduna. These are the two instructions we gave.

It is like the misunderstanding has escalated from between you and the BoT chairman to now between the BoT chairman and the NEC chairman?

Yes, I will tell you why. If the BoT chairman had not signed the release stating that the Secretary-General who called for the meeting was no longer there and was an ex-Secretary-General, okay, the NEC chairman would not have gotten involved in all these exchanges.

But when he instructed me to call for a meeting, and I did, that was fine. But it is not for him to say the NEC cannot call for a meeting because somebody is an executive.

In fact, he told the press that the meeting should not hold because he was not supposed to be there. It is not for him to say the NEC meeting cannot hold because somebody is an ex-Secretary-General.

Can we now say that the issue is personal now, or maybe you can to explain to our readers whether you are fixated about your office or are you willing to go?

No, no. Look, like I said, this office is actually a burden; I am only serving the North. There is no salary, no allowance. It is not as if I am getting any benefits, okay. But I have served for six years. This is my sixth year.

What I expect, and I can say with all sense of modesty, is that since I became Secretary-General, there have been considerable changes in terms of structure, in terms of membership, and in terms of the quality of people that come in, and so on.

What I expect is a little more appreciation, to say, ‘Oh, thank you,’ and not to be disgraced out just because somebody does not like my face.

How can we now find maybe a middle ground between the responsibilities of the BoT chairman and the responsibility of the NEC chairman, because it is like there are two captains?

The BoT chairman has no role at all by the Constitution apart from chairing BoT meetings.

And what do they do?

The role of the BoT is clearly spelled out in the Constitution, and I can give you a copy of the Constitution.

But do you think the organogram of ACF is structurally defective and where does the secretary-general fit in?

The Secretary-General is the secretary to the Board, secretary to NEC, and secretary to NWC, and is an ex-officio member of all committees of the Forum, as stated in the Constitution.

What would you say is the solution to this quagmire?

Well, put the ACF itself ahead of any personal interest. That is it, and for everybody to know the limits of his position. If you are the BoT Chairman, remain the BoT Chairman. If you are not comfortable being BoT Chairman and you feel you want to play another role, then wait until there is a vacancy for NEC Chairman and contest for it.