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By; NOSA ERNEST, Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu at the weekend declared the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has achieving a fundamental milestones in entrepreneurial advancement, playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s drive for job creation and economic empowerment.

He made the pronouncement at the 36th convocation ceremony of YABATECH and opined that the college’s drive in fostering entrepreneurial skills among its students has greatly improved the nation’s capacity for innovation and self-reliance.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, enjoined the graduating students to build on the strong foundation and leverage the acquired skills for professional growth and societal impact.

In a statement issued by the institution’s Director of Communication, Adekunle Adams, Tinubu charged the graduants that they are equipped not only to succeed but to be ahead and inspire, making impactful contributions across various domains, including science, technology, commerce, environmental design, arts, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

“As you move forward into the next chapter of your lives, remember that learning is a lifelong journey. Continue to seek out new knowledge, embrace the challenges ahead, and strive for excellence in every endeavour. The world is full of opportunities, and you are well-prepared to explore and seize them. Let the education you have received here serve as a beacon, guiding you to make a positive impact,” he said.

Afterwards, fellowship awards of the college were conferred on the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon . Tajudeen Abass for their immense contribution to national development and to ordinary Nigerians.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was also represented by Dr Alawi King, in her acceptance speech, considered the award as a challenge that will continue to inspire her efforts to uplift others for the greater good and development of our nation.

Rector of the institution, Dr Ibraheem Abdul pronounced that the convocation was a testament of hard work, resilience and vision, and the graduating students are stepping out into a world that is rapidly changing. According to him, “it is a world driven by technology, innovation, and an insatiable hunger for progress and development.”

By Suleiman Abbah

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian society, where the tapestry of culture, politics, and social dynamics interweaves with the threads of history, few figures stand out as remarkably as Yerima Shettima. A man of many dimensions, Shettima epitomizes the essence of resilience, adaptability, and multifaceted contribution to his community and nation. As we delve into the life and legacy of Yerima Shettima, we explore the theme of “a man of all seasons,” examining how his diverse roles and unwavering commitment have positioned him as a beacon of hope and change in Nigeria.

The Early Years: Foundations of a Leader

Yerima Shettima was born into a world rich with cultural heritage and tradition. Growing up in a society marked by both promise and challenges, he quickly learned the value of education and community engagement. His early years were characterized by a deep-rooted understanding of the complexities of human interactions and the significance of cultural identity. This foundation would serve as the bedrock for his future endeavors.

Shettima’s academic pursuits led him to acquire knowledge that transcended mere textbooks. He understood that education was not just a means to an end but a powerful tool for social transformation. His commitment to knowledge would later manifest in his advocacy for educational reforms, particularly in northern Nigeria, where access to quality education remains a pressing issue. By championing the cause of education, Shettima laid the groundwork for his role as a leader who seeks to uplift his community through enlightenment and empowerment.

Cultural Advocacy: Preserving Heritage in a Changing World

One of the defining aspects of Yerima Shettima’s life is his unwavering commitment to cultural advocacy. In a world increasingly influenced by globalization and homogenization, Shettima has emerged as a staunch defender of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. He understands that culture is not merely a relic of the past but a living, breathing entity that shapes identities and fosters community cohesion.

Through various initiatives, Shettima has worked tirelessly to promote the arts, literature, and traditions of Nigeria, particularly those of the northern regions. His efforts have not only highlighted the significance of cultural preservation but have also provided a platform for emerging artists and writers to showcase their talents. By fostering a sense of pride in one’s heritage, Shettima has empowered individuals to embrace their roots while navigating the complexities of modernity.

Political Engagement: Navigating the Terrain of Governance

Yerima Shettima’s journey as a man of all seasons would be incomplete without acknowledging his involvement in the political arena. Recognizing the intricate relationship between culture, education, and governance, Shettima has positioned himself as a voice for the marginalized and a champion for social justice. His political engagement is characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

In a political landscape often marred by corruption and inefficiency, Shettima’s integrity stands as a testament to the possibility of ethical leadership. He has advocated for policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, particularly those in underserved communities. His approach to governance emphasizes the importance of grassroots participation, ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard and valued.

Philanthropy and Social Responsibility: A Heart for the People

Beyond his political and cultural endeavors, Yerima Shettima embodies the spirit of philanthropy and social responsibility. He recognizes that true leadership extends beyond the confines of political office; it involves a genuine commitment to the welfare of others. Through various philanthropic initiatives, Shettima has sought to address pressing social issues, including poverty alleviation, healthcare access, and youth empowerment.

His philanthropic work is characterized by a hands-on approach, often engaging directly with communities to understand their needs and aspirations. By fostering partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, Shettima has been able to implement sustainable solutions that create lasting impact. His dedication to social responsibility reinforces the idea that leadership is not merely about authority but about service and sacrifice.

A Vision for the Future: Inspiring Generations

As a man of all seasons, Yerima Shettima embodies a vision for the future that transcends individual ambition. He understands that the challenges facing Nigeria are multifaceted and require collaborative efforts to address. His commitment to fostering dialogue among diverse groups reflects his belief in the power of unity and collective action.

Shettima’s vision extends to the younger generation, whom he sees as the torchbearers of change. Through mentorship programs and educational initiatives, he seeks to inspire young minds to embrace leadership roles and contribute positively to society. By instilling values of integrity, empathy, and resilience, Shettima aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Yerima Shettima

In conclusion, Yerima Shettima stands as a testament to the idea that one can indeed be a man of all seasons. His journey, marked by cultural advocacy, political engagement, philanthropy, and a visionary outlook, reflects the multifaceted nature of leadership in today’s world. As Nigeria continues to grapple with its challenges, figures like Shettima remind us of the power of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to the greater good.

Yerima Shettima’s legacy is not merely defined by his achievements but by the lives he has touched and the communities he has uplifted. As we reflect on his contributions, we are reminded that true leadership transcends individual accolades; it is about fostering a sense of belonging, nurturing potential, and inspiring hope for a brighter future. In a world that often seems divided, Shettima’s example serves as a beacon of light, guiding us toward a more inclusive and harmonious society.

By Oche Emmanuel

Comrade Abdul Bako Usman, National President of Campaign for Democracy and Convener of Concerned Civil Society Network, has urged the Federal Government to ensure Development Commissions in Nigeria fulfill their intended purposes. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, November 16, 2024, Comrade Usman emphasized these commissions were established to address regional needs, promote development, and reduce unemployment.

Some Development Commissions in Nigeria include:

• North East Development Commission (NEDC) for rebuilding and developing the North East
• Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for developing the Niger Delta
• National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons for supporting refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons

Comrade Usman stressed Civil Society members implore the Federal Government to ensure commission heads meet the people’s expectations. “To ensure youths from all regions aren’t short-changed, we call on the Federal Government to monitor commission heads’ activities.”

Usman supports the Association of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria and has watched the peaceful demands/protest of Niger Delta youths. “We’re monitoring closely and if Managing Director Sam Ogbuku doesn’t address these armless demands, he should resign or be sacked.”

Comrade Usman stated if the Niger Delta youths’ demands aren’t met, the Civil Society family will join the protest. “I urge Managing Director Sam Ogbuku to listen to the youths’ agitations and address them before things get out of hand.”

If the demands persist without response, the Civil Society will consider it a slap and mobilize support without notice.

By Ameh John

The Dokan Karji community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State is outraged over a report by Bomba Dauda, a journalist from Southern Kaduna, which dismissed their experiences with bandit attacks as frivolous, speculative, and over exaggerated.

National newspapers, including Vanguard, had reported on the bandits’ impunity in the community, forcing residents out and taking over their lands unchallenged by the state.

The community listed 14 affected communities, namely Sabon Gida Libere, Maikudumi, Fili, Unguwan Nabara, Mahuta, Sabon Layin Kan’Makama, Unguwan Isah, Ruwan Sanyi, Unguwan Danja, Unguwan Maizuma, Unguwan Zango, Unguwan Gayya, Unguwan Garkuwa, and Nasarawa.

Dauda’s rejoinder, published on Gurara Accord, sparked widespread condemnation from the community. Critics argue that Dauda failed to provide convincing counter evidence or indicate whether he visited the affected communities.

The community is seeking several key actions. They demand protection from the government, questioning whether the state owes them no protection due to military constraints. The community requests an investigation into Dauda’s claims and his motives behind downplaying the bandit attacks. They urge the military to provide necessary assistance to reclaim their lands and ensure their safety. Additionally, the community hopes to raise international awareness about their plight and the dangers of banditry in the region.

Youth Leader Alh. Aminu Khalid emphasized that the community’s plea for assistance from the state is legitimate and should not be dismissed. “Is it wrong for the government to chase out the bandits and reclaim our lands?” he asked.

Khalid highlighted the community’s bravery in rescuing 26 hostages from bandits in Zakada community on November 14, 2024. However, he noted that the bandits have regrouped, posing an even greater threat.

The community urged the Nigerian military to investigate their claims and provide necessary assistance. “We shall not be distracted or discouraged from pursuing the security, safety, and well-being of our fatherland,” Khalid declared.

The issue highlights the broader struggle against banditry in Nigeria and the importance of accurate reporting. Nigeria faces persistent challenges from bandits, with many communities affected. This incident underscores the significance of responsible journalism in reporting conflicts and the need for verification. The Dokan Karji community’s determination serves as an example of resilience in the face of adversity.

As the community continues to seek justice and protection, their story serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of responsible reporting.

By: Ochagwe Ameh

Comrade Abdul Bako Usman, National President of Campaign for Democracy and Convener of Concerned Civil Society Network, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that Development Commissions in Nigeria fulfill their intended purposes. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, November 16, 2024, Comrade Usman emphasized that these commissions were established to address specific regional needs, promote development, and reduce unemployment to the barest minimum across the country.

Some of the Development Commissions in Nigeria include:

• North East Development Commission (NEDC): focuses on rebuilding and developing the North East region
• Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC): aimed at developing the Niger Delta region
• National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons: targeted at providing support to refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons

Comrade Usman stressed that Civil Society members are imploring the Federal Government to ensure that all commission heads meet the expectations of the people within the areas where these Commissions are sited ¹.

“In order to ensure that the youths from all regions of this nation, both the North, East, West & South, are not short-changed, we are therefore calling on the Federal Government to monitor the activities and actions of the heads of these Commissions,” Bako noted, as he throws his weight behind the Association of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria.

The right activist also said that himself, his organization, and sister organizations have been watching closely the peaceful demands/protest of the Niger Delta youths, under the umbrella body of “Unemployed Youths Of Nigeria”, demanding employment opportunities for her members, as well as grassroots developmental projects within the region.

“I wish to let you know that we are monitoring closely the agitations by the Niger Delta youths, and that the Managing Director (MD) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Sam Ogbuku, either resigns or be sacked by Mr. President, if he refuses to do the needful, of giving a listening ear to these armless demands.”

Comrade Usman further stated that if the demands of the Niger Delta youths are not met within days, the Civil Society family will have no option but to join the already ferocious protest, to get the involvement of all other Federal Government agencies, to ensure that the needful is done.

“I will urge the Managing Director (MD) Sam Ogbuku of the NDDC to listen to the agitations by the youths in his region and address them timeously, before things get out of hand.”

However, if these demands/peaceful protests of the Niger Delta youths, under the respected umbrella body “The Unemployed Youths Of Nigeria”, persist without any response from the appropriate quarters, the Civil Society will consider it a slap to its national President, Comr Ebi Zuofa, and other leaders like Comr Gbenga Fajoye, forcing them to mobilize in support without prior notice ¹.

By Anika Thomas

Comrade Abdul Bako Usman, National President of Campaign for Democracy and Convener of Concerned Civil Society Network, has thrown his weight behind the Association of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria, particularly those in the Niger Delta region. Usman is urging the Federal Government to ensure Development Commissions in Nigeria fulfill their intended purposes [1).

These commissions include:

• North East Development Commission (NEDC): focuses on rebuilding and developing the North East region
• Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC): aimed at developing the Niger Delta region
• National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons: provides support to refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons

Usman emphasized that these commissions were established to address specific regional needs, promote development, and reduce unemployment to the barest minimum across the country. He stressed that Civil Society members are imploring the Federal Government to ensure that all commission heads meet the expectations of the people within their respective regions.

The Niger Delta youths, under the umbrella body of “Unemployed Youths Of Nigeria,” are demanding employment opportunities and grassroots developmental projects within the region. Usman warned that if their demands are not met, the Civil Society family will join the protest to ensure the Federal Government agencies take action.

Specifically, Usman called on the Managing Director of the NDDC, Sam Ogbuku, to listen to the youths’ agitations and address them promptly or face resignation or sack by the President. Usman deemed the lack of response to the youths’ demands a violation of their fundamental rights to employment opportunities and developmental projects.

The Campaign for Democracy has a history of advocating for greater democracy in Nigeria, dating back to its founding in 1991 ¹. As the situation unfolds, the Civil Society group remains committed to supporting the Niger Delta youths in their quest for development and employment.

…Says alleged “Anti North” Bills are Rejected

Angry over recent open support of some northerners for the new tax reform initiative,Coalition of northern groups under aegis of Forum for Growth and Development of Arewa(FGDA) have fixed Wednesday to embark over the bills they described as “Anti-North”.

Accordingly to the Coalition , the decision to embark on the protest is to send a strong to message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of Senate and House of Representatives that the alleged”Anti North Bills” are rejected and unacceptable.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate. The proposed legislation is aimed at streamlining tax collection, ensuring compliance and optimising revenue.

But in a statement signed by the Convener made available to journalists in Kaduna today said, “We have consulted widely and carried out investigation about the proposed tax reform bills and discovered that the implementation would relatively affect and “relegate the northerner region economically and commercially.”

The group which condemned House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State for his supportive stance and endorsement of the controversial tax reform bill, said his position on the tax reform is without consideration to our backwardness and development gap between South and North.

“We therefore submit that the tax reform will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, especially considering the current harsh economic reality in the country.” It stated.

While acknowledging that the proposed tax reform could be of significant interest or benefits to those in the South, the group insisted, “We make bold to inform this backing this anti-North bill remember that an average northern is suffering now and cannot afford to dragged beyond this point of poverty line.

“North is currently facing problems insecurity,severe poverty, unemployment, and dearth of infrastructure and any move to further create a policy that will improvish us will be met with resistance.

“We are therefore calling our youths and citizens from the region to join to stop further action on the tax reform bills.” The statement “

By: Olabode Oyedele

The Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah has given its seal of approval to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, citing their potential to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and drive economic growth. Initially, the forum had expressed reservations about the bills but after careful review and consultation with experts, they concluded that the legislation is harmless to Islamic and Nigerian interests.

President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, following recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.

The Islamic Forum announced its endorsement in a communique after a meeting in Abuja, citing the bills’ potential to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and drive economic growth.

While recalling opposition from Northern traditional rulers and governors, the Islamic groups urged the federal government to educate Nigerians about the bills.

The communique, signed by Chairman Mallam Adam Awwal Muhammad and Secretary Sheikh Akanbi Rashidi Bolaji, reads: “There’s no basis to entertain fear about these bills… Nigerians will commend Tinubu for laying a solid foundation for fiscal stability.”

Key components include reducing overlapping taxes, harmonizing tax processes, and creating a Joint Revenue Board.

The Islamic Forum appeals to Muslim brothers to support the tax reform initiative and urges NGOs, civil society, and governments to make the documents public.

They suggest President Tinubu meet with governors, stakeholders, manufacturers, and citizens to discuss the bills’ importance to Nigeria’s growth.

The tax reform bills aim to streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and optimize revenue. The bills include:

• Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill: Seeks to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Bill No. 13 of 2007 and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service.
• Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill: Aims to establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman.
• Nigeria Tax Bill 2024: Provides the fiscal framework for tax in the country.
• Tax Administration Bill: Offers a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country.

The Islamic Forum urges Muslims to support the tax reform initiative, emphasizing its potential to stimulate investment, reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers, and promote economic stability. They also call for mass enlightenment programs to educate Nigerians about the bills’ contents.

By Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has declared its immediate past Chairman, Late Major Gambo Bobai (rtd), a hero of the Middle Belt. This declaration was made during a condolence visit to the late Major’s family by the MBF Chairman, Mr. Luka Binniyat.

Mr. Binniyat described Major Gambo as “a man who was resilient and selfless to the struggle of the Middle Belt.” He also conveyed the National President of the Middle Belt Forum’s, Mr. Pogu, appreciation for Major Gambo’s contributions to the Middle Belt project.

The late Major Gambo was praised for his knowledge and efforts in promoting justice and equity in the state. As a pioneer chairman of the MBF, Kaduna State Chapter, and a respected elder of the region, his legacy will be deeply missed.

In response, the eldest son of the late Chairman, Mr. Sunday Gambo Bobai, thanked the delegation for their condolence visit. He expressed optimism that his father’s struggle had been left in capable hands.

Major Gambo Bobai passed away on October 30, 2024, at the age of 85. He will be buried in his place of birth, Jankassa, Atyap Chiefdom Zangon Kataf, Kaduna state, on November 16, 2024.

The Middle Belt Forum’s National President will attend the burial ceremony to pay his respects to the late hero. Before departing, the Treasurer of the MBF, Kaduna State Chapter, Ms. Saratu Larai Shekari, presented an undisclosed token to the family.