Arewa Times

As preparations intensify ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, the Northern APC Grassroots Advocacy and Mobilisation Forum has thrown its weight behind Professor Kailani Muhammad as its preferred candidate for the position of National Chairman.

Speaking at a press conference, the Forum—comprising members from the 19 northern states—described Professor Muhammad as a loyal party stalwart, seasoned grassroots mobilizer, and a symbol of unwavering commitment to the APC and its legacy parties.

According to the Forum’s Chairman, Professor Muhammad was a pioneer member of the All People’s Party (APP), which evolved into the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), later merged into the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and ultimately contributed to the formation of the APC.

“He has never wavered in his loyalty,” the Forum leader stated. “Among all aspirants, Professor Kailani stands out for his depth of experience and enduring commitment to the party. His leadership during the 2023 general elections, particularly as the National Chairman of the APC Support Groups, was instrumental in securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The Forum further highlighted Professor Muhammad’s wide national appeal despite having never held any elective or appointive public office. They described him as “result-oriented and deeply rooted in the grassroots,” with a vast network of supporters and political allies across the 36 states of the federation.

“He possesses the vision, capacity, and charisma needed to unite the party, galvanize nationwide support, and lead the APC to another resounding victory in 2027,” the Forum declared.

The group urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to seriously consider Professor Muhammad’s candidacy, citing his steadfast loyalty, grassroots influence, and strategic mobilization strength as unmatched among contenders.

Mark Abbah

A new Brand Ambassador, Anteyi Grace Ene popularly known as AGEless, was at the weekend unveiled just as erudite sports administrator and Chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Dr. Paul Edeh Esq, launched a real estate company named Signature Edge.

The high-octane event, which held inside the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, was well-attended by a teeming class of societal men and women including captains of industry, business executives, politicians, among others.

The real estate company’s founder and Chairman, Chief Edeh, at the unveiling, gave an overview as well as unique descriptive highlights of Signature Edge with its trademark Living The Future.

While describing the making of the real estate firm as historic and symbolic, Chief Edeh said the choice of Ageless is because her personality attributes resonate with the characteristics Signature Edge stands for.

The football club owner cum real estate doyen emphatically stated that Signature Edge is anchored on integrity and affordable opportunities, offering a wide range of building options to suit every individual’s taste amidst a variety of choices.

He said, “Signature Edge was born out of a conviction that every home, every space, and every investment should carry a mark of lasting value. We see real estate not merely as structures of brick and mortar but as living statements of who we are and what we believe the future must hold.

“We are here to set a new pace guided by integrity, inspired by culture, enabled by technology, and driven by a commitment to make decent shelter accessible for all. Whether you are seeking a sanctuary for your family, a fertile ground for enterprise, or a strategic portfolio for generational wealth, Signature Edge stands ready to bring that vision to life.

“Our approach is simple yet profound. We do not just sell property; we deliver the dignity of belonging, the security of ownership, and the promise of tomorrow. That is the Edge in Signature Edge the extra mile, the thoughtful detail, the unwavering standard that will become a reference point in Africa’s real estate landscape.

“With every project, we will bring the home to you rather than have you chase after it. In five years and beyond, Signature Edge will be the mark that elevates lives, communities, and the continent at large.”

He said the vision of establishing Signature Edge is one that will stay ahead and remain relevant for subscribers or those who seek to acquire property through it, adding, “We are a visionary real estate company building Africa’s future through culturally inspired, tech-enabled, and community-centred property development, sales, investment, and management.”

On what inspired Signature Edge with its logo featuring a thumbprint, Chief Edeh, with years of experience in real estate development, said, “The newly formed company seeks to supply what is culturally unique to everyone, and our vision is to ensure that every Nigerian, whether you have or not, should have a decent home over time.

“We believe that we are bringing to the fore a real estate company that in the next five years will be a pillar upon which every other real estate firm identifies. We seek to achieve this by bringing the home to you, rather than you looking for it.”

The company’s number one man then announced that already, Signature Edge has struck mouth-watering deals in about 24 hours after it was launched.

He said the company now has available property in Abuja, Lagos, Namibia, and parts of Africa.

The Brand Ambassador, after committing to pacts with Signature Edge, assured of her readiness to use her wealth of experience and reach to elevate the fortunes of the firm.

She said, “I am sincerely committed to justifying that trust which the Board and Management of Signature Edge have placed on me. Building on previous experience, I believe that my skills will bring tremendous success for the company. We will certainly achieve great things together.”

Some of those who spoke at the event, including a governorship candidate for the Anambra 2025 election and a former Speaker, hailed the concept and ideology behind Signature Edge and predicted that the company will soon make an incredible impact that will surpass ages.

Highpoint of the event was the symbolic signing of a long-term agreement between Signature Edge and Brand Ambassador AGEless.

By Mike Odeh James

In a stirring call to action, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor has raised the alarm over the alarming surge of drug-related mental health cases among Nigerian youths, describing the situation as a national emergency that demands immediate attention from policymakers and youth leaders alike.

Speaking on Monday, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, a prominent youth advocate and national officer of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), warned that the country’s already overstretched psychiatric facilities are being overwhelmed by young Nigerians suffering from drug-induced mental health crises — many of them unemployed and vulnerable.

“We are forced to respond in this manner because some gullible and supposedly educated youths are still blind to the severity of this issue,” Okpuzor said. “Despite overwhelming evidence, some still treat this as trivial, while every day our poorly funded psychiatric centres admit more mentally disturbed young Nigerians.”

According to Comrade Chuba the issue is beyond isolated incidents or street-level peddlers. He stressed that drug abuse is the consequence of a deeply entrenched syndicate, which targets the most vulnerable members of society — the poor, the unemployed, and the disillusioned.

“Drug trafficking isn’t driven by the poor, the middle class, or the downtrodden — but tragically, they are its victims,” he said. “These substances reach the streets through powerful channels, and are consumed by youths in a confused, battered state of mind. That makes them dangerously susceptible.”

He further commended the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its recent busts and crackdowns, but appealed for intensified efforts and deeper investigations.

“We appreciate the resilience of the NDLEA. However, we urge them to dig deeper. As drug trafficking is a well-organized business involving highly placed individuals. The poor are the users, not the masterminds. The investigation must go beyond the foot soldiers.”

Comrade Chuba Okpuzor also called on youth organizations, religious institutions, and the media to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves. He warned that playing politics or trivializing the mental health impact of drugs is a betrayal of national conscience.

“Any attempt to make light of this issue is a disservice to our collective sensibility and national conscience,” he emphasized. “This is not the time to be passive. It is time to lead, advocate, and demand protection for our generation.”

As drug abuse continues to claim young lives and erode the mental fabric of the nation’s future, voices like Comrade Chuba’s highlight the urgency to move beyond denial and take decisive action.

Samuel Adoma

Kaduna-based philanthropist and rights advocate, Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the much-anticipated tax reform bill, describing it as a game-changing step toward unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and empowering states to function more independently.

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Kaduna, Ambassador Shettima congratulated the President for his “bold and visionary” leadership, saying the new tax law would not only improve ease of doing business in Nigeria but also simplify the country’s taxation system in ways that would attract both local and foreign investment.

“There is no doubt that this new law has laid a solid foundation to boost Nigeria’s economy by simplifying tax processes, expanding the tax base, and creating a more business-friendly environment for Nigerians and foreigners alike,” Shettima stated.

The tax reform bill, recently signed into law by President Tinubu, introduces a sweeping overhaul of the tax administration and collection system, including key provisions that directly benefit small businesses, revise the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula, and promote equitable economic development across Nigeria’s federating units.

Shettima emphasized that small businesses—which constitute the backbone of the Nigerian economy—stand to benefit significantly from the reform through reduced compliance burdens and clearer tax expectations.

“The reform will support small businesses, increase revenue generation, simplify tax payments, and ultimately improve the socio-economic condition of the country,” he said.

The philanthropist particularly praised the provision that ensures a fair and equitable distribution of VAT revenues, noting that it will allow states to fund more local infrastructure and developmental projects without over-relying on federal allocations.

“This law aims to overhaul the country’s tax collection and administration systems, presenting an opportunity to create a more equitable and efficient taxation model. At the heart of the bill are transformative provisions such as revisions to the VAT revenue-sharing formula and exemptions for small businesses and the average Nigerian,” he noted.

However, Shettima also called for diligence and transparency in the implementation of the law, urging agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to act responsibly and in the national interest.

“The success of this reform depends not only on its passage but also on its execution. I urge all stakeholders, especially the FIRS and other tax authorities, to ensure proper implementation. This is a defining moment for our country.”

He further commended President Tinubu for showing “bold leadership and political will,” adding that the law has the potential to promote economic inclusion, reduce inequality, and stimulate long-term national growth.

“With the enactment of these transformative tax laws, President Tinubu has once again demonstrated bold leadership and the political will to drive meaningful reforms that promote economic inclusion, reduce inequality, and spur growth,” Shettima remarked.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to unite in support of the law, describing it as a national turning point.

“President Tinubu has delivered the blueprint; now it is time for all stakeholders to ensure it works for the Nigerian people,” Shettima said.

A pro-democracy group under the aegis of the June 12 Ibadan Alliance for Democracy has faulted former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), over his recent suggestion that several of his military colleagues be considered for national honours for their roles in the June 12, 1993 struggle.

In a statement personally signed by Col. Umar, following his recent conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the retired officer had called on the federal government to also recognise “38 or more” unnamed ex-military officers whom he described as “unsung heroes” of the democratic struggle.

However, the June 12 Alliance, in a press release issued and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Arisekola Abdulwahab, strongly disagreed with Col. Umar’s recommendation.

The group accused some of the officers mentioned of fraternising with the late General Sani Abacha and playing roles that ran contrary to democratic ideals.

“We appreciate Col. Dangiwa Umar for accepting the national honour and we acknowledge his outstanding role in defending the sanctity of June 12 despite being in military uniform,” the group said. “However, it is unacceptable to recommend for honours those military officers who were part of the machinery that frustrated and truncated Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.”

The group insisted that while Umar’s own contributions to the pro-democracy movement are undeniable and deserving of national recognition, “those of his colleagues, particularly those who hobnobbed with anti-democratic forces, should not be rewarded.”

“For the benefit of younger generations who may not know the history, honouring such officers would wrongly present them as champions of democracy. That would be a distortion of history,” the statement added.

The group concluded by urging President Tinubu and the National Honours Committee to be cautious in selecting future recipients, stressing that “national recognition should only go to individuals with verifiable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

By Monday Weelong

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating an allegations of money laundry, misappropriation and criminal diversion of public funds at the National Steel, Raw Material Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna

Findings revealed that over N105 million was alleged to have been mopped through fake companies, as staff cried over unpaid arrears as approved by government while equipment running into millions of Naira vandalised & stolen.

The allegations which is being investigated by the EFCC is against the Director General Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi.

The Federal government’s purported agreement with Russia for the revival of the nation’s steel industry and plans to increase the country’s GDP may hit the rock if the provider of the raw materials, National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency is not cleansed of allegations of large scale corruption and administrative ineptitude which beclouded the agency since the appointment of Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi in 2022.

Allegations of corruption and diversion of public funds running into millions of Naira backed by empirical evidences were contained in a petition sent to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Findings however revealed that the EFCC upon receipt of the petition in 2023 swung into action and found the Director General, Mr. Ogunbiyi guilty of all the financial irregularities. How the matter could not be sent to court for prosecution is what is difficult to explain.

Against the above background, Counsel to the petitioners had on 4th March 2025 wrote to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice urging for discreet investigations when it appeared that the EFCC’s findings were being swept under the carpet which give the embattled DG the strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the agency with reckless abandon. The morale of the workforce has been crippled to the lowest ebb leading to collapse of ethics and discipline.

According to available evidence, the mopping of N105, 130, 504.94 (One Hundred and Five Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Four and Ninety Four kobo) was executed simultaneously on
December 21st, 2022 as follows:-
Alakrity Global Concept N59, 873, 253.80
Gatplus Dynamic Resources N13, 330, 712.00
Bitcnot Nigeria Ltd N11, 604, 612.00
Teminote Concept N20, 321, 927.14

Similarly, the sum of N1.2billion was said to have been approved by the federal government to pay accumulated arrears of hazard and medical allowances for the period 2009-2017. The Director General Mr. Ogunbiyi chaired the committee for the compilation of the list of the beneficiaries and came up with payment schedule. In the process, heavy deductions were made in each of the beneficiary’s entitlements.

The payments of these arrears were done in four instalments via IPPIS as follows: 25% on the 6th of April 2022, 25% on 11th May, 2022, 25% on 14th June 2022 and the final 25% on June 22nd 2022. There is however concern that some of the beneficiaries were either underpaid or not paid at all.

Most astonishing was the fact that not a single beneficiary was privy to his/her package after the computation, suggesting that some shoddy deals were used in the implementation process.

Additional findings also revealed that the Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRAI) and the NSC Co-operative Society together with the committee orchestrated the plan where millions of Naira meant for the defenceless beneficiaries were diverted. The computation of the arrears was done in outright breach of government’s extant financial regulations and did not pass through the internal audit clearance.

In a related development, a section of the staff has dragged the embattled DG to court over unpaid salaries for two years or more. These are staff who were duly accepted on transfet from sister agencies- Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, National Metallurgical Development Centre, National Lottery Regulatory Commission as well as some staff of the then Ministry of Mines and Steel development.

Upon assumption of duty, Mr. Ogunbiyi redirected that the staff return to their former agencies after they had finished all the documentation for the transfers. All attempts to make the DG consent for the capture and migrate the affected staff on IPPIS payroll platform were resisted by him. The matter has been in the National Industrial Court.

With the on-going legal battle, there is also the controversy regarding his appointment as the Director General of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA).

A federal establishment circular 2011-2019 signed by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha frowns at the way some Ministers continue to process appointments of chief executives without following the clearly defined extant guidelines and the provisions of the enabling laws of such agencies.

In the circular, the President has directed that requests for such appointments should always be channelled to His Excellency through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who will process them for approval to the appropriate supervising Ministers.

Contrary to the aforementioned circular, the then Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekon Adegbite directly conveyed approval for Ogunbiyi’s appointment to him from the office of the then Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

There are also reports of some staff who absconded from their duty post for years living abroad and are still on the payroll of the agency. These staff are said to be enjoying the cover of the DG.

Allegations of mass stealing of equipment and accessories which rendered the agency incapacitated to carry out its mandates effectively have also reached an alarming proportion.

According to reports, a senior staff was caught red handed stealing electrical cable which was swiftly covered because of his closeness to the Chief Executive. This recent theft is the high point of series of stealing of the agency’s property running into millions of Naira.

“Only a forensic audit of the agency can determine the level at which things have deteriorated”, an aggrieved staff who spoke on condition of anonymity said

Against the forgoing, the need for the Federal government to beam its search light on the activities of the NSRMEA under the leadership of the incumbent director general with the view to right the wrongs and bring the guilty to book is imperative.

ENDS

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed joy and pride as three of its distinguished members were conferred with national honours during this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The awardees include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); renowned poet and political thinker Odia Ofeimun, and former senator and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, both awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a joint statement signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D, the association congratulated the recipients for their lifelong commitment to literature, democracy, and nation-building.

“We celebrate our illustrious members on this well-deserved recognition,” the statement read. “Their honour is a testament to the enduring power of words, ideas, and principled action in shaping our national journey.”

The association also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing literary icons and public intellectuals as deserving of the nation’s highest honours.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all citizens as we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” the statement concluded.

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed joy and pride as three of its distinguished members were conferred with national honours during this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The awardees include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); renowned poet and political thinker Odia Ofeimun, and former senator and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, both awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a joint statement signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D, the association congratulated the recipients for their lifelong commitment to literature, democracy, and nation-building.

“We celebrate our illustrious members on this well-deserved recognition,” the statement read. “Their honour is a testament to the enduring power of words, ideas, and principled action in shaping our national journey.”

The association also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing literary icons and public intellectuals as deserving of the nation’s highest honours.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all citizens as we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” the statement concluded.

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed joy and pride as three of its distinguished members were conferred with national honours during this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The awardees include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); renowned poet and political thinker Odia Ofeimun, and former senator and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, both awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a joint statement signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D, the association congratulated the recipients for their lifelong commitment to literature, democracy, and nation-building.

“We celebrate our illustrious members on this well-deserved recognition,” the statement read. “Their honour is a testament to the enduring power of words, ideas, and principled action in shaping our national journey.”

The association also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing literary icons and public intellectuals as deserving of the nation’s highest honours.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all citizens as we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” the statement concluded.

It was a moving scene filled with joy, laughter, and healing as the Nurture Special Education Needs Foundation (NSENF) hosted a unique Children’s Day Play Therapy Event at JPEC Chimel Academy in Zaria on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This heartwarming event brought together children with neurological and psychosocial disabilities and their neurotypical peers in a vibrant celebration of inclusion, resilience, and shared humanity.

Organised with the goal of creating a safe, expressive space for children with special needs, the event featured a series of engaging play therapy activities tailored to enhance emotional well-being and social connection. Among the highlights were the Sensory Play Corner, the Creative Arts Zone, music and movement sessions, and puppet-led storytelling—each designed to stimulate creativity, promote self-expression, and foster inclusion.

The day’s most emotional moment came during the “I Am a Star” recognition ceremony, where every child was celebrated for their uniqueness and courage. Each participant was called forward to receive a certificate and words of affirmation, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. Children’s faces lit up with pride and joy, reminding everyone present of the transformative power of affirmation and belonging.

Another standout feature was a parent-and-caregiver forum led by experts in child development. The interactive session provided practical advice on managing children with developmental challenges and offered caregivers a space to share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with others. Many described the session as deeply affirming and valuable in their parenting journeys.

Despite several logistical hurdles—including limited resources, overstimulation among some children, and a last-minute venue change—the event recorded strong participation. NSENF confirmed the attendance of 17 children with special needs, 5 neurotypical children, 13 parents and caregivers, and several professionals from the media, education, and humanitarian sectors.

The success of the event was powered by a passionate team of volunteers and committed partners. The Centre for Girls Education (CGE), FAM Initiative, and Quatech Photography were among those who provided crucial support. Notably, Hajiya Habiba Mohammed of CGE and Jecinta Egbim of FAM Initiative were recognised for their generous donations and behind-the-scenes coordination.

“This is more than a one-day celebration,” said Aisha Ibrahim Ahmad, Executive Director of NSENF, in her closing remarks. “It is a call to action—a movement for empathy, awareness, and sustained inclusion. Every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported, regardless of ability.”

Though