In an age characterized by digital disruption, Abubakar Sadiq Umar has established himself as an interesting entrepreneur. Sadiq’s professional experience stretches across borders and industries, and he has built a name for himself as a man who delivers his ambition, the latest being his mentorship platform, AltMentor. His endeavor does not only change the intersection between technology and mentorship but also serves a larger purpose which is advancing Africa’s place in the global technology story.

The Seed of Innovation: Envestlab’s Rise
For Abubakar Sadiq, creativity started with Envestlab, a venture aimed at nurturing the tech ecosystem of Northern Nigeria. The annual tech conferences of EnvestLab as well as vigorous hackathon competitions have become an important landmark for entrepreneurs. These conferences go beyond the superficial trappings of networking; they are fertile grounds where ideas meet execution.
With the aid of Envestlab, Sadiq gives chances to young inventors to come together, showcase their ideas, and obtain sufficient resources to kick start their projects. The hackathons have been transformed into a trademark of the initiative where select novel business ideas are recognized and nurtured.
It is in such a glare of creativity and competition that Sadiq’s philosophy comes into action. He has always sought to say that Africa does not receive technology. It provides it, this is the idea that inspired the creation of EnvestLab.
A Marketing Virtuoso

Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Abubakar Sadiq nurtured his craft through positions that placed him at the forefront of technology. As the Head of Digital Marketing, Northflix experienced his flair for engaging with the audience. He was able to implement the company’s brand further through campaigns based on data analysis and telling of stories, especially in the rather crowded cyberspace.

Abubakar Sadiq Umar

Charting a Global Career in Blockchain
Furthering his range of skills, his time at Green Life Energy (GLE), a UK based renewable energy blockchain startup, introduced him to decentralized technologies. In view of this, Sadiq, as Project Manager and Director of Partnerships, made attempts at bridging the gaps towards the adoption of Blockchain and devising methods to use the still young form of technology.
Remarkably, Abubakar Sadiq was named Binance Blockchain Week Dubai 2022 Star of the Day, standing out among thousands of attendees. This award marked his rising stature in the global technological arena and marked his prowess in linking new inventions with practical use.

Sadiq’s career progressed in tandem with Gameness, a Turkish company involved in esports and focused on the blockchain industry which was once known as NerfIT. In Gameness, as the Head of Partnerships, Sadiq strategically aligned the company’s blockchain offerings to be tempered and adapted with the rapidly changing needs of the eSports environment. These experiences rounded out his skill set, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of both product innovation as well as market positioning, both of which are fundamental to successful entrepreneurial ventures.

AltMentor: The Next Frontier in Mentorship
As per Sadiq, that’s why his latest Startup, AltMentor, is timely as well as ambitious. With the focus on commencement in the first quarter of 2025, the platform seeks a different approach to mentorship. AltMentor connects mentors with mentees through a fee-based model, creating a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge sharing becomes both accessible and rewarding.
To Sadiq, AltMentor is not merely a business; it is a movement. At its core is the belief that mentorship structured, personalized, and goal-oriented has the power to transform lives. “Everyone deserves access to the wisdom of those who have walked the path before them,” he says, articulating a vision that is as inclusive as it is ambitious.
The platform’s goal of reaching a $100 million valuation within 24 months is backed by its robust scalability and global appeal. AltMentor aims to connect millions of users, from young professionals seeking guidance to seasoned experts looking to impart their knowledge. The dual benefit of empowering mentors while equipping mentees positions the platform as a potential game-changer in Africa’s education and professional development landscape.
The Broader Vision

Sadiq’s work with AltMentor and Envestlab reflects a broader narrative: the recalibration of Africa’s place in global innovation. By focusing on mentorship and entrepreneurship, he addresses two critical gaps that often hinder the continent’s growth: access to knowledge and the support needed to scale ideas.
His dream is larger than those associated with the platforms he has developed. Sadiq sees Africa as the next big tech powerhouse, not for replicating others’ inventions, but for creating original ones. By nurturing the culture of mentorship and supporting entrepreneurs, he is building a system where the next generation will be empowered to prosper.

A Legacy in the Making

Sadiq has an inspiring story to tell as his tale depicts the promise and growth potential as the launch of AltMentor is approaching. His belief in innovation and collaboration is unwavering as we can see from his journey of supporting startups at Envestlab throughout the birth of AltMentor and everything in between.
It is as transformative as it is enticing for Investors, mentors and mentees to be a part of AltMentor venture. He has been vocal about the purpose of the platform and considering his previous milestones it’s safe to say that the venture is targeted towards making profits while also solving critical problems.

Abubakar Sadiq Umar is a leader with a vision, and in his envisioned world technology does not only solve problems but rather creates a multitude of opportunities. He is the person who has dreams but even more importantly acts. He is able to demonstrate how the continent of Africa and the world at large can innovate and develop.

Rukayya Sani Ashir writes from Kano.
She can be reached via email saniashirrukayya@gmail.com

By Zaharaddeen Yakubu Shuaibu

Fifteen outstanding legislative activities, cutting across major spheres of the country’s socio-economic landscape have placed the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Inuwa Jibrin on the front burner in 2024.

His contributions spanned several key areas, including bill sponsorship, infrastructure development, empowerment initiatives, and scholarship programs from January to December 2024.

* Foreign PG scholarship to 70 students
In reverse order, the Deputy President of the Senate sponsored 70 students selected from the three senatorial districts of Kano State to pursue postgraduate studies in AI, Cybersecurity, and Forensic Science, among others, in India.

The beneficiaries, who departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA on Sunday, December 29th, are now in universities in India pursuing their studies in various ICT-related fields.

* Top bills sponsorship in Senate

Among the 109 senators in the country, Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, topped the bills sponsorship chart at the Upper Chamber.

Tallying the figure from the Rules and Business Committee of the Senate, the
members of the Senate Press Corps, the umbrella body of all journalists covering the Senate, presented the Deputy President of the Senate with the “Highest Development-Driven Bills Award.”

Chairman of the corps, Mr James Itodo, said that based on their analysis of bill sponsorship from June 13, 2023, when the 10th Assembly was inaugurated to December, 2024, their record showed that Senator Barau topped the bill sponsorship chart of the parliament.

* 1,000 Motorcycles to Kano Police Command

To enhance policing across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Senator Barau facilitated 1,000 motorcycles to the Kano State Police Command.

The official handover ceremony took place at the Bompai Police Headquarters, and jubilant celebrations were held among the officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force on October 23rd, 2024.

* Splashing of motorcycles to players, officials of Barau FC

Following their promotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL), Senator Barau distributed motorcycles to the players and officials of his football club, Barau FC; in October, he splashed motorcycles to the players and officials as part of their rewards. This is in addition to the monetary bonuses awarded to the team.

* Renaming of Federal University of Education to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano

Senator Barau’s bill for the renaming of the Federal University of Education to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano has scaled through the first reading.

The renaming was in recognition of the contribution of the late elder statesman and diplomat to the development of Kano, the North and the country in general.

* Senate Constitution Review Committee Retreat in Kano

Senator Barau, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led Senators and other stakeholders of the Committee to a retreat in Kano State. This significant gathering brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on critical amendments that will shape the nation’s future.

In his address, Senator Barau emphasised the importance of aligning the constitution with the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians, assuring that the task is to consider and recommend changes that will advance freedom, equality and justice for all while ensuring that our Constitution remains a robust framework that unites us as a people

* NWDC bill assent by Mr President

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, will remain a historic and unforgettable day in the history of Senator Barau’s political life and, indeed, the entire people of the seven states in the North West geopolitical zone. It was the day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appended his signature to the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill, making it an Act.

NWDC was established to address the developmental challenges in the Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and the seven North West states. Already, N585.9bn has been proposed for the commission’s takeoff in the 2025 budget proposal presented at the joint session of the National Assembly on December 18 by President Tinubu.

* 69 trucks of fertiliser to Kano farmers

One of the things that led to the bumper harvest recorded in Kano State in the last farming season was the distribution of 69 trucks of fertiliser to farmers across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State.

Irrespective of political differences, senatorial districts, and other affiliations, Senator Barau distributed 41,400 bags of fertiliser to local farmers.

* Defection galore rocks NNPP

The gale of defection rocking the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State started on July 26th with Muttaka Balarabe Tuta, who dumped the red cap movement courtesy of Senator Barau.

From then on, hundreds of top shots, leaders, and prominent members of the NNPP have been thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya movement in Kano State. The development has given sleepless nights to the national leader of the party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

* When ECOWAS Parliament relocated to Kano

In April, the ECOWAS Parliament, comprising lawmakers from 15 African countries, relocated to Kano, the centre of Commerce, for almost a week. It was the second extraordinary session of the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Parliamentarians from 12 African countries attended the session courtesy of the Deputy President of the Senate, who acted as the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament for months.

* Launching of Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) with 107 busses

In April, Senator Barau launched the Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) to boost commercial activities in Kano North Senatorial District, Kano State and North.

* Rice to over 200,000 households in Kano

In his efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardships and assist the masses, the Deputy President of the Senate distributes rice to over 200,000 households during the year under review.

The gesture was shared across all groups of people within the three senatorial districts of the state, including clerics, party members, security agencies, and his constituents, among other groups.

* Shining star at international parliament scene

The Deputy President of the Senate participated in the 18th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation – Parliamentary Union (OIC-PUIC) Member States in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The conference convened to address the critical issue of climate change under the theme “Climate change in the world: How do union members confront it?” This gathering was a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together representatives from the 57 Member States of the OIC-PUIC.

* Honourary Doctorate Degree by BUK

The Bayero University Kano (BUK) conferred honourary doctorate degrees on the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in recognition of his contributions to education and youth development.

The ceremony was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the grand finale of the 38th convocation of the university at the New Campus of the institution, Gwarzo Road, Kano.

* Bichi gets Immigration Training School

Senator Barau also facilitated the establishment of a state-of-the-art Training School of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Bichi, Kano North, which will significantly bolster the nation’s security, on January 11, 2024.
This initiative underscores Senator Barau’s dedication to equipping NIS personnel with top-notch facilities for comprehensive training and retraining.
Similarly, Gwarzo, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa, and Gabasawa are to get FUDMA study centres in line with Senator Barau’s vision to take university education to the doorsteps of his constituents.

These activities have endeared the Deputy President of the Senate to all stakeholders in Kano State, the North and across the country.

Shuaibu is the Personal Assistant to the Deputy President of the Senate on Print Media.

By Abba Anwar

I deliberately coined Barauism as a concept being inspired by values and principles of the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, suggesting his philosophy, movement and ideology for hastening the process of development in Kano, other parts of Northern Nigeria and the nation by extension.

Let me start by congratulating, not DSP Barau for now, but the process for the selection of his scholarship beneficiaries, numbering 70. Out of this number, 65 are males, while the remaining 5 are females.

Due diligence, merit, clear vision and above all, independence of the process and procedures, from start to finish, were the bedrock of the political will, which brought the successful candidates into limelight.

The first time, to my knowledge, in Northern Nigeria, probably the South also, except in rare case(s) if that existed, when an individual political office holder and/or elected representative, provided similar scholarship for the study of these carefully selected courses, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Robotic Science for such number of students. At a go. I stand to be corrected.

These are areas that shape our world today. Making those selected to be global citizens who, after finishing their programmes would come and hasten the process of development in Kano and the nation in general.

The first time in Kano recent history, when such number of students were sent abroad to study 21st Century programmes, at a go. I mean all courses of study for the entire 70 beneficiaries are 21st Century fields. Not even a government, talkless of an individual philanthropist. I am referring to the chosen areas of study. I stand to be corrected.

Just like Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, of Kano South and Hon Abubakar Bichi, representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Senator Barau moves to second stage of human Empowerment. With different style and approach. As the courses, country of study and institutions indicate.

This time around, not cash grants or craft tools, like sewing machines, farming implements and the rest. But education, education and education. Of carefully selected programmes.

Surely Barau understands the velocity at which societal growth and development move and fit into modern technology, that have all potentialities for global recognition and acceptance.

When it comes to improved healthcare, increased efficiency in all fabrics of the society, enhanced education and smart infrastructure, among others, Artificial Intelligence is there.

For improving and engaging real technology for national security, job creation and sustainable economic growth and development, among others, Cybersecurity takes charge. Barau has the intelligence to understand this calculus.

As Hon Barau clearly sees beyond local politics, he chooses some of the most relevant and marketable programmes for the already airlifted students for their higher Degrees. The choice of India, for these courses, is in itself extraordinary and engaging.

Under Robotics Science, industrial automation, productivity, accuracy and efficiency in manufacturing are well placed for improvement. While in the healthcare sector this all-important programme, plays an important role in adding up in the areas of patient care, surgeries as well as rehabilitation of global standard.

It also helps much in monitoring and mitigating effects of climate change, pollution and other natural disasters. People of such educational attainment, in Robotics, have an added advantage over others in studying and understanding the universe in a scientific way. That is space exploration at its best.

Just two days to new year, Barau witnessed the airlift of those beneficiaries, when he reveals that, “One of the areas that we have a problem in educating our youth is the northwestern part of this country. We have a youth population, which is an asset to us, but our problem is that they are not well-educated. And I feel that our number one solution to our problems is educating our youth.”

“And we understand the importance of human capital. It’s key to the development of every nation.

It’s in this regard that I feel that the best thing to do is to begin to educate, help, or complement what the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing in terms of giving access to indigent students, our youth, who do not have the wherewithal, whose parents do not have the wherewithal to train them educationally.”

So he has the entire Northwest in mind.

As he also promised that, he would provide the beneficiaries with resources for their startups. This tells us that, Hon Barau is targeting at making Kano excel in innovation and entrepreneurship. To become Nigeria’s Silicon Valley.

Which will automatically lead to the emergence of new businesses and job opportunities for the overall development of the state.

While at the same time, such effort automatically leads to skills development, collaboration and teamwork for socio-economic impacts.

The nature and style of this scholarship where beneficiaries come from across local governments, not limited to his Constituency Kano North, but from all parts of the state, is the first of its kind.

People expect and wish that, other politicians, not only from All Progressives Congress (APC) should take a leaf from the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibrin. Moving to second stage of empowerment programmes.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Can be reach @ fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
31st December, 2024