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Opinion

Monguno And The Analogy Of An Antagonistic Adviser

Published

3 years ago

on

Babagana, Monguno,

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

President Muhammadu Buhari said his ambition is to bequeath a better Nigeria for the present and future generations in the country. But I doubt if posterity would permit the realization of that ambition, at least with regards national security, as long as he is relying on the advise of Gen.Monguno rtd, the National Security Adviser.

Every time Gen. Monguno speaks on security matters, his remarks tend to ignite controversies, condemnations or a prolonged public disagreements, with the latest being his comment that, the failure to combat the growing insecurity in the country is due to the high cost of equipment and the inability to get hold of adequate technology.

NSA Monguno said that the various security agencies in the country were not deploying adequate technology to combat insecurity, because of its difficult procurement process, citing cost as a particular inhibitor.

Cost? I don’t understand. Certainly Monguno’s statement seems in conflict with the picture painted by the President, at least with regards the issue of meeting the financial requests of the security chiefs.

Failed Consensus Plan: Northern Elders Forum Lacks Capacity To Suggest Nigeria’s Next President

Only yesterday, I saw on the television, after an emergency meeting with the service chiefs, and in what looks like an indictment on the office of the National Security Adviser, a visibly disappointed PMB, saying the security agencies were not doing enough to end the security challenges in the country, despite the enormous logistics provided by him. “I approve every security request brought before me”-PMB

 

The President registered his displeasure at the fact that his previous directives to the military to end insecurity in the country had not yielded the desired results, hence, directing again, that all the operational and intelligence agencies should rescue unhurt, all persons kidnapped by terrorists, including those in the recent Abuja to Kaduna train attack.

If every request on security is approved and funds made available, why should Monguno be complaining about the cost of equipment? Who is responsible for making the request, and are the requests made without getting the actual cost of the equipment?

Sometimes last year, shortly after PMB had relieved the former service chiefs of their positions, NSA Monguno told the BBC that the new service chiefs did not meet the money approved for arms purchase when they assumed office. The amount in question runs into billions of naira.

That statement from Monguno attracted an instant denial by the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Gen.Tukur Buratai, saying no such funds, meant to procure arms and ammunition were missing while he was in office.

NSA Monguno issued a statement later, saying he was quoted out of context.

Last week, Monguno was quoted by the media, accusing the governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of divulging sensitive security information. Monguno’s remarks followed the pronouncement of El-Rufai, after some terrorists ambushed and attacked a Kaduna bound train coming from Abuja, where in he said, the Nigerian authorities know the camps, the identities and listen to the conversations of the armed groups terrorising large part of the North-west region, but the security agencies are reluctant on striking.

In anger, governor El-Rugai said if need be, the governors of the affected region may opt for engaging mercenaries from outside.

NSA Monguno issued a statement later, saying he was quoted out of context. He said he was not referring to the Kaduna state governor in his comment on the protection of sensitive operational information.

When the comments of a National Security adviser are always allegedly quoted out of context, and he is responsible for advising the President on foreign policies and national security, as well as coordinating some security policies from various agencies, the President, and indeed the country, are at risk of being given antagonistic advises, that could lead to attacks, or expose them to the possibility of being harmed by the enemy.

Monguno’s attitude to work makes him look unsympathetic to the plight of Nigerians, or even antagonistic to the mission of Mr. President. He has not demonstrated anything in the discharge of his duties, to escape the accusation of belonging to the above classification.

Last week, members of the House of Representatives, while proposing that the National Assembly be shut down in order to compel PMB to rise to the occasion of ensuring the protection of life and property of Nigerians, asked, for God’s sake, where is the National Security Adviser, Gen. Monguno? Some even rhetorically wondered whether he had resigned his position.

Eventually, in utter disappointment with his performance, the lawmakers called for his resignation or outright sacking by the President.

Monguno may be doing well in smart or fashionable dressing, and eloquent or persuasive in speaking the English language, but as a national security adviser, his performance is far below expectation.

And the President needs to factor the analogy, or comparison, between competence and cosmetics, especially as it affects the expected service of a national security adviser and see how it would help his mission to leave behind the legacy of a better Nigeria.

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Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

5 days ago

on

December 18, 2024

By

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

 

 

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

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I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

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Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

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December 16, 2024

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Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

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In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

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Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

1 week ago

on

December 15, 2024

By

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.

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