Musbahu El Hamza

Do you remember that feeling of meeting your first school teacher after a long time?

This morning, my father, brother, and I went for a condolence visit in Rikkos, Jos, where we unexpectedly met one of my earliest teachers, Mallama Wasila.

I was under 10 years old when she taught us at the Saturday and Sunday school of the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Jos.

One of my most vivid memories is her teaching us how to pray Salat in practice—starting from ablution to the Taslim (salutation).

She dedicated almost an entire term to ensure we mastered every aspect of the prayer, and to this day, wallahi (by Allah) I sometimes envision her demonstrating it as I pray. Wallahi!

She’s a disciplinarian and a role model. A “no nonsense” type of a teacher.

Mallama Wasila never let her friendship with my mother affect her professionalism. In class, she treated us with the same firmness and fairness as any other student. She was meticulous, punctual, and committed to her teaching.

She’s always clean and tidy.

She remain a teacher to this day. When we met this morning, she was on her way to school. I will always be grateful for her sacrifices and the impact she’s had on my life.

Allah Ya ƙara albarka a rayuwarta. Amin.

The Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, has formally decorated Amb. Ibrahim Waiya with a fellow award at the Security Excellence Award National Programme of the Investiture of Fellows.

The event which was well attended, took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja on 30th November, 2024

Amb Ibrahim Waiya, who is the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), Convener/Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee (KPC), as well as a Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project (N4P) was honoured with the Prestigious Award of the Institute, alongside other prominent Nigerians.

Other awardees include

Gen. Christopher Musa OFR, Chief of Defence Staff, Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Former President, Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, Maj. Gen. Johnson A.O. Ochoga Rtdf, H.E. Sen. Engr. Dave Umahi, Prof. Chiedozie Benjamin Okoro, Dr. Kabiru Adamu, CEO, Beacon Security and Intelligence LTD among others.

The recognition of Amb. Ibrahim Waiya into the fold of the distinguished personalities, was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the peace and security in Nigeria.

His contribution to the development of peace and security in Kano State, Northern Nigeria and the Nation at large, has distinguished his personality as someone who believes in the security, peace and unity of the Nigerian State, and to see Nigeria remains peaceful, united and secured.

Friends and well wishers also appreciated the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies for their foresight, to honour this outstanding personality in Nigeria

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over the growing lack of confidence Nigerians have in their lawmakers, attributing it to poor performance.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume highlighted that, in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, only 25 out of the 109 senators from the previous Assembly returned to the upper chamber.

“This means we have lost the confidence of the people,” he said.

“Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to return, except for a few who sought governorship positions,” Ndume emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the legislature, stressing that when lawmakers fail to meet public expectations, it amounts to a breach of trust.

Ndume also commented on a recent uproar in the Senate concerning President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.

Tensions flared on Wednesday when Ndume objected to the presence of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in the Senate, as his briefing was not listed on the agenda.

Ndume, citing Senate rules, argued that visitors should not be allowed to address the chamber without prior notice. “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?” he questioned, labelling the incident an “ambush.”

The senator’s remarks come amid growing calls for greater accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s legislature, as public dissatisfaction with lawmakers continues to mount.