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Why Senator Oluremi Tinubu should surpass her predecessors

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Senator Oluremi Tinubu First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

By: AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

The First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Mrs Oluremi Tinubu is undoubtedly expected by many conscious Nigerians to run office of the first lady like never before in our entire history as a Nation.

But before I dwell on that, it is unequivocally appropriate to reminiscing about the performances of former first ladies based on my age

Let me begin with Maryam Babangida’s era. She was the First lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria under General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s regime. Her Better Life Programmes for rural women was the talk of the town, because she actually impacted on the lives of Nigerians particularly the rural women . The better life for rural women launched in September,1987 was designed to give relief to women, most especially those living in the rural areas

Recently ,the decision to name National Centre for women Development after late Maryam Babangida. was the profound impact of her iniative on women, particularly those residing in rural areas.

Addressing journalists in Abuja Tuesday June 20, 2023, Monilola Udoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of women Affairs, revealed that the senate passed the bill for the name change on March 29, 2023, followed by the House of Representatives on April 5, 2023.

Mrs Margaret Shonekan was the first lady during the interim government led by late Ernest Shonekan .The government lasted for three months between August 26,1993 and November 17 same year.

Maryam Abacha was a great First lady as she also touched lives of many positively.

She was the first lady between 1993-1998.
Love or hate her, Maryam Abacha, wife of late Nigeria’s Head of State, General Sani Abacha, successfully carved a niche for herself as First Lady, with several indelible footprints via her interventions that are continue to touch millions of lives.

Many years after she left office, she still possesses the aura of a First Lady. Though many are just appreciating her strides in healthcare, women empowerment, peace and stability but she is unfazed As the First Lady of Nigeria from 1993-1998, Maryam invested her time in health care programmes as she called for massive funding for the health sector to reduce medical tourism and enable the masses to have access to free health care. She also founded the National Hospital Abuja (formerly known as National Hospital for Women And Children).

In her quest for peace on African soil, she galvanised other African First Ladies, promoting peace She also promoted some programmes including but not limited to Poverty Alleviation, National Programme on Immunisation, the Family Support Programme, Family Support Basic Education Programme and Family Economic Advancement Programme.

In appreciation of the unsung heroine who gave her all in the development of the health sector in Nigeria, she was recently honoured with an award of excellence from the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria at an award gala, where other prominent Nigerians who had made marks in different endeavours were also awarded”(culled from ThisDay,21 August,2021)

Justice Fatima Lami
Abubakar became first lady during the regime of General Abdulsalam Abubakar.She is a jurist.Her profession did not allow her to wear the usual garment of first lady.Another reason is that, General Abdulsalam main motive was to handover to democratically elected president, which he did.All of these happened less than a year, that is between June 1998 to May 1999.

But despite that she also did something within her capacity.This was how ThisDay captured it:” ..her pet project was women’s Rights Advancement and protection (WRAPA).This non-govermental organisation provided her with an advocacy opportunity to articulate and propagate women’s concerns relating to the advancement and protection of their rights.”

Many have described her as a very quiet first lady.She became the Chief Judge of Niger state between 2013 and 2016.

On 29th May,1999 late Stella Obasanjo came on board as the First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration She also made her impact through Child Care Trust Foundation from 1999-2005.

This was how encyclopedia.com described Stella Obasanjo in 2019 ” Stella has become famous not only for being the first Lady of Nigeria married to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but also for being a political Activist in her own right supporting such causes as women’s liberation, youths as leaders of tomorrow…She has become a trailblazer in her role as first lady and has shown Nigerian women the way to becoming more involved in the rebuilding of the country. Stella Obasanjo has become the kind of first lady that countries desire to have as a figurehead of their nation.”

She was known for always championing the developmental cause of Nigerian youth.Another cause she backed is luring expatriate Nigerians back home.
In summary, she played her part in the building of our dear nation

Hajiya Turai Yar’adua became Nigeria First Lady as soon as her husband, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was sworn -in as the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2007. She tried her best too to impact on women and children as 12th First Lady in the history of Nigeria Her pet project Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF) sought health sector interventions as well as interventions in the area of poverty reduction, drug abuse and lifelong education.(ThisDay)

Madam Patience Jonathan became the first Lady of Nigeria from May 6th 2010 to May 29, 2015. She equally tried her best for women and children as she started her pet project in Bayelsa as wife of the state Governor.She is fondly called “Mama Peace”

According to Chiemelie Ezeobi and Rebecca Ejifoma of ThisDay newspaper “Patience Jonathan pet project started while she was in Bayelsa as wife of Governor of the state Her NGO then was known as A. Areuera Reachout Foundation, established in 2006 with emphasis towards providing training for women, medical support and assistance to people with heart conditions, empowering the youths and women to overcome challenges through skills acquisition Development, productivity and wealth creation as rehabilitation of female ex-convict especially in the Niger Delta.

Mrs Aisha Buhari was the 14th first lady between May 29, 2015 to May 29,2023.One may rightly say she was the immediate past first lady.

Her pet project FUTURE ASSURED was an intiative of the Aisha Buhari Foundation, a non-governmental Organization set up with the objective of advocating for the wellbeing of women, children and adolescents in Nigeria.

Her activities were conspicuous and effective prior COVID-19 as she shared food ,drugs and other items to IDPs in their camps in the North East and other parts of the country.She did her best too to providing succour for the less privileged

More importantly, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is currently the First Lady and all eyes on her, because of where she is coming from.She was the first lady of Lagos State between May 29,1999 till May 29, 2007.Senator Oluremi was also a Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria and also the oldest to have come on board as First Lady at 63 .

One can say boldly that governance is never a new terrain to her going by her wealth of experience. Nigerians expect a lot from her office, which would be basically run as Non Governmental organization. In fact, there wouldn’t be any room for excuses from her.

I personally expect her to surpass the performances of her predecessors .Therefore, I will want to passionately suggest the followings:

Senator Tinubu and her team of workers should study the models and performances of her predecessors with a view of improving upon them.

She should embark on an extensive research about the challenges of women, children and youth in Nigeria.Her team should identify areas with utmost importance and priority .Her Excellency should endeavour to reach out to former senators with whom she served together for her to know the peculiar challenges women, children and youth in their senatorial districts are facing. I’m happy she personally said something close to this to fellow senators during the valedictory session of 9th Senate.

Senator Oluremi should ensure that every data and information gathered should be matched with required action.

The new mother of our nation should do all she can to lobby her husband so that the health of women and children are giving worthy attention in subsequent budgets especially to reduce the high rate of maternal mortality in our country.

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Opinion

A Reflection on the VOA Broadcast Suspension

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By Saleh Shehu Ashaka

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Voice of America (VOA), a beacon of unbiased news and a symbol of free press, finds itself in silence. The abrupt cessation of all broadcasts, across languages and platforms, marks a significant moment in the history of global journalism. This development, attributed to funding cuts under the Trump administration, signals not just the end of an era but also raises profound questions about the future of international broadcasting and the role of media in a rapidly changing world.

For decades, VOA has served as a vital conduit for information, bridging cultural and political divides, and providing a platform for voices that might otherwise remain unheard. Its mission, to deliver accurate and objective news, has been a cornerstone of its operations, fostering understanding and dialogue across nations. The sudden halt of its broadcasts is a stark reminder of the fragility of media institutions and the ever-present threat of political influence.

The decision to cut funding to the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, reflects a broader trend of diminishing support for public broadcasting. It underscores the challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining independence and integrity in an era where information is increasingly weaponized. The implications of this move are far-reaching, affecting not only the employees and journalists dedicated to their craft but also the millions of listeners and viewers who rely on VOA for reliable news.

In the absence of VOA’s voice, we are compelled to reflect on the critical role that media plays in shaping public discourse and holding power to account. The free flow of information is the lifeblood of democracy, and any attempt to stifle it poses a threat to the very principles upon which democratic societies are built. The suspension of VOA broadcasts serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting press freedom and ensuring that media organizations can operate without fear of retribution or censorship.

Moreover, this development invites us to consider the broader geopolitical implications. VOA has long been a tool of soft power, promoting American values and fostering goodwill abroad. Its silence creates a vacuum that could be exploited by other state-sponsored media outlets, potentially reshaping narratives and influencing public opinion in ways that may not align with democratic ideals.

As we navigate this uncertain landscape, it is imperative that we advocate for the restoration of funding and support for VOA and similar institutions. The preservation of a free and independent press is not merely a matter of national interest but a global imperative. It requires a collective commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and truth.

The suspension of VOA broadcasts is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing media organizations today. It calls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and to recognize the indispensable role that journalism plays in fostering informed and engaged societies. As we await further developments, let us remain steadfast in our support for those who strive to illuminate the world with truth and integrity. The end of an era need not be the end of hope; rather, it can be a catalyst for renewed dedication to the ideals that VOA has long championed.

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Opinion

Hon Sunusi Bature: Time to Take the Podium

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By Ahmad Dambazau

The National Assembly is a constitutional locomotive for any purposeful democratic government, it provides checks to the government of the day and a legal basis for the system in general .This basically accounts for the high respect usually accorded and, of course, the attendant high expectation placed on it. The legislative arm of government like any other is saddled with the responsibility enshrined in the constitution and among such major functions includes representation, oversight and law making in addition to many other numerous functions.

Be that as it may, it has been a genuine cause for worry for Nigerians that, despite our series of experimentation with democracy, our legislators have performed below expectation. Their handling of national issues has especially remained without constitutional decorum and political experience required of people of their exalted status. Part 2, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vests the legislative powers of the federation on the National Assembly which comprises the Senate and House of Representatives.

Dawakin Tofa ,Tofa and Rimin Gado Federal constituency is one of the few constituencies in Nigeria represented by the same legislator for 18 years(2007-2005) despite poor representation .

As the federal constituency searches for the best man to represent them for this serious legislative task. One name keeping ringing bell is Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa ,Media and Communication Expert and Director General of Media and Publicity to Kano State Governor.Sunusi has earlier served as the Chief Press Seceretary to the Governor in the early days of the administration .

Mallam Sunusi is a seasoned PR guru, development communication and stakeholder engagement expert with 21 years working experience in both international development, private sector and the Media in Nigeria.

He is a winner of the Cambridge education award on investigative journalism in 2008, Bature has worked at different capacities in various national, International and Bilateral organizations such as the British Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the United State Agency for Internal Development (USAID), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children International, Discovery Learning Alliance and the Rockefeller Foundation.

He held several positions which include General Manager Corporate Services at Dantata Foods and Allied Products Limited (DFAP), Director Stakeholder Engagement at YieldWise Project, Country Program Manager at Girl Rising (ENGAGE) Project funded by the US Government, State Project Coordinator for MNCH Campaign Project of the BMGF, Deputy Director Operations at Discovery Learning Alliance, State Program Officer, Policy Advocacy and Media Development, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist among other positions.

Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. Hons.) in Mass Communication from University of Maiduguri, Sanusi holds a National Diploma in Mass communication from Kaduna Polytechnic, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Education and Promotion.He also bagged MSc. in Social Work with specialization in Community Development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Oyo State and another master’s degree in Public Relations (MPR) from the prestigious Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He participated in the MSc program on Project Management at Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.Until his appointment, Sunusi Bature served as the Vice President, Nigeria operations for a UK based firm, Kingston Organic PLC.

Hon Dawakin Tofa has opened yet another vista of debate among electorates on the value of quality representation with vigour,expertise and experience of having a wider constituency responsibility and coverage .He has vindicated his mettle among his constituents that even as an appointee of the Governor his eloquent consistent and fearless voice always seeking the improvement of lives of his constituents accountability among representatives of the people.

He is truly a representative of the people though unelected going by the amount of work he was able to do for the overall benefit of his people. In fact, it is worth elucidating that this PR guru was able to touch the lives of the people in his stewardship in the private and public sectors. So far he has proved to be one of the few politicians that attracts government presence to his community. No matter what anyone would say, the amount of dividends of democracy that this community leader was able to bring to the door step of the people is unmatched.

Sunusi Bature’s development credentials and landmarks speaks volumes. The highlights of which were stellar achievements of re-positioning the educational sector in the more definitive ,radically ,progressive and futuristic manner , not to mention the capacity building, empowerment and educational scholarship for his people ,all shone brightly for both his admirers and detractors to access.

The Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kano State, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has been honoured with the prestigious Most Outstanding Spokesperson Award by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information. Dawakin Tofa was selected for this esteemed award in recognition of his instrumental role in promoting not only the positive image of the Kano State Governor and his giant strides also for effectively showcasing the only NNPP ruling state in Nigeria.
In the award citation, Mallam Sunusi was hailed as an unwavering proponent of non-violent communication, renowned for his extensive network and adept delivery of practices with clarity in objectives, and strategic framing of engagements with his audience.His profound impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management are highly commendable.

In whatever one indulges in there are always people to observe and give their verdict .It is a well- known fact that there is nothing stronger than the people’s verdict.it shows a collective desire which inevitably is the voice of reason. The momentum of Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa legislative bid is gathering amongst all strata of the constituency is enough testimony that experienced count in the race for the parliamentary seat.

Dambazau wrote in from Kano.

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Opinion

Nasir El-rufai: The Strategic Politician in Recent Times

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By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda

Malam, as he is fondly called, is a very brilliant politician with alot of success stories. He is a genius per excellence when it comes to politics. He sets his main priorities and cares less about other sub priorities that may not yield to any serious positive impact. That simple act of setting his main target and work tirelessly to ensure that he delivers on the mandate makes him an outstanding politician.

In 2013, he was the brain behind the formation of APC. He committed his entire time and energy to bring Tinubu, Buhari and Atiku into thesame fold. The goal then was to defeat the ruling party, PDP.

Initially, he refused to compromise on his main target by not seeking for any elective position, which he knows may affect the chances of achieving his main priority. As fate will swing into his favour, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was the major contender in the opposition as it was then, requested that El-rufai must contest for Kaduna governorship position in 2015. The rest is now history.

Fast-forward to 2023, El-rufai showed his zealousness and potentials by going for the bigger ‘fish’ again. His main objective was to make sure Tinubu (who hail from the South) succeeds Buhari, and APC should continue to take charge of the affairs of Kaduna state. He chose not to vie for any office in other for him to commit his time, effort and resources to achieve his main objective. The rest as they say is now history.

Again, today being the 10th of March, 2025, a well known discourse (judging by strategic meetings held recently) was finalized, formalized and brought into the public sphere by thesame figure, Nasir El-Rufai. The theme which is well known in many quarters is to make sure that the Government of the day at both national and at state level (emphasis on Kaduna) lost the election that will graciously take place in 2027.

Malam is fully committed to attain thesame success he recorded particularly in 2015 and 2023. In other for Malam to be successful, he will remain steadfast, focused and committed in achieving his main objective (judging by his past precedence).

Unlike many politicians and political actors, Malam believes in personal sacrifices to ensure that he gets the job done. He is able to outline is main priorities and commit all he has to attain the greater success he aspire, not minding whose ox is gored.

His fearlessness, foresight, brilliance, hard-work has overtime proves beyond doubt that he is indeed a strategic politician who should not be taken in for a ride.

Sadiq is a political analyst, writes from Kano and can be reached via sadiqdauda55@gmail.com

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