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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

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

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Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

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He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

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This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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