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Emulate IBB’s approaches to address banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria – General Akilu

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Retired Brigadier General Halliru Akilu

 

The former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Retired Brigadier-General Halliru Akilu, has called on leaders in Nigeria to emulate the security approaches adopted by former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to address the security challenges facing the nation, especially banditry and kidnapping that are currently bedevilling Nigeria.

General Akilu made the call while contributing to a Virtual International Colloquium on the Legacies of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in Ghana over the weekend.

Organized by the Africa Islamic Education Forum, the event attracted eminent participants, including former Presidents and Heads of State, political leaders, academia and researchers from across the continent.

General Akilu said the eight-year rule of President Ibrahim Babangida went through a tough terrain of turmoils and uncertainties capable of derailing the country but always took decisive steps to restore peace and order.

He said it was a leadership shaped not only to direct Nigerian affairs but also to guide the West African sub-region and Africa as a whole.

“The government firmly believed in laying the foundation of stability, promoting regional integration and economic reforms throughout the continent.”

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General Akilu advised leaders in the sub-region to take a closer examination of the IBB reforms in the sector which resulted in the splitting of the defunct Nigerian Security Organization( NSO) into three new security outfits namely the Defence Intelligence Agency( DIA), the National Intelligence Agency ( NIA) and the Department of State Services( DSS).

He emphasized that “with the current spate of banditry, kidnappings and general insecurity in the region, now is the time for leaders to replicate the ECOMOG model enunciated by the Babangida government to restore peace and economic freedom.”

On human development, General Akilu told participants that IBB deeply connected with the people he served, citing the founding of the famous Better Life for Rural Dwellers by his late wife, Hajiya Maryam Babangida; and the establishment of the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure ( DFFRI) which littered the national space with roads, water, health and other essential amenities for the benefit of the rural populace.

A member of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum, General Akilu profoundly thanked the former Mauritius President for her kind compliments on General Babangida and the legacies he put in place.

He said the participation of President Ameenah and other contributors had gone a long way to further enlighten the world about the IBB government’s accomplishments.

The former Director of Military Intelligence described the holding of the Colloquium as an honour to President Babangida and the people of Nigeria.

In her keynote address earlier, the former Mauritius President, Dr Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib- Fakim noted that the IBB era was a period of giant reforms and the intensification of Infrastructure building.

She hailed the establishment of the two political parties, SDP and NRC during the regime, saying it was a good move to foster lasting democracy.

Dr Ameenah advised West African heads of government to emulate the resilience IBB had shown during ECMOG operations, stressing that there was a serious need to rejuvenate the security of the region in all ramifications.

The daughter of General Babangida, Hajiya Aishatu Babangida expressed gratitude to the former Mauritius President and other speakers, saying that the forum was a great honour to the family of the former Nigerian leader.

Hajiya Aishatu who had taken over as head of the Better Life Project after the demise of her mother, reaffirmed her resolve to execute with rigour all the key objectives of the programme through massive empowerment of local communities.

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Nigeria Secures $20bn Shell Investment 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chief Executive Officer of Shell Plc, Mr Wael Sawan, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for creating a healthy climate for investments to thrive and restoring investor confidence.

At a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently, Sawan said Shell is deepening and expanding its investments in Nigeria, and the company is ready, alongside its partners, to invest an additional $20bn primarily because of the robust and bold leadership of the President.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Sawan emphasised that Nigeria, under the Tinubu administration, is one of the countries attracting significant investment from global oil companies.

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Highlighting Shell’s recent investments, such as the $5bn in Bonga North, $2bn in HI, and the gas project to NLNG, Sawan stated that the corporation is committed to long-term investments in the country, underscoring the stable economic environment.

“We have really been in a space where we are very keen to invest in Nigeria. But I would say this has not always been the case.

Your leadership and your vision have created an investment climate over the last few years that, I will be very honest with you, propelled us to invest, in particular, also as we compare to other investments around the world,” he said.

The Shell CEO maintained that “stability in today’s environment will honestly have a premium for corporates because we are investing not for one administration or five or 10 years; we want to invest for 20, 30, or 40 years, and in the case of Nigeria, for many, many decades.”

Speaking on the expansion of Shell’s investments in Nigeria, Sawan maintained that the corporation has also deepened its interest in OML 118, the Bonga Block.

“TotalEnergies was selling, so we bought it because we want to deepen it further. But that, we think, is not enough. We think there is more to invest here, and we understand the vision that you have for the country.

“And so we are indeed working on a project, Bonga Southwest, that could, if we reach an FID stage, see us, with our partners, invest around $20bn in foreign direct investment, half of which will be capital. The other half will be the operating expenses and the like that will come into the country. This will be one of the biggest energy projects in the world,” he explained.

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NLC Deputy President Attends Coronation Ceremony in Daura

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By: Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Anipr.

The National President of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), who also serves as the National Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani, mni, Magayakin Minjibir, attended a grand traditional coronation ceremony held in the Daura Emirate, Katsina State.

Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani, who is also the Representative of the Sarkin Bai of Funakaye, attended the occasion to honour and celebrate his deputy from the North-West Zone.

During the colourful ceremony, Comrade Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna was officially turbaned as the Sarkin Gabas of Daura, an important traditional title within the historic Daura Emirate.

The event was conducted with dignity and deep respect for cultural heritage, attracting a large gathering of distinguished guests from across the country.

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Traditional rulers, labour leaders, government officials, and members of the host community were all in attendance, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

The presence of the MHWUN and JOHESU President, as well as the Deputy President of the NLC, added special prestige and national relevance to the ceremony.

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of combining traditional leadership with public and labour service for sustainable community development.

Comrade Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna was described as a man of integrity, dedication, and selfless service—qualities that have distinguished his career within the labour movement.

These outstanding attributes were cited as key reasons for his selection and elevation to the traditional title.

The Daura Emirate Council noted that his turbaning was based on his proven character, leadership record, and meaningful contributions to society.

Comrade Dr. Kabir Ado Sani congratulated the newly turbaned Sarkin Gabas, expressing pride and satisfaction over the honour bestowed upon his deputy.

He stated that the traditional title would further enhance the Sarkin Gabas’ capacity to unite people and promote harmony and development.

Special prayers were offered for divine guidance and blessings upon the new titleholder.

The congregation prayed for Allah Almighty to grant him wisdom, fairness, and strength to discharge his responsibilities with justice and fear of God.

Residents of Daura expressed joy over the appointment and pledged their full support to the Sarkin Gabas in serving the community.

Participants at the ceremony observed that such traditional recognitions play a vital role in strengthening peace, unity, and social cohesion.

The Daura Emirate was widely commended for the orderly and culturally rich manner in which the coronation ceremony was organized.

In conclusion, heartfelt prayers and goodwill messages were extended to the Sarkin Gabas of Daura, with hopes that his reign would serve as a pillar for progress, peace, and the overall development of society.

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Kano State Strengthens Urban Mobility with Road Safety Awareness: Teaching Children the Language of Traffic Lights

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Parents and guardians continue to shoulder a major responsibility in ensuring that children are properly guided in their daily movement to and from school.

By Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, ANIPR

Beyond providing educational materials and supervision, teaching road safety remains a critical part of nurturing responsible and safe young citizens.

Every day, children interact with busy roads, whether on foot or while being conveyed to school. This reality makes it necessary for parents, guardians, and teachers to consistently enlighten them on how to behave when approaching roads and intersections.

One of the most effective tools for road safety education is a clear understanding of traffic light signals. These signals are universal guides designed to protect both pedestrians and motorists, and their meanings must be clearly understood by all road users.

Teachers play an important role in reinforcing this knowledge within the school environment. By explaining traffic signs and signals in classrooms, children gain theoretical understanding that complements real-life experience.

Parents and guardians, on the other hand, translate these lessons into practice. By guiding children during road crossings and explaining traffic lights in real situations, safety lessons become practical and memorable.

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In support of these collective efforts, the people’s Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf FNISE, has embarked on the construction of additional traffic lights and the renovation of existing ones across major city roads and urban areas.

This intervention has significantly improved traffic regulation and enhanced safety for pedestrians, especially schoolchildren who rely on properly functioning traffic systems for safe movement.

As part of public enlightenment, it is important to clearly understand the laws guiding traffic light signals:

– Red light: A firm instruction to stop. All vehicles and pedestrians must halt and wait patiently.
– Yellow light: A warning signal. Road users should be alert, preparing either to stop or to move depending on their position.
– Green light: Permission to go ahead. For pedestrians, it signals that it is safe to cross; for vehicles, it allows orderly movement forward.

Understanding and obeying these signals reduces accidents, promotes orderliness, and builds discipline among road users. It also ensures that children develop safe habits from an early age.

With the rehabilitation and installation of traffic lights, Kano State’s urban roads are becoming more organized, reducing confusion and improving communication between drivers and pedestrians. Parents can now feel more assured as they send their children to school, knowing that visible and functional traffic lights support safer crossings and controlled traffic flow.

The Governor’s commitment to such meaningful projects reflects an administration that listens to the everyday concerns of the people and responds with practical solutions. Road safety infrastructure goes beyond physical construction; it represents a long-term investment in human life, public order, and sustainable urban development.

By combining parental guidance, educational instruction, and government intervention, a strong culture of road safety is being built across Kano State. Through these deliberate efforts, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf FNISE continues to demonstrate people-oriented leadership, ensuring that Kano State remains a safer place where development and public enlightenment move hand in hand.

 

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