The people and government of Angola have paid tribute to Nigeria’s late former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, in recognition of his historic contributions to Angola’s independence and Nigeria’s enduring commitment to African solidarity.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday to honour and recognise the late former Head of State, Angola also honoured former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, acknowledging Nigeria’s pivotal  support during Angola’s liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rule in the mid-1970s.

The award ceremony took place in Angola’s capital, Luanda, as part of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

According to the statement, during a time when Angola faced economic blockades and international isolation, Nigeria, under Muhammed’s leadership, was among the first nations to recognise the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government, stressing that Nigeria also provided a financial lifeline of $17 million to help Angola rebuild and resist external pressures.

Speaking at the event, President of the Angola–Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tangyalamba Veloso, lauded Muhammed’s courage and foresight.

She highlighted his bold stance in 1975, when he declared Angola’s government legitimate despite Cold War tensions and opposition from Western powers, positioning Nigeria as a moral voice for the continent.

He told the oil companies, if you pull out of Angola and don’t give them back their resources, you will also pull out from Nigeria and lose all your money. You won’t have Angola nor Nigeria to help your finances,” she said.

Her tribute emphasised that Muhammed’s actions not only provided immediate support but also shaped the course of Angola’s history.

“He was the first to provide financial assistance $17 million, and the first president to recognize Angola as an independent country,” Veloso said, drawing applause from attendees.

The ceremony served as both a celebration of Angola’s independence and a reminder of Nigeria’s historic leadership and solidarity across Africa.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kabiru Turaki SAN has been announced as the winner of the PDP National Chairmanship election. He secured the position with a total of 1,516 votes, surpassing Senator Lado, who received 275 votes.

The 68 years old Turaki was born and raised in Nigeria where he studied law at the University of Jos. He had served as a Minister of Special Project and Government Affairs from 2013–2015.

However, several of court injunctions decreed that the party must not hold convention until certain conditions are met, and at the same time, granting them permission to do so. These disputing judgements, and amongst other issues, have factionalised the party. With some members adhering to the former court rulings, while others stand by the latter verdict.

Skyline University Nigeria marked a milestone in its academic journey as it held its fourth convocation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. The event, attended by dignitaries, parents, faculty, and students, was a vibrant showcase of the institution’s growing impact on education in northern Nigeria.

Delivering his address, the Chancellor of Skyline University and Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, urged graduates to embrace innovation, integrity, and service to humanity. He emphasized that education must go beyond certificates to become a tool for transformation.

-“You are not just graduates but the future of our dear nation,” Sanusi declared.
He reminded the class that true education lies in the ability to uplift communities for truth and justice, stressing that graduates should build the future and integrity of Nigeria.

The Emir congratulated the university for achieving a remarkable milestone: 60 percent of the graduating class were female, a testament to Skyline’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

The chancellor leading the procession

He described the university as “an assembly of dreamers” and encouraged graduates to hold firmly to their communities and justice while carrying forward the spirit of Skyline University in all their endeavors.

Representing the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam delivered a powerful message reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education. He highlighted the government’s declaration of a state of emergency on education as a bold step to rebuild and revitalize the sector.

-“Education has always been at the heart of my dream for Kano State. It is not just a policy priority, it is a personal mission,” Yusuf stated.

He praised Skyline University as a beacon of quality education, innovation, and global excellence, noting its role in bridging the gap between knowledge and action.
The Governor commended the faculty and staff for instilling values of integrity, discipline, and service, shaping graduates into responsible citizens ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
He urged graduates to be torchbearers of knowledge and ambassadors of positive change, applying their education to solve real problems in their communities.
“No investment yields a higher return than investing in the minds of our youth,” Yusuf affirmed, pledging continued government support for education and youth empowerment.

The convocation ceremony was not only a celebration of academic success but also a recognition of resilience, perseverance, and dreams fulfilled. Degrees were awarded across various disciplines, with graduates hailed as symbols of hope and proof that determination guided by purpose can turn challenges into stepping stones.

Parents and guardians were also honored for their sacrifices, with both Emir Sanusi II and Governor Yusuf acknowledging their role in shaping the success of the graduating class.

Skyline University: A Hub of Innovation
Established in 2018, Skyline University Nigeria has grown into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship, technology, and knowledge, fostering local talent while connecting with global expertise. Its partnerships with national and international bodies have opened new pathways for research and innovation, preparing students to thrive in the digital age while remaining grounded in ethical values.

The Class of 2025 leaves Skyline University with more than degrees they carry a mission to innovate, lead, and serve. As Emir Sanusi II reminded them, “University is an assembly of dreamers.” And as Governor Yusuf pledged, the government stands ready to support these dreamers as they step into the future, equipped to redefine Nigeria’s destiny.