Sageer Ahmad

It didn’t come to us as a surprise when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.) as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.

Indeed the president’s decision signals a deliberate effort to align experience with strategy at a time when national security remains a critical concern for every well-meaning Nigerian. No doubt, Nigeria and Nigerians have had it very rough in recent years and the deserving testimonies the nation received on the choice of CG Musa is adequate enough to tell the world that CG Musa is equal to the task.

A veteran officer with decades of distinguished service to the well-being of Nigeria, his appointment as a minister brings to the Defence Ministry a deep understanding of Nigeria’s security environment and a calculative and systematic approach to a sustainable solution to the lingering security issues. Without being sentimental, his emergence as Defence Minister reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen policy direction, improve coordination among security agencies and reinforce public confidence in the country’s defence institutions.

As a professional shaped by years of frontline command and strategic leadership, Nigerians now believe the country is widely regarded within military and policy circles, as a country at the verge of overcoming its travails. His records have shown that over the course of his career, he played key roles in counter-insurgency and internal security operations, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry and communal violence. His experience cuts across field operations and high-level defence planning, giving him a balanced grasp of both tactical realities and policy demands, for a better country.

Before his appointment, Musa served at the highest level of Nigeria’s military leadership, where he oversaw joint operations involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. His tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on inter-service cooperation, intelligence-driven operations and improved welfare for personnel.

His appointment came at a critical time that the nation is in dire need of peace and Nigerians have no doubt that CG Musa will steady but surely give Nigerians the needed peace. A straightforward personality with a complete sense of responsibility and commitment to national security, he is an exact example of a responsible and responsive security administrator.

Barely weeks after assuming office, Minister CG Musa began by setting a clear tone for the country’s security direction and recording early ministerial milestones anchored on coordination, professionalism and decisive action against insecurity.

Since his appointment he has moved swiftly to redefine the Ministry of Defence’s leadership posture, placing emphasis on results-driven security management rather than rhetoric. At several high-level engagements, he has publicly committed to delivering tangible improvements in national security, assuring Nigerians of the government’s resolve to reclaim communities affected by insurgency, banditry and violent crime.

However, one of CG Musa’s notable early achievements is his push for stronger inter-agency collaboration. He has consistently underscored the need for seamless cooperation among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and internal security institutions, arguing that modern security threats require unified and intelligence-led responses. This stance has reinforced the ongoing joint operations and improved coordination among security stakeholders. Moreover, the citizens have started seeing the good impact of the calculative and decisive move of the minister.

CG Musa has further distinguished his tenure by reasserting professionalism and ethical leadership within the military by charging senior officers to uphold loyalty to the Constitution, integrity and discipline in command as well as professional conduct.

It is on record that troop welfare has also featured prominently on his agenda as he publicly emphasized that the morale and wellbeing of personnel are critical to mission success, he also pledged improved attention to logistics, equipment, healthcare and family support for service members.

As a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy who attended several advanced military and leadership courses within and outside Nigeria, his career also includes participation in regional and multinational security initiatives, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in collective efforts to address cross-border threats in the sub-region as well as to install the nation’s dignity in the global focus.

As Defence Minister, Musa is expected to focus on defence policy coordination, military reforms, procurement oversight and the strengthening of civil-military relations. His background places him in a unique position to bridge the gap between policy formulation and operational realities, ensuring that decisions taken at the centre translate into tangible security outcomes across the country.

However, with insecurity still posing serious challenges nationwide, expectations are high and that is why we believe in the simple fact that Christopher Musa’s appointment represents a strategic recalibration that will chase the bandits, insurgents and other vices out of the country for a healthier, better and robust Nigeria of all good days.

To the bandits and the insurgents, get ready to repent or face the wrath of CG Musa, the Nigerian savior.

Sagir Ahmed writes from Kano and can be reach via email: ahmadtsagir@gmail.com

By Erika Paredes

Across Nigeria, a recurrent question among policymakers and business leaders is no longer about climate ambition, but about outcomes. What matters is whether climate action translates into households with steady power, affordable energy for businesses, and jobs for young people.

Climate capital is available, and Nigeria ranks among the top destinations for climate investors. Capital is flowing to solar grids, electric buses, flood-proof roads, and drought-resistant crops. Yet the central doubt remains whether the country has the delivery capacity to move fast enough. Success hinges not on funding alone, but on bankable projects: clear timelines, assigned roles, transparent risks, and fast approvals. When done right, paper becomes power plants.

Nigeria’s international climate engagement has not lacked ambition. Recent statements make this clear. This momentum is already visible: in 2023, the World Bank approved a USD 750 million clean energy programme to expand access for over 17.5 million Nigerians, while a separate agreement with Siemens Energy is advancing grid modernisation. This shows that well-structured projects can attract investment.

Climate finance is often seen as only about saving forests. In reality, for Nigeria, it can be a growth engine that attracts investment and creates employment at scale. Nigerian leaders are already engaging with these opportunities. When energy projects advance faster, power reaches households and businesses.
Countries that are beginning to scale climate finance successfully are not those announcing the largest targets. They are the ones strengthening the systems that turn opportunity into delivery, building confidence among investors and citizens alike. Successful top-scaler cases include Vietnam, with 17 GW of solar deployed in three years, and Chile, with 10 GW of renewables delivered through auctions and digital innovation.

Nigeria has the capacity and readiness to seize this moment. The next step is clear: shift decisively from ambition to execution, modernise and diversify project portfolios, and prioritise outcomes that Nigerians feel in their daily lives, particularly young people.

About the author: Erika Paredes is a Harvard-trained climate finance leader, former UN senior executive, and CEO of Climate Solutions for All. She has mobilised over USD 8 billion in development finance across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Al-Istiqama University is a private tertiary institution located in Sumaila local government area of Kano state. The university was granted license for operation in April 2021 by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

However, the university commenced academic activities on September 2021 with 2020/2021 academic session. It took-off with 15 programmes across three Faculties; Basic Health Science, Arts and Social Management and Science and Computing.

The University is running the following courses under the Faculty of Arts and Social Management Science; Accounting, Islamic Studies, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Political Science and Taxation, while under the Faculty of Basic Health Science and Science and Computing, it runs BMLS Medical Laboratory Science, BN.Sc Nursing and Public Health.

Under the Faculty of Science and Computing, the university is running Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics Software Engineering and Physics with Electronics.

In 2023, the university obtained an approval to mount 10 additional undergraduate degree programmes across the three faculties. These are B.A Arabic, B.A English, B.A Shari’ah, B.Sc. Criminology Security Studies, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Peace Students and Conflicts Resolution, B.Sc. Sociology, B. Community Health, B. Environmental Health and B.Sc. Biotechnology.

Consequently, in October 2024, after three years under provisional license, the National Universities Commission (NUC) granted full operational status to the university, affirmed its compliance with regulatory standards for facilities, staff, governance and academic programmes.
One of the hallmarks of Al-Istiqama University is its unwavering commitments to discipline and safety. The university maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse, ensuring a healthy and secure environment for both students and staff.

Also, through close collaboration with relevant authorities, the institution has established itself as one of the safest tertiary institutions in Kano State.
Since its inception, Al-Istiqama University has been dedicated to bridging educational gaps, promoting global study, and fostering experiential learning, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—all rooted in the fear of Allah.

Four years after its establishment, Al-Istiqama has witnessed unprecedented and rapid developments both academically and structurally. The institution’s holistic approach to education, combined with its affordable fees, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainability in its services, has positioned it as a beacon of excellence among its peers in Nigeria and beyond.

The management of the institution, in its efforts to make the university’s environment conducive for learning, remained resolute in providing all it requires to make the university meet the standard. for instance, the management has provided modern facilities including road networking, solar-powered street lights, clinic facility, lecture halls, classrooms, lecture theaters, and laboratories.

The university’s hostels have been revamped to provide comfortable and serene living spaces for the students. The special hostel complex with specifications of two students per room which foundation was laid in 2024 has been completed with a view to providing comfort to students.

Additionally, the 250-bed capacity Teaching Hospital meant to carter for the needs of sciences students which was also started in 2024, has not only been completed but equipped with state-of-arts hospital equipment.

Beside the provisions of solar-powered street lights within the campuses of the university, similar source of energy has been provided to essential faculties and departments in order to ease the students’ coursework.

These upgrades reflect the institution’s dedication to creating a holistic and conducive environment that supports both academic and personal growth for both the students, lecturers and other staff of the university.

In February 2025, Al-Istiqama made a history by holding its maiden convocation to celebrate its first set of 246 graduates who completed their studies across the three faculties. During the convocation, the institution honored prominent personalities including the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, Chairman of AA Rano Industries limited, Alhaji Auwalu A. Rano, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Salisu Shehu.
The institution also named two newly constructed females’ hostels after Hajiya Saudatu Husini and Hajiya Gaji Fadimatu, mothers of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II and Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi respectively.
Another females’ hostel was named after Hajiya Hajara Abdullahi, mother of the Kano renowned business mogul, Alhaji Auwalu Rano, while the University’s library after the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Salisu Shehu, while the newly constructed Faculty of Law was named after Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Also, some newly constructed offices and classes complexes were named after Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, three former Governors of Kano state, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Following to appointment of Professor Salisu Shehu as the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research Development Commission (NERDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya was appointed substantive Vice Chancellor of the University in September 2025.

The university has graduated a total of 244 students at the end of the 2023/2024 academic session, while at the end of the 2024/2025 academic session 90 students from the departments of Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing were graduated and inducted into their respective councils on the 9th December 2025.

In October last year, the university obtained an additional approval to mount 25 new undergraduate degree programmes, expanding the number of facilities to seven from three. The three additional faculties include Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Basic Medical Science.

Also, in October 2025, the university obtained another approval from the NUC to mount 105 Post Graduate Courses. Preparations have reached advance stage for the commencement of the Post Graduate Courses in the university.