The United Nations (UN) Women and other stakeholders on Monday,  called on Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri to assent to the bill promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Adamawa.

Mrs Amina Bello, the National Programme Officer, UN Women, made the call during a policy dialogue on Enhancing Inclusion of Women with Disabilities (WWDs) in peace and security decision-making, in Yola.

The programme sponsored by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) had in attendance disability rights advocates, PWDs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government agencies, among others.

Bello emphasised that the rights of PWDs are human rights and stressed the need for robust measures, policies, and legislation to protect those rights.

“Adamawa is in the process of passing a bill to re-enact the PWD Commission into law.

” The bill has been passed by the State House of Assembly and is currently awaiting the governor’s assent.

“All stakeholders must continue to advocate for a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees the rights of PWDs.

“This will ensure their meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society and enable them to access social, economic, and political opportunities without hindrance,” she said.

Bello noted that the policy dialogue created a unique platform for WWDs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive discussion.

“Participants developed a Joint Action Plan that identified key challenges and proposed actionable solutions.

“The meeting also integrated WWDs into women-led peace structures such as the Mixed Observation Team and the Women Mediation Network,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Rukaiyatu Tahir, Principal Welfare Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said peacebuilding among WWDs was a core mandate of the ministry.

“The rehabilitation department ensures the inclusion of WWDs in peacebuilding processes.

“We work to protect their rights and shield them from discrimination and stigmatisation.

“The ministry also empowers them to be independent and productive, reducing their reliance on street begging,” Tahir added.

In her remarks, Mrs Jamila Babuba, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said the organisation continues to strengthen advocacy efforts for WWDs.

According to her, “FIDA provides accessible legal aid through pro bono services and ensures legal support considering mobility and communication challenges.

“We also advocate for inclusive legal frameworks that incorporate disability rights into post-conflict legal reforms,” Babuba said.

She stressed the importance of the unique needs of WWDs be reflected in new laws and policies that guarantees their rights.

NAN reports that on March 27, the Adamawa  House of Assembly  passed a bill to prohibit all forms of discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

The bill, which repeals the Adamawa Disability Rights Commission Law No. 14 of 2016 and enacts the Adamawa State Persons with Disability Law Commission, aims to ensure the full integration of PWDs into society.

NAN reports that the bill, sponsored by Hon. Yohanna Jauro, the representative of Mubi South Constituency, was one of four crucial legislations passed by the house.

It seeks to create a legal framework that guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities and mandates their protection from any form of discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment.

Disability rights activists have long called for stronger legal protections and more effective implementation of policies to ensure accessibility and full participation of PWDs in various sectors, including education, employment, politics, and public services.(NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja

The All Progressive Congress (APC), Tiv Community, Abuja chapter has commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of Barr. Cosmos Akighir and Engr. Abraham Atotse as Chairman, governing board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and Engr.

Abraham Atotse as board member of the commission.

Lader of the group, Hon.

Thomas Terzungwe Iangen, in a statement also commended the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) and leader of the North Central region, Sen. George Akume for facilitating the key federal appointments for Benue State indigenes.

Describing the appointments as a testament to the competence, dedication and expertise of the newly appointed personalities, the group expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu for finding appointees worthy of service.

He noted that the appointments were a confirmation of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to good governance and genuine effort to tame the rising wave of insecurity in the North Central geo-political zone.

The group promised continued support to the policies and programmes of President Tunubu administration.

Iangen also called on the leadership of the All Progress Congress (APC) to organize a free and fair primary election next month in FCT.
“I want to congratulate Barr. Cosmos Akighir on his appointment as Chairman governing board North Central Development commission ( NCDC) and Engr. Abraham Atotse as board member of the commission on their appintment,” Hon. Iangen said.

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

In a country often plagued by leadership inertia and institutional opacity, Umar Ajiya Isa stands tall as a symbol of transformational leadership, financial discipline, and patriotic commitment. A native of Isa Local Government in Sokoto State, his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a central figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is nothing short of inspirational.

Today, he is not just a former NNPC executive, but the Ajiyan Sokoto—a revered title that reflects both his professional accomplishments and his service to the community.

Ajiya’s remarkable journey began with a solid academic foundation and matured through a stellar 22-year career at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where he developed the strategic and financial acumen that would later power his transformational work in the public energy sector.

His deep understanding of the global gas economy and project financing made him a valuable asset as he transitioned into higher responsibilities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

As Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy at NNPC, he introduced robust business models for Autonomous Business Units and revived the long-dormant Price Review Committee. These reforms became the foundation for NNPC’s dramatic turnaround—culminating in the first profit declaration in its history: ₦287 billion in 2020, ₦674 billion in 2021, ₦2.52 trillion in 2022, and a record ₦3.30 trillion in 2023.

As Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Ajiya engineered an unprecedented revival. He reversed decades of losses by introducing the PMS ex-coastal price correction policy, saving Nigeria ₦72 billion annually. He championed digital transformation, led SAP implementation, and fostered critical stakeholder synergy. PPMC, for the first time in its 28-year history, declared profit under his watch in 2018.

Appointed NNPC’s Chief Financial Officer in 2019, Ajiya unlocked monumental financing opportunities. He secured $1 billion for NPDC to settle outstanding Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), helping shield the Federation Account during the 2020 COVID-19 downturn. He also coordinated $1 billion in equity financing for Nigeria’s stake in the Dangote Refinery—ensuring national participation in Africa’s largest refinery project. Even more critical was his role in facilitating a $3 billion crude-backed financing arrangement for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the Naira during forex volatility.

Notably, Ajiya’s reforms elevated NNPC to the rank of Nigeria’s highest taxpayer, a feat reflecting unmatched fiscal transparency and revenue optimization. He also drove upstream and midstream project financing models and successfully restructured NNPC’s balance sheet in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), steering the Corporation into a new commercial era.

Beyond the boardroom, Ajiya’s philanthropy and community leadership speak volumes. From supporting educational initiatives to youth empowerment in Isa Local Government, he has given back meaningfully. His recent appointment as Co-Chair of the Sokoto State Economic Advisory Council underscores his continued commitment to public service and regional development.

Umar Ajiya Isa is more than a technocrat—he is a nation-builder whose legacy will echo for generations. As Ajiyan Sokoto, he carries not just a title,, excellence, and vision.