Connect with us

NEWS

Buhari: History will be kind to me

Published

on

Share

President Muhammadu Buhari says he believes history will be kind to his administration, “going by the situation inherited on security and economy, and the difference that has been made”.

Buhari, according to a statement by Spokesman Femi Adesina, stated this when he inspected and inaugurated some projects in Katsina State on.

He extoled the Gov.

Aminu Masari for silently growing the State via effective management of resources.

“I have done my best and I hope history will be kind to me,’’ he declared at a lunch after the inauguration of the project’s in Katsina town.

The president also inaugurated the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute undertaken by the Ministry of Aviatio, the Darma Rice Mill in Batagarwa and the Katsina State General Hospital.

Buhari, who is on a two-day official visit to the state, also inspected ongoing work on the first flyover in Katsina which had reached 90 per cent completion in the Government Reserved Area.

While noting that former military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, had been criticized for his leadership style, he regretted that the critics had ignored the contributions of the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he chaired.

He particularly noted that the PTF implemented many developmental projects in the health and education sectors, with some of them still evident in many parts of the country.

He explained that the Kano-Katsina-Maradi (Niger Republic) rail line was designed to enhance neighbourliness and ease economic activity between Nigeria and Niger, and not only for cultural affiliation.

“If you want to enjoy peace and harmony, you must be very friendly with your neighbour. That is why when I came into office, I started by visiting all our neighbours,’’ he added.

He added that Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno deserved commendation for the youthful energy, intellectual capacity and visionary leadership he deployed in improving the security situation in the North-East.

Buhari extoled Zulum for being daring by neglecting threats to his life, and visiting various parts of the state to encourage residents.

“We were lucky to have a young, vibrant and intellectual governor like Prof. Zulum. He was all over the place, working. Who said Boko (western education) is Haram (forbidden)?,’’ he queried.

He urged Nigerians to be more focused on getting education that equips them for a dynamic and digital world, instead of studying to get jobs only.

At the lunch, the president appreciated the sacrifices and dedication of the state government  toward constructing and upgrading facilities and supplying medications and working tools.

“Let me start by expressing my thanks to Allah for granting us the privilege of life to be here today in Katsina to commission projects during my two-day official visit.

“Governance or leadership, as I have emphasised on many occasions, is an enormous responsibility embodying trust and requiring sacrifice so that the community of people that entrusted a leader with that burden can in both short and long terms, stand to benefit from the uprightness of the leadership.

“In November 2022, I received a letter from the Governor of Katsina State inviting me to pay a State Visit  to commission projects executed by his administration. I was confident in giving my consent to the request.

“Firstly, I noticed that the Governor’s letter had already earmarked many projects that are beyond commissioning for a State Visit spanning only two days.

“Secondly, I was impressed by the transparency implied by the manner that each of the projects was associated with its cost of execution,” he said.

Buhari noted that he had already learnt about the governor’s numerous activities carried out in the state in the form of policies, programmes and projects.

“I am under the impression that the Governor is using this occasion to announce his silent achievements, many of which were unknown till today.

“I am happy with the infrastructural development efforts in Katsina State, particularly when one compares the recorded achievements with the position of the state as a rural state with a short history of a little over three decades of existence,” he added.

According to him, it is an encouraging effort and indication of burning desire to transform society when a government is judged to have invested resources and energy in infrastructural resuscitation, or provision.

“Tomorrow, I look forward to commissioning the Dayi Dangulle Road, Musawa General Hospital, Sandamu-Baure- Babban Mutum Road and Gurjiya-Karkarku Road.

“Indeed, infrastructure is the substructure upon which societal growth and development are predicated.

”It is the realisation of this that the federal government makes infrastructural presence an irrevocable reality, thus enticing foreign Investors and motivating the local elements,” the president stated.

President Buhari said he was pleased that Masari’s administration placed more emphasis on the educational sector.

“While all the achievements recorded in Katsina State under the leadership of the governor are important, the education sector has really emboldened my belief that our society is in a stead to enjoy transformation in near future.”

According to the president, when education permeates the life of members of society then the propensity to experience growth and development is very high.

“As I listened to Governor Masari’s address a few minutes ago, he upped the level of our confidence in the modest Federal Government projects and interventions in Katsina State,” he said.

He assured citizens that the government would continue working for the peace and harmony of the country.

“I recognised the reality that the current state of insecurity in the country which does not spare Katsina State is a major drawback, which must be tackled to sustain the achievements recorded by both Federal and State governments.

“It is in this vein that I am giving my unwavering commitment to tackle insecurity and restore normalcy in the country,” he said.

While thanking Governor Masari for the visionary leadership and commitment to improving livelihoods and infrastructure, the president said he would continue to support the government.

“I congratulate the Katsina State Government for achieving these milestones and I wholeheartedly identify with the important strides Gov. Masari has recorded,” he noted.

In his remark, the governor thanked the president for honouring the invitation to inaugurate projects in the state.

Masari noted that many hospitals had been renovated and upgraded, schools built and repositioned for quality education and roads constructed in various parts of the state.

The governor, who presented a full report on his achievements in office over seven years, noted that enrolment in schools moved from over one million to more than two million annually, following interventions by the state government.

Masari appreciated the president for historic support to the states like the bailout, budget support and refunds which enabled many states to pay salaries and record some achievements at the downturn of the economy, with drop in price of crude oil. (NAN)

NEWS

Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

Published

on

Share

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.

In condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.”Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.
His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.”I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself , the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates. He prayed the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Continue Reading

NEWS

Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.

In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.

Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.

The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.

The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.

Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.

Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.

In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”

He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.

Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.

The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.

Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.

Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.

USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.

The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.

The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.

In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.

The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.

Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.

As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”

Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.

Continue Reading

Foreign News

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

Published

on

Share

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.

Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.

On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.

He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.

The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.

At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.

The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.

Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.

Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.

Ukraine has official EU candidate status and a spokesman for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously warned Kyiv that the rule of law and the fight against corruption were “core elements” of membership to the bloc.

On Thursday, the Commission said it “welcomed” the Ukrainian government’s decision to take action against the bill.

“We are working [with the Ukrainian government] to make sure that our concerns… are indeed taken into account,” the spokesman said.

Nabu and Sap were created in 2014-15 as one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions between Ukraine and the EU.

Writing on Facebook, opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko noted Zelensky said that “the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be guaranteed.”

“First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”

In his message on social media on Thursday, Zelensky did not acknowledge the protests or the backlash but said it was “important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.”

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

SPORTS8 hours ago

Tinubu Hails Super Falcons for Winning 10th WAFCON Title

SharePresident Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons on their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where...

NEWS15 hours ago

Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

ShareBy Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe,...

NEWS1 day ago

Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make...

Foreign News2 days ago

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

ShareUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture2 days ago

Spotify Spotlights Fola, Thakzin as Africa’s Next Music Icons

ShareSpotify has announced Nigerian Afrobeats talent, Fola and South African Afro House DJ and producer, Thakzin, as part of its...

NEWS2 days ago

Why I Quit Banking for Music – CDQ

ShareNigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that he left a stable banking job to pursue his true passion, music. In an...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture2 days ago

Popular Chinese Singer Executed by Firing Squad over Murder of Girlfriend

SharePopular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang has been executed for the murder of his underage girlfriend. Zhang Yiyang became...

NEWS2 days ago

Aba state: Stop Attacking Ikonne’s Patriotic Call, Analyst Warns Gov Otti

Share… Says EX-NALDA Boss Means Well, Patriotic By Mike Odiakose, Abuja A researcher and political analyst based in Abia state,...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture2 days ago

Why Igbo Men Struggle in Politics – Pete Edochie

ShareVeteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has stirred controversy with a bold statement about Igbo politicians, claiming they are not adept...

NEWS2 days ago

TRANSCORP Hotels PLC Reports Strong Performance ,Delivers N1.024BN Interim Dividend

ShareTranscorp Hotels Plc (“Transcorp Hotels” or the “Company”) (NGX: TRANSCOHOT), the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”), has...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc