From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano

The newly appointed Special Adviser on Food Security to the Yobe State Governor, Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam, has pledged to support Governor Mai Mala Buni’s efforts to strengthen food production, Empower farmers and create sustainable economic opportunities across the state.

Adam made the commitment in an appreciation message following his appointment and swearing-in as Special Adviser on Food Security, describing the responsibility as a great honour and a call to service.

The Special Adviser also appreciated the government and people of Yobe State, as well as other stakeholders, for their prayers, goodwill and support. He equally thanked his family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers who travelled from different locations to attend his swearing-in ceremony, saying their presence and encouragement would remain deeply valued.

Adam said his priority would be to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s vision for food security, economic empowerment and sustainable development by supporting initiatives capable of increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening the livelihoods of farmers and young people.

He further pledged to work closely with relevant stakeholders to attract opportunities, promote food production, empower the youth and create sustainable jobs across Yobe State and the wider region. He said the appointment was not merely a personal achievement but a responsibility to serve the people and contribute to building a more food-secure and economically prosperous Yobe State.

Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam, who is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Food Corporation, prayed for divine guidance and success in the discharge of his responsibilities assuring that he would give his best toward achieving the objectives of the state government.

From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano

The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, has said that the security of any nation begins with the protection, welfare and well-being of its citizens, stressing that security goes beyond defending the territorial boundaries of a country.

Sanusi stated this while serving as Royal Father of the Day at an event organised by the International Humanitarian Law Society, Faculty of Law, Northwest University Kano where he delivered a keynote address on “Leadership, Peace and the Role of Traditional Institutions in Nation Building.

The Emir explained that insecurity should not be viewed only from the perspective of armed attacks or territorial defence, noting that citizens who lack access to basic necessities are equally insecure. He cited a woman without access to antenatal care, a child deprived of education and an unemployed young person as examples of people experiencing insecurity.

According to him, many of the security challenges confronting Nigeria today are partly linked to the neglect of the fundamental building blocks of a secure society. He therefore urged governments at all levels to pay close attention to warning signs and address social and economic challenges before they develop into serious security threats.

Sanusi further called on communities to take a firm stand against drug abuse and the activities of drug dealers, particularly because of the vulnerability of young people to criminal activities. He stressed that government and traditional institutions must work together to protect the younger generation and create conditions that would enable them to contribute positively to society.

The Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, commended the Emir for his humility and commitment to learning, particularly his willingness to sit in class alongside fellow students.

She described the gesture as a powerful source of encouragement to students and a positive message to the wider society, stressing that the pursuit of knowledge has no age limit.

The Guest Speaker and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Akin Dare, delivered a lecture titled “Peace, Leadership and Nation Building,” in which he examined the interconnected challenges of peace, security, leadership and national development.

Dare maintained that Nigeria and Africa are not lost causes, urging citizens and leaders to draw lessons from their history while working towards building durable institutions founded on fairness, equal rights, humanitarian justice, peace and respect for humanity.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Associate Professor Ahmad Jibrin Suleiman, thanked the dignitaries and participants for honouring the invitation. He stressed the need to teach young people leadership through practical examples and conduct rather than words alone, describing Emir Sanusi as a role model and source of inspiration to the younger generation.

The International Humanitarian Law Society also presented awards of honour to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in recognition of his distinguished scholarship and discipline; Sunday Akin Dare for his selfless service to humanity and the nation; Professor Amina Salihi Bayero for her leadership and transformation of the university;and Kabiru a university security personnel, for his outstanding performance.

From Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the recent decision of the European Union (EU) to pull back from observing the 2027 general elections as a confirmation of the fears of both local and international stakeholders about the weaknesses and defects that may define the forthcoming general elections.

The EU had cited “worsening insecurity and hostile treatment” during its observation mission of the 2023 elections as the basis for the pullback.

In a statement on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the decision was historic, as it will be the first Nigerian general election since the return of democracy in 1999 in which the Union will not deploy an election observation mission.

“Since 2023, the current APC-led Federal Government has intensified efforts at ensuring that the 2027 elections are uncontested in any meaningful sense. They have deployed different tactics, including but not limited to state-funded crises in opposition political parties, coercion and enticement of opposition Governors and National Legislators, persecution and intimidation of opposition bigwigs, and the weaponisation of inflammatory electoral rhetoric- such as the President’s declaration to ‘snatch it, take it and run with it’ and the accompanying disposition that ‘all is fair in politics,’ the statement said.

It added: “This EU pullback is one of the many votes of no confidence by strategic stakeholders in election management under this APC-led administration. When confidence in the electoral process erodes, so does the credibility of elections and, ultimately, democracy itself.”

The PDP, however, insisted that the 2027 elections must be a true reflection of the wishes of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, adding that any attempt by the ruling party to impose itself on the people, despite its abysmally poor performance in governance, is not just undemocratic and unconstitutional, but must be condemned and resisted by all fair-minded people.

The party pledged to work in concert with other opposition political parties, civil society organisations and Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability and sincerity in the entire election process. “This is the irreducible minimum.”