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Maitama Sule was a true leader, nationalist – Dogara

Published

9 years ago

July 14, 2017

By Aaron Ossai

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has led a delegation of Hon. Members on a condolence visit to Kano over the demise of the late Danmasanin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who died on Sunday.

The Speaker also visited Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, where he offered condolences to the people and government of the state.

At the palace of the Emir of Kano, the speaker paid a glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, describing him as a father and true nationalist who inspired many, not only by his stunning oratory, but also in his conduct.

“I am here, your Royal Highness, on behalf of Members of the House of Representatives, to pay our condolences on the death of our father, a great leader, the Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji Maitama Sule. He was a man that our people looked up to, in Kano, in Northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole. He was more than a leader, because he inspired so many people, including me. Anybody who heard him speak must attest to this, not just because of his diction or wide knowledge on issues, but that he was someone who spoke from his heart and not from his head,” he said.

The speaker, while recalling his personal relationship with the late Danmasani, described him as a leader who preached unity, justice and fairness all his life.

“I remember personally encountering him as the leader of the Arewa Leaders Forum. I met with him on several occasions and what always struck me was the fact that he was always nationalistic in his approach and presentations and in his comments. This was a man who believed that leadership cannot exist without justice and fairness. We spoke about so many issues, and whether we were making progress or not, he was committed. I remember some of the things he told me, but this avenue is not suitable to recount some of them,” Dogara added.

He said the late elder statesman treated him as a son, recounting that “he took me personally as a son and told me a story about the late Sir Tafawa Balewa; I’m from Tafawa Balewa myself. He told me how the late Tafawa Balewa took him from his interest in Parliament and made him a Minister. He ended up being one of the closest Ministers to him. He said now that he found me from the same place; it would now mean that he would take over the role of mentoring me, so that shows you the spirit that he had. And he said that as Tafawa Balewa was a father to him, he had accepted to be my own father. And to be candid, on so many occasions, he looked for me when I wasn’t even looking for him, to advise me on issues affecting the running of the House and the nation as it were. He saw that I was much younger in age and blessed me with his wisdom and with his counsel so for me, I’ve lost a father, and that is the truth because he had accepted to mentor me as a father.”

Speaking further, Dogara said the nation has lost a great leader who worked for the oneness and unity of the country in diversity.

“As for the nation, we have lost a great leader who spoke to the divides and fault lines we have in this nation, whether they are tribal, religious or all those issues that people keep manipulating in order to divide this country and to truncate the destiny of this nation that has such humongous promise”, he said.

The Speaker assured that the good legacies of the late diplomat will continue to be replicated as a way of keeping his memories alive.

“There’s really nothing we can do, because we can’t bring him back, he’s gone to be with God, but one thing we can do in order to ensure that his memory lives on is for us to determine that those good qualities, those things that he represented while he was alive, that we’ll continue to replicate them, that’s the best way to keep his memory alive. It’s unfortunate that it will be very difficult for us to find someone, especially in this part of the nation, who can fill his shoes but by the grace of God, we’ll raise some from among us who will take his place. So on this note, I want to extend our sincere condolences to the Government of Kano State, this Emirate Council, the leadership and to the people of Kano State and to all of us in the Northern region and indeed Nigeria as a whole who looked up to him for leadership, for guidance and for counsel.”

On his part, Governor Ganduje expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the condolence visit and corroborated his narration of the close relationship that existed between Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Alhaji Sir, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Maitama Sule in the first republic, adding that presently the wife of the Prime Minister is with the late Maitama Sule’s wife in Kano.

The Speaker also visited the residence of the Late Maitama Yusuf where he was received by the business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Khalifa Isiaka Rabiu, as well as members of the deceased’s family.

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SANKARA NIGERIA LIMITED PARTNERS LOVOL TO EMPOWER AFRICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MECHANIZATION TRAINING IN KADUNA

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Becky Hassan

In a bold step toward tackling youth unemployment and advancing agricultural mechanization in Nigeria and across Africa, Sankara Nigeria Limited, in partnership with LOVOL, has successfully launched an intensive training programme aimed at equipping young people with modern mechanical and technical skills.
The initiative, which focuses on contemporary mechanized systems and agricultural equipment maintenance, is designed to build a new generation of skilled technicians capable of driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. The programme provides hands-on training in modern mechanical practices, particularly in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of advanced farming machinery.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara described the opportunity as both impactful and timely, noting that the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital development. According to him, the collaboration between Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL underscores a shared commitment to empowering African youths with practical knowledge that fosters self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar employment.
He emphasized that the training is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends across Africa, reflecting a broader vision to create a continent-wide network of competent technicians who can support the growing demand for mechanized farming solutions.
“This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity to labour, and building a future where young people can stand on their own through acquired skills,” he stated.
The technical workshop, which drew participants from different parts of the region, was held in Kaduna State, specifically in Zaria, at Unguwa Kaya Junction, New Jos Road, KM 2.
Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the quality of training and the exposure to modern equipment, noting that such initiatives are critical in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The programme also received warm support from the host community in Zaria, located in the historic Zazzau Emirate, where participants were welcomed with remarkable hospitality. Organizers and trainees alike commended the people of Zaria for their generosity and encouraging reception, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
As Nigeria continues to seek sustainable solutions to unemployment and food security challenges, initiatives like this stand as a testament to the role of private sector collaboration in national development. By equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills, Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL are not only transforming lives but also laying a solid foundation for economic growth and agricultural modernization across the continent.

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NNPCL Must Account for N210trn by April 29 – Senate

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

…Orders Ojulari-led management to produce Kyari, others before committee

From Taiye Hassan
The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, fixed April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it and account for the alleged N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari; former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia; Dr. Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors on the scheduled date without fail.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), stressed that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management, particularly the immediate past leadership led by Kyari.
According to him, the responses so far provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve clear, detailed, and transparent explanations.
“This committee, and by extension the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on the N103 trillion it claimed represents liabilities. Liabilities comprise components such as retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, and the specific amounts spent on each must be clearly stated and justified,” he said.
Wadada also demanded a detailed breakdown of the N107 trillion which the company claimed was expended on Joint Venture (JV) cash calls, as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature. Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees,” he said.

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APC Group To Kwara Political Actors: Shun Violence, Hate Speech

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A frontline political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have charged political actors across the 16 local government areas of the State to shun violence, rancour and hate speech before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The APC group, under the aegis of the Asa Progressive Movement (APM), has, therefore, sued for peaceful, issue-based campaigns, devoid of acrimony and name-calling, ahead of the elections.

The Movement made this call in Afon, headquarters of the Asa local government at the endorsement programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, as well as the governorship ambition of former Kwara State APC Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communique signed by the APM Coordinator and the Secretary, Engineer Daud Oladipupo Babatunde and Comrade Yusuf Mutiu Akorede respectively, the Movement said: “We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and we, therefore, urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear State.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and we must rise above petty sentiments.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate.

“All structures of the Movement, from the State to the polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidature of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of these two projects.”

The communique reads further: “Our decision is predicated on Hon. Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service as former Councillor, former Council Chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the party, who led the party to 100 percent victory in the 2019 elections, and former Board Chairman of the NBC; his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival; and his integrity, accessibility, and capacity to unite the diverse peoples of the State.

“The APM unanimously endorses Tinubu for second term and Bolarinwa as our preferred candidate for the office of Governor in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”