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Many Nigerians Are Still Honest, Says Cab Driver Who Returned Money Left In His Car

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An Abuja-based taxi driver, who returned a bag containing cash and other valuables forgotten in his cab to the owner, says there are many Nigerians with high levels of integrity.
Hassan Abukakar returned the sum of N50,000, a laptop, golden earrings, an international passport, a power bank and ATM cards belonging to Professor Margaret Araoye, who forgot the items in the taxi cab.
PRIMORG joined in celebrating Abubakar for his act of integrity by inviting him to talk on PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, the
anti-corruption program on Wednesday in Abuja.
“Na wetin I suppose to do be that,” he said in pidgin English, meaning ‘That is what I am supposed to do’ when asked why he decided to locate the owner and return the items. He added that the money and the other things were left in his taxi cab, saying he was supposed to locate the owner and return the cash and other valuables.
“That was what I did,” Abubakar said
He said the act of returning the items was not a difficult one for him because staying upright in character has become a routine for him.

Abubakar was of the opinion that despite the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigerians, there are still citizens with a high level of integrity.

Other participants during the radio program commended Abubakar for his uprightness and high level of integrity and encouraged Nigerians to emulate him.
They lamented that the government was not doing enough to halt the pervasive corruption in the public sector.

The Project Coordinator, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, AFF, Patience Hyeladzira Ismaila, advised President Bola Tinubu-led government and anti-corruption agencies to take a tough stance against corruption to deter public officers from taking to corrupt acts.

Ismaila, while lamenting that corruption has been institutionalized in Nigeria, stressed that strict policies and application are vital if the government wants to fight public sector corruption. She insisted that the government of the day must put in place measures to ensure there are repercussions for corrupt acts against public officials and citizens.

“Measures should be put in place, and People should be publicly punished and held accountable for whatever they are doing.

“In a community where you feel like you can get diplomatic immunity, I feel like people should be treated like every Nigerian. If you steal, it should be said that you stole, the same way when ordinary people do the wrong thing and get punished, people at the top level should get the same treatment.

“Bodies like the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau should be loud when somebody has committed a crime and when there are always repercussions, corrupt practices will reduce, “Ismaila noted.

She, however, urged the Federal Government to address rising poverty and food crises, which are affecting a lot of Nigerians and driving some people into crime and wrongdoings, while urging Nigerians to focus on being trustworthy, abstain from fraud and report corrupt acts.

“There needs to be institutionalization of anti-corruption in our society. Nigerians should focus on being trustworthy and patriotic regardless of status. I believe that it always pays to be a good person. It always pays to be honest. So people should abstain from corrupt practices and report corrupt practices because it’s not enough to abstain from it.“ Ismaila advised.

Likewise, Programme Officer, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Mnenga Shiiuwa, while underscoring the importance of stringent punishment against corruption in the public sector, alleged that recruitments into civil service are fraught with massive irregularities and racket.

Shiiuwa added that Nigeria’s challenge is that corruption has eaten into the fabric of the society despite the numerous laws of the land meant to prevent and fight it.

“We have a big problem with the public service, and the solution has to begin with the recruitment process.

“To the best of my knowledge, in the last 15 years, we haven’t had a fair recruitment process in the Nigerian public service. Almost every person in every single agency of government that found his or herself there came through a connection, and what that means is that their allegiance is not to the service but to the people who brought them in -this has to be addressed, or otherwise, we keep having a repeat of dishonest, untruthful public servants in our country.” He said.

Shiiuwa called on citizens, religious and traditional institutions to play a key role in moulding an upright society.

Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

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RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027

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Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.

RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.

According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.

“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”

The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.

“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.

The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.

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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI

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The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.

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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE

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The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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