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TRIBUTE: MALA KACHALLAH: DEATH AND THE LESSONS OF LIFE

Published

7 years ago

April 14, 2019

By: Inuwa Bwala

Every year, since 2007, the 18th day of the month of April has remained a constant reminder to me and several others, of the sad loss of a father, a leader, a friend and statesman per excellence, Alhaji Mala Kachallah, former Governor of Borno State, 1999 to 2003. Not everybody may recall that date now, but certainly nobody will forget Mala Kachallah, the man who made name for his style of politics, which earned him the name, “Captain of Peace”. Majority of our people may tend to agree with me that, the death of this sage, twelve years ago remains one of the biggest loss ever to Borno state.

It is not because I have anything new to add to what I may have said before about Alhaji Abdullsalam Mala Kachallah, but the urge to mention him to a world that seems to have forgotten such a great man remains irresistible. I feel, that like Pompey of the Shakespearean fame, Nigerians like the Romans have forgotten Mala Kachallah, and are rejoicing with others, who neither brought conquests nor tributaries to Borno.

And as the anniversary draws, what goes on in my mind is the lesson to learn and reality of life after death. Before I go far, I feel the need to pay a special tribute to Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who has made it a duty to seek out Mala Kachallah’s family and assist them since he came on board as governor. He also took it upon himself to immortalize him by naming a school in the state capital after Mala Kachallah. And Shettima, though a disciple of Kachalla’s political philosophy, he never directly benefitted from the Government Kachallah led. Save for what the governor did, the Kachallah’s family was almost being forgotten, and his name fast disappearing, just like his grave is being swallowed by the cluster of other tombs around him, at the Gwange cemetry.

Mala Kachallah both in government and even outside government was the cynosure of attention. I recall with nostalgia how people fall over themselves to get the attention of the great Mala Kachallah. It was the vogue amongst his loyalists to strive to imitate Kachallah’s unique style of dressing, particular his customized caps, which caught attention even at night, with their shinny textures. Some people skipped meals in their own houses to go and dine with him. Mala Kachallah, being a “welfarist” never lacked the company of people who hang around him every day for financial handouts. I stand to be corrected, but Mala Kachallah to, my mind started the issue of “welfarism” in governance, where sets of dresses were made with accompanying huge sums of money to people either marrying, naming their children or even mourning the dead.

I will not forget how everybody around him prayed fervently for male children, so they can name them after Mala Kachallah. Where the boys fail to come, the girls were named after his wife Falmata Mala Kachallah I learnt that some of the names changed or some of the children given second names after Kachallah’s demise. I remember one man who despite knowing that Mala Kachallah was never impressed with polygamous life, offered to give him his daughter in Marriage, as a mark of his loyalty, an offer which was politely turned down.

Should Mala Kachallah have the opportunity to be around for the second time, or even for him to peep from yonder and see what some of his disciples have become, or even what has become of Borno since he departed, he may die a second death. I have always said it, that, it was not out of mere political fashion that Mala Kachallah was nick named “CAPTAIN OF PEACE”, neither was it an accident of history that Borno was christened “HOME OF PEACE”. It was not a mere coincidence either that both coinages came at almost the same time, but it is rather sad, that the “PEACE”: the value Mala Kachallah advocated, and the attribute the people of Borno have been identified with for long, seem to have taken leave.

It may not be charitable to accuse subsequent leaders of jettisoning the peace enjoyed during the time of Mala Kacahallah, as no one single man can be said to be capable of enthroning peace in a society, neither endanger it, but it remains a fact that Mala seem to have in many ways galvanized the people towards peaceful resolution to all disagreements. He died with the tranquility we enjoyed, and today we enjoy the peace of the grave yard.

Others may have forgotten him, but that we remember Mala Kachallah with nostalgia today is a testimony of how well he utilized the privilege God gave him to lead. He often told me that leadership is a privilege, what one does with such a privilege may be one’s opportunity to write one’s name in gold or on water. Mala Kachallah has written his name in Gold, even if others fail to place him appropriately in our leadership hall of fame, those who had the privilege to know him have a lesson or two to learn from his life and from his death.

Inuwa Bwala served as Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the Late Mala Kachallah.

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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).”