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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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How to Apply for the Federal Government’s ₦300,000 FarmerMoni Loan as Portal Opens Nationwide

Published

22 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Our Reporter

Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has officially opened the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) FarmerMoni portal for the 2025/2026 cycle, offering interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₦300,000 to smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The initiative is designed to help farmers purchase seeds, fertilisers, and essential equipment ahead of the new farming season.

The scheme aims to increase agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and enhance food security nationwide.

Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0 and the FarmerMoni Technical Working Group in Abuja on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Hamza Baba, National Programme Manager of GEEP under NSIPA, announced that the application portal is now open to qualified farmers.

He emphasised that the loan is completely interest-free and does not require collateral, adding that it primarily targets vulnerable and low-income farmers at the grassroots level.

₦300,000 Per Farmer, No Collateral Required

According to Baba, each successful applicant can access up to ₦300,000. He explained that the loan amount reflects the current economic realities of different farming activities.

He also clarified that the programme is strictly for farmers who are already engaged in agricultural activities. It is not open to individuals who are new to farming.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Nationality: Must be a Nigerian citizen.
Age: Must be 18 years or older.
Farming Status: Must already be actively involved in farming.
Land Access: Must own or lease farmland.
Cooperative Membership: Must belong to a registered farming cooperative or association within their local government area.
Identification: Must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

How to Apply

Eligible farmers can register through either of the following methods:

1. Online Registration (Preferred Method)

Visit the official GEEP portal: https://geep.nsipa.gov.ng
Fill in your personal information, including full name, phone number, and location.
Provide your NIN and BVN.
Indicate your type of farming (crop production, poultry, aquaculture, or livestock).
Submit the completed application form.

2. Physical (Manual) Registration

Visit the National Orientation Agency (NOA) office or the GEEP Desk Officer at your Local Government Area secretariat.
Complete the physical registration form provided.

Loan Details

Maximum Loan Amount: ₦300,000
Interest Rate: 0% (Interest-free)
Collateral: Not required
Repayment Plan: Six-month repayment period after a three-month moratorium (grace period)

Important Guidelines

Beware of Fraud: Registration is completely free. Do not pay anyone to process your application.
Cooperative Membership: While individual applications are allowed, joining a registered cooperative is strongly encouraged.
Accurate Information: Ensure your NIN, BVN, and farm details are correct to avoid disqualification.

Farmers are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of the opportunity and prepare adequately for the upcoming farming season.

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Ex-chair of Kwara Correspondents’ chapel, Layi Olarewaju, is dead

Published

22 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Our Reporter

As Saraki mourns

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council, Comrade Layi Olarewaju, is dead. Until his death, he was the Kwara correspondent of the SUN newspapers.

He passed on Friday morning at a private hospital in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after a brief illness.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Biola Azeez and Mosunmola Ayobami respectively, described the deceased as a loyal and committed member who had immensely contributed to the growth and development of the elite Chapel.

“It’s with heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God we announce the death of a committed elder and former chairman of Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Kwara Council, Comrade Layi Olarewaju.

“Comrade Olarewaju, the Sun newspaper Correspondent in Kwara died this morning, Friday, at a private hospital after a brief illness.

“His commitment, unifying attribute and journalism wealth of experience will be sorely missed.

“The Chapel prays God Almighty to console the family, associates, friends and give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Emmanuel Olayiwola Olanrewaju.

In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the death of the veteran journalist as shocking, painful, and a great loss to the media profession in Kwara State and beyond.

He noted that the late Olayiwola was a dedicated, diligent, and professional journalist who carried out his duties with commitment and integrity, contributing immensely to the growth of journalism in the state.

Saraki extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Chapter, and the entire media practitioners in the state over this irreparable loss.

He prayed that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives his immediate family and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

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2027 Election: INEC Proposes N873bn for 2027

Published

22 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Taiye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost for the 2027 general elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

He clarified that the N873.778 billion required for the 2027 polls is separate from the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal, in which INEC plans to spend N171 billion on its operations, including the conduct of by-elections and off-cycle elections.

According to Prof. Amupitan, the projected election budget does not include a fresh proposal by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking an increase in allowances for Corps members engaged as ad-hoc staff during elections.

He explained that although details of specific line items were not exhaustively presented, the nearly N1 trillion election budget is structured across five major components: N379.748 billion for operational costs; N92.317 billion for administrative costs; N209.206 billion for technological costs; N154.905 billion for election capital costs; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

The INEC chairman noted that the budget was prepared in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.

On the 2026 fiscal year, Prof. Amupitan said the Ministry of Finance provided the Commission with a budget envelope of N140 billion. However, INEC is proposing a total expenditure of N171 billion. The breakdown includes N109 billion for personnel costs; N18.7 billion for overheads; N42.63 billion for election-related activities; and N1.4 billion for capital expenditure.

He argued that the envelope budgeting system is not suitable for the Commission’s operations, noting that INEC’s activities often require urgent and flexible funding. He also identified the lack of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, adding that if the Commission develops its own network infrastructure, Nigerians would be in a better position to hold it accountable for any technical failures.

In his remarks, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) said external agencies should not dictate the budgeting framework for INEC, given the unique and sensitive nature of its mandate. He urged that the envelope system be set aside for the Commission and that Parliament should work with INEC’s actual requirements to avoid future complaints of underfunding.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided in the Constitution, with funds released in full and on time to enable proper planning and execution of its responsibilities.

The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.

The committee also said it would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32 billion to increase allowances for Corps members to N125,000 each when engaged for election duties.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, assured that the National Assembly would work closely with the Commission to ensure it receives the necessary support for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Bayo Balogun, also pledged legislative support but cautioned the Commission against making promises it may not be able to fulfill.

He recalled that during the last general election, INEC made strong assurances about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, creating the impression that results could be monitored in real time.

“Meanwhile, the IREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.