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.TRIBUTE: REQUIEM TO REV. JESSE JACKSON 1941–2026:

Published

7 months ago

February 19, 2026

By: A G Abubakar

The news of the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson struck many followers of civil rights movements with the force reserved for the loss of a familiar friend. Though I never encountered him personally, I came to know him intimately through books, newspapers, and the glossy pages of Ebony and its sister publication Jet—the iconic magazines that carried the heartbeat of Black America far beyond the shores of the United States. Back when we were students in Maiduguri and Zaria, some of us would literally starve ourselves to save money to buy those publications.

As outsiders, two powerful forces shaped our early understanding of African American life. Berry Gordy’s Motown gave us rhythm, cultural pride, and artistic excellence. The label was home to The Temptations, Rare Earth, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson, among others. But the civil rights movement—led by towering figures like Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his protégé, Reverend Jesse Jackson—gave us moral vocabulary and political consciousness.

While Dr. King taught the world that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Jesse Jackson absorbed that moral clarity and transformed it into a lifelong mission. He built on that philosophy to decode the architecture of systemic racism—segregation, voter suppression, and economic exclusion—and laid out a roadmap toward dignity grounded in faith and nonviolent resistance.

Again, as King reminded America that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” Jackson saw that bending required participation. As he later declared in his presidential campaign, “Our time has come.” It was a rallying cry not just for Black America, but for all marginalized people excluded from the democratic promise to get involved.

Through Jackson, we learned that equality before the law was not automatic; it had to be demanded. He expanded the struggle from Black liberation—as preached by King and others like Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, and Louis Farrakhan—to coalition politics through his now-famous “Rainbow Coalition,” which sought to unite minorities, workers, farmers, and the poor across racial lines. He had earlier established an organization called People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) in 1971, which focused largely on Black communities.

Jackson’s oratorical mastery was legendary. His cadence, his preacher’s rhythm, and his ability to blend scripture with strategy took permanent residence in the heart. His speeches did not merely inform; they mobilized. Who can forget his immortal refrain: “Keep hope alive!” Those three words were not decorative rhetoric; they were survival language, especially in communities battered by poverty and disillusionment. He considered hope a form of resistance. It is a timeless message for all.

My earliest vivid recollection of him was from a television screen during the historic Wattstax Festival in 1972. Draped in traditional Ghanaian kente cloth—called variously Fugu, Batakari, or Banaa—Jackson stood as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora and led the crowd in “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Among the great artists who performed were Isaac Hayes (Black Moses), Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Albert King, The Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Luther Ingram, and Little Milton. In that moment, Jackson symbolized cultural reclamation—Black pride married to political consciousness. His clenched-fist power salute left a huge impression on us.

Another defining moment was his electrifying speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention. It was more than a campaign address; it was a democratic sermon. In that speech, he made many thought-provoking and profound socio-political declarations that still resonate more than four decades later. He said, “Democracy guarantees opportunity, not success. Democracy guarantees the right to participate, not a license for either majority or minority to dominate.” He added, “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” thus urging citizens to engage actively.

To his party, he said, “This is not a perfect party. We are not a perfect people. Yet, we are called to a perfect mission: our mission to feed the hungry; to clothe the naked; to house the homeless; to teach the illiterate; to provide jobs for the jobless; and to choose the human race over the nuclear race.”

On his political experiences, Jackson asserted, “The campaign has taught me much: that leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving.” He defined the task of leadership to include “the mitigation of the misery of a nation” and “to lift the boat stuck at the bottom.”

The speech felt like an echo of King’s “I Have a Dream” address two decades earlier. King had proclaimed, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.” Jackson, decades later, was insisting that the dream must be institutionalized—not admired from afar, but implemented through ballots, policies, and coalition-building.

Reverend Jackson was a consequential and transformative leader. His presidential campaigns made viable what once seemed impossible. Before Barack Obama mounted a credible bid for the White House, Jackson had already tested the waters. Before Kamala Harris stood on a national ticket, Jackson had normalized the idea of minority leadership at the highest level. His political courage expanded the imagination of a nation.

He inspired the current generation of congressmen and women—like Hakeem Jeffries, Cory Booker, and Ilhan Omar—to throw their hats into the murky ring of American politics. He paved the way for later-day civil rights activists such as Al Sharpton, and the new generation’s Thandiwe Abdullah, Danielle Coke, and Anya Dillard.

King once cautioned that “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” By that measure, Jesse Jackson stood tall. Whether advocating for sanctions against apartheid South Africa, supporting Palestinian self-determination through nonviolent advocacy, or negotiating the release of hostages in international crises, he positioned himself on the side of equity—even when it was unpopular.

Rev. Jackson was an apostle of nonviolence. He understood, like King, that nonviolence was not weakness but strategic strength. King had insisted, “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding.” Jackson carried that weapon into boardrooms, conventions, and global diplomatic corridors.

Of course, like many public figures who live long and visible lives, Jackson was not without controversy. But history rarely remembers leaders for their imperfections; it remembers them for their impact. And his impact is undeniable.

He was African not only by ancestry but by spiritual alignment. He wore kente cloth not as a costume, but as a declaration. He spoke of justice not as an abstraction, but as an obligation. He lived by his own admonition: “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” This message has empowered generations who had been told to lower their expectations.

As we mourn his passing, we are reminded that movements do not die with men. They evolve through memory and responsibility. The burden now shifts to those who inherited the hope he kept alive.

May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. And may the present and future generations prove worthy of the dream that Rev. Jackson dared to proclaim—a proclamation shared by past greats like Abernathy, Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks, James Brown, Colin Powell, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., etc., plus millions of Black men and women who lost their lives while being shipped out of Africa more than five centuries ago. Adieu, Reverend Jackson.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

16 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

17 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

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2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

17 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.