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10th Assembly: Betera’s Selling Points as Speaker
By Williams Ochonu
“Leadership is the creation of an environment in which others can self-actualize in the process of completing the job.” “If your actions inspire others to dream, learn, do, and become more, you are a leader.”
The above quote summarizes the leadership qualities of Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betera, a member representing Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State in the Federal House of Representatives. A man of few but impeccable words—a distinguished parliamentarian whose contributions to advancing democracy in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
Hon Betera means different things to different people. However, there is a meeting point for these divergent views. It is the fact that he is a dynamic individual whose passion and commitment to the advancement of democracy are unparalleled. This much has been evident in his leadership strides in the various committees he has led in the National Assembly. I recall that at a time, he was commended by the House leadership for his passion, dedication and leadership strides.
I was, therefore, not surprised when he indicated an interest in leading the 10th Assembly as the Speaker. I sighed in relief, knowing what he would bring, especially the ability to provide purposeful leadership and galvanize all members towards the common good, regardless of party affiliations. This has been his trademark all along. As the Chairman of the House Committee of the Nigerian Army, Hon. Betera was passionate about improving the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. He contributed to debates; he advocated for improved funding for the Nigerian Army and other sundry issues relevant to the Nigerian Army’s success.
Hon Betera stands on a tripod; experience, competence and character. He has been in the National Assembly since 2007, making him one of the few members to have served in Nigeria’s sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth assemblies. He has led various house committees. Between 2007 and 2011, Betara was Chairman of the Sub-committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency. He also served as a member of the House Committee on Interior. He was appointed Chairman of the Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office.
He was appointed Chairman House Committee on the Army at the seventh Assembly (2011 to 2015). From 2015 to 2019, Betara served as Chairman of the House Committee on Defence. He is the current House Committee on Appropriations Chairman, presiding over all other committees regarding the appropriation process in the House of Representatives. These indeed speak volumes of his experience with the intricacies of the House of Representatives.
If we admit, Nigeria deserves leaders that would hit the ground running to translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. And if that is the case, it is a requirement that such leaders must have substantial experience in their kitty, for the challenges at hand requires that proactive measures are embraced in the bid to overcome the numerous challenges in the country.
I am privileged to have interacted with Hon Betera several times. His depth and grasps of issues are impressive. He is always willing to engage you in the national discourse. He could pass for a historian and public analyst. He is ready to take you on Nigeria’s political and leadership history without blinking. What this shows is that Hon Betera is one individual that understands the issues bedevilling the country and what ought to be done to take the country out of the doldrums.
This explains why I was excited when he indicated an interest in leading the 10th Assembly as Speaker. If he is elected as Speaker, Nigerians should expect a robust Federal House of Representatives where ideas on how to proffer solutions to the crisis in the country will take centre stage.
Hon Betera is a well-rounded parliamentarian who resonates brilliance and strength of character. His track record speaks volumes of a man who desires to bring about meaningful changes in the polity. This much he has demonstrated over the years in the National Assembly and getting elected as Speaker would bring to the fore the attributes needed to bring about purposeful leadership in the country.
Remember that the legislative arm of government also needs to get it right with its choice of principal officers because they are meant to be partners in progress. The executive arm of the government can’t do it all alone. This mistake has cost the country a lot over the years. When I hear of things like ethnic balancing or religious considerations for the leadership of the National Assembly, I always nod in disbelief because the consideration should be about competence and experience.
Competence and experience should be the watchword in choosing principal officers for the 10th Assembly. Hon Aliyu Muktar Betara fits the bill to provide purposeful leadership in the Federal House of Representatives.
As a high-ranking legislator, who has been in the National Assembly for the past 16 years, he needs no further introduction. He has built bridges across party lines, and his sphere of influence extends beyond the Federal House of Representatives. He is primed and positioned to lead. Ladies and Gentlemen, enter the world of Hon Aliyu Muktar Betera.
Ochonu wrote this piece from Abuja
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
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