NEWS
Sadiya Farouq: That special touch in the cabinet
By Philip Agbese
Unmistakably, President Muhammadu Buhari has an unquenchable obsession with the plight of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. A pivotal aspect of his leadership of the nation is to ensure, platforms are erected for less privileged Nigerians to also have access to the nation’s commonwealth, and relish economic empowerment or be assisted through government support schemes to live meaningful lives.
It is evident in the policies and actions of his administration, which have become more pronounced especially in this journey to the #NextLevel. The pursuit of this agenda led to creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHDS), immediately he was re-elected and inaugurated into office for a second tenure.
And anytime, President Buhari puts his heart to a project, he guns for the best hands to entrust with the work. Therefore, Mr. President appointed an experienced administrative amazon, a compassionate woman, an exact replica of Mother Theresa, an amiable mother and astute manager of human beings and resources, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq to oversee the affairs of the multi-tasked new ministry.
Since Sadiya Farouq took over the dais, together with her team in the ministry, ably supported by the President, they have given a special touch and a new face to the management of humanitarian affairs in the country. Nigeria is a country with multiple humanitarian challenges, from natural disasters to man-made problems. The issues are a dozen, which every day and every hour requires the attention of government to alleviate the hardships or bring succour to distressed Nigerians.
However, it is amazing that though Minister Sadiya Farouq met piles of problems when she assumed office; but she effectively combined the setting up of the structures of a new office as well as responding to both old and fresh humanitarian challenges assailing Nigeria. FMHDS merely clocked a year of operations August 2020.
But regardless of the short time of its existence, and the encumbrances, a peek into the scoresheet of the ministry, pricks anyone very strongly that Hajiya Sadiya Farouq is a special and unique personage in the #NextLevel cabinet of President Buhari. She is factually a blessing to the country and the people.
Nigerians are reaping bountifully from the Minister’s hard work, commitment, straightforwardness and impartial treatment of all Nigerians without succumbing to the temptation of greasing the nation’s faultlines in the patriotic discharge of this national assignment. She works round the clock and personally visits scenes of disasters with her team of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at any instance of disaster to berth succour to distressed people.
FMHDS is unarguably, one of the largest federal ministries, with several agencies under its supervision, but the Honourable Minister has proved herself impressively as an administrator who is equal to the task. To her, it is treading on a familiar terrain, and she does not dread any obstacle, but scores the goals neatly in accordance with her targets.
Whether it is in implementing the functions of NEMA in quick responses to natural or artificial disasters or partnering with the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to wipe away the tears of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in insurgency-ravaged communities, the workaholic Sadiya Farouq has lived her covenant with the masses of Nigeria.
Most notably, as a focal member of the Presidential Task Force on Covid -19 pandemic, Minister Sadiya excellently coordinated Governments responses to the people over the pandemic. She performed this duty in strict adherence to Presidential directives to the Ministry for interventions in providing palliatives to the poor and vulnerable groups throughout the country.
The distribution of the multiple packages of Covid-19 palliatives during the lockdown to the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, seemed an arduous task, but the Minister conquered the sabotaging demons who plotted to frustrate it and met the expectations of Mr. President in this sensitive assignment.
Each state of the federation got its exact share of the palliatives, without distortions and timely. The minister personally visited most states of the federation and supervised the humanitarian interventions and distributions of assorted palliatives packages to the most vulnerable in the society such as refugees, IDP’s, People Living with Disabilities, Older Persons, Trafficked Persons, Orphans, the poorest of the poor and the petty traders amongst others.
Sadiya Farouq has improved and added value to all the schemes domiciled in the Ministry. She has been able to graduate and discharge Batches A & B of the N-Power programme and has kick-started the Batch C of the scheme. And nearly 110, 000 beneficiaries of the dispatched N-Power jobs beneficiaries have established personal businesses.
And through the thoughtful initiatives of the Honourable Minister, thousands of the N-Power beneficiaries have been engaged as aggregators for the Home- Grown School Feeding Programme. Under her supervision, N-Power program is meeting its mandate of net reduction in youth unemployment figures and she has put modalities in place to sustain it to greater impacts.
A foresighted administrator, Sadiya Farouq has birthed the Civil Security Coordination Framework (CSCF) and in progression, also created the National Humanitarian Coordination Forum (NHCF), Humanitarian Policy Dialogue to create a seamless plank for the operations and conduct of all humanitarian interventions across the country by the ministry.
By her progressive initiatives too, the Minister is at the last stages of establishing the National Disability Commission (NDC) and the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC) to entrench holistic means and channels of flow of Government humanitarian interventions to the targeted groups devoid of hitches. Only a gifted leader would think of durable and permanent structures in the execution of her assignment as exemplified by the Minister.
The FMHDS’s torchlight on one of the Social Investment Programme planks; the Government Enterprise & Empowerment Programme (GEEP) designed to intervene over the challenges of credit and financial inclusion for the over 37 million Nigerians has been most outstanding. It has greatly assisted countless Nigerians from the economic meltdown in the era of Covid-19 epidemic.
It has empowered over 2.3 million such micro-enterprises with interest-free loans to grow their businesses and climbed the ladder as the largest global public microcredit scheme and recognized by African Bankers with the award of the “Most Impactful Micro Credit Programmme in the whole of Africa. Owners of small businesses are loudly attesting to the Minister’s patriotic service to the nation.
And the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) has become the biggest fish in the pond under the direction of Sadiya Farouq in expansion and enrolment figures. She has not only brought states like Zamfara and Abia previously excluded in the scheme on board; but has also upped the enrolment capacity and number of the Poor and Vulnerable Households to incredible figures of millions of direct beneficiaries.
Presently, Minister Sadiya Farouq is disbursing Cash grant to rural women in Kwara and other states. It is a programme with the window of one-off grant to vulnerable women in rural communities and the expansive framework is projected to cover 150,000 poor rural women across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT. It is an unexpected relief to these less privileged Nigerian women at their doorsteps.
And Sadiya Farouq is the force and the shadows, propelling the marvelous rebuilding and development projects aggressively being executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) under the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) plan, an integral master plan by President Buhari to rebuild the region, which is ravaged by insurgency.
With Boko Haram terrorists reduced to size in the Northeast region by the Nigerian Military and restoration of peace and security, the whole region has become a huge constructions site. About 224 developmental projects spread across 112 Local government areas across the six states of Northeast are currently ongoing; while others have been completed in the areas of education, health, social infrastructures, integrated agricultural programmes and WASH.
Through this clear-cut FMHDS’s partnership with NEDC, its Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, another tireless and focused administrator is providing steady back-up support to the Minister to bring solace to the troubled and traumatized peoples of the region who have suffered years of destructions to personal and public properties by rampaging terrorists campaigners. Currently, NEDC has voted N6 billion and dispensing same as annual grants on scholarship for students in the region.
So, tshose only interested in concocting falsehoods against President Buhari or who embark on the campaigns of calumny when they fail to frustrate his laudable programmes targeted at the poor of the poorest and vulnerable groups cannot blight reality. The beneficiaries drawn indiscriminately for the empowerment schemes and relief programmes express appreciations to President Buhari and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs at the slightest opportunity.
The haters can continue to chant meaningless songs; but Minister Sadiya Farouq and her able team of subordinates at in NEDC, NEMA and other agencies under the ministry have redefined the face of humanitarian interventions and disasters management in Nigeria irrefutably.
Agbese is a human rights activist and wrote from Abuja.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke at the inaugural distinguished parliamentarian lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps with the theme “navigating tax reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies”.
The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives are Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limiter Yakubu Dogara.
The NUJ Chairman said the tax reforms represent bold steps toward modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing over-dependence on oil revenues.
She said “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernizing and strengthening our tax system”.
Ike commended the administration’s commitment, emphasizing that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens.
“We must place emphasis on improved infrastructures, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.
The NUJ FCT Chair stressed the need for clear communication of the policies so Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.
“The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she stated.
Ike also urged collaboration among all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media, to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.
“Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she added.
She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for making the lecture a reality, describing it as a platform that will enrich public policy engagement.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives circulating about petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.
He said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture is designed to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.
“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the aim of the lecture is to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.
“This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he added.
Onadiran described the inaugural guest lecturer, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.
“As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.
Nyiam said the Press Corps was determined to expand its role by enlightening Nigerians on issues of national interest.
“This is a novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.
He explained that the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since the law came into effect.
According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their place in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” Nyiam added.
He said the choice of the guest lecturer, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives and current Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and record of legislative achievements.
Nyiam expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.
...Backs Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s Security Drive
Members of Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly on Friday called for the arrest and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami over the breach of public peace which occurred last week.
Speaking on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero who responded to the baseless petition dated 10th September , 2025 initiated by Malami, pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.
Senator Alero who was flanked by two Senators and Members of the House of Representatives Kebbi State Caucus, said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of Political Thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.
“Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.
“At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office
“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.
“The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.
“As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”
On his part, Senator representing Kebbi South, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki who described APC as a peaceful party, said: “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.
“The national chairman of the INEC actually has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce evidence to you that there are… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, that our party is importing weapons. We are not a dangerous people.
“We do not support any dangerous activity towards Nigeria. We do not support We do not support terrorism in whatever form and manner. And we are against it. We are going to fight it.”
Senator Maidoki also applauded President Bola Tinubu efforts in the fight against insecurity, saying: “The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated.
“But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back. That is not to say we don’t have challenge. We still have a long way to go. But we have done progress and we are expecting more progress. We will not be associated with any banditry. We reject that call. And we ask him to produce the results.”
NEWS
BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.
The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”
Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.
In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.
The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.
During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.
The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.
Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.
These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.
The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.
The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.
For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.
It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”
The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.
