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By Zaidu Zaidu

Purposeful leadership has long been the missing link in Northern Nigeria’s development journey. Despite its vast human and mineral resources, the region is often seen as a drawback in the country’s quest for sustainable progress. Simply put, many perceive Northern Nigeria as a burden, a region with little to offer. This perception might have been different if the region had continued to produce visionary leaders in the mould of the Sardauna and other great northern statesmen, who not only led with purpose but also united the people across all divides.

Today, however, a new wave of leadership is beginning to challenge this narrative. Senator Uba Sani stands out among a handful of emerging leaders who are redefining what it means to govern with vision, empathy, and results. Calm, calculative, and unassuming, the former Senator representing Kaduna Central has hardly put a foot wrong since he emerged as Governor of Kaduna State. He started by putting the people first and breaking free from the human factors that so often impede growth and development. This did not come easily, but who else would take such bold steps if not Uba Sani? If he could stand up to military juntas in the past, why would he now fear diminutive men in flowing agbadas?

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style gives life to John C. Maxwell’s saying that “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Since assuming office, he has wasted no time translating his vision into action, and he is doing so without media frenzy or fanfare. Unlike his predecessor, who employed the tactic of divide and rule, Governor Uba Sani has been able to harmonise both the northern and southern parts of Kaduna State.

Before he came on board, Kaduna was a hotbed for bandits and terrorists, a place where, to borrow the words of Thomas Hobbes, life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” But through dialogue and a non-kinetic approach, he has helped restore a measure of peace, especially in troubled axes like Birnin Gwari. While pockets of attacks still occur, the frequency has reduced significantly, showing that security is not only about force, but also about trust and community engagement.

In terms of infrastructure, Governor Uba Sani has made meaningful strides despite inheriting a huge debt running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Roads like the Kachia-Kafanchan link and rural feeder roads in Giwa and Soba have been rehabilitated, reconnecting communities and boosting local economies in ways that touch people’s daily lives.

When the time came to organise the North West Stakeholders Forum, many doubted it could hold without descending into chaos, especially considering how the North East Stakeholders Forum had gone. But Governor Uba Sani proved the doubters wrong by spearheading one of the most seamless and productive forums in recent times. His success mirrors the Igbo proverb that “When an elder is in the house, the she-goat does not suffer parturition on its tether.” Though Governor Uba Sani is still young, he has succeeded where some elders have failed.

When predictions of chaos at the North West Stakeholders Forum did not come to pass, critics shifted their doubts to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to commission landmark projects like the rebuilt Sabon Gari Market. They said the President could not visit Kaduna without crisis, especially considering this is the state where his strongest and bitterest critic governed for eight years. Yet again, Uba Sani silenced them. Talk of a leader who knows his onions.

In the area of appointments, Governor Uba Sani has shown that he understands the time-tested Nigerian cliché that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. His cabinet includes young, qualified professionals alongside experienced hands, with clear attention to gender balance.

In all this, one thing stands out: Governor Uba Sani’s quiet revolution in Kaduna is not just transforming a state, it is rewriting the story of Northern Nigeria. By proving that with vision, courage, and sincerity, purposeful governance is indeed possible, he reminds us that the North still has leaders who know the way, go the way, and show the way.

It is now up to the people to demand and support such leadership elsewhere, for only then can the North truly rediscover the greatness it once gave Nigeria and Africa.

Zaidu Zaidu is a public affairs analyst. He can be reached via: Zaiduzaidu@gmail.com

A prominent women’s advocacy group in Kaduna Central Senatorial District has sharply criticized Senator Lawal Adamu for what it described as two years of non-performance, lack of constituency engagement, and failure to provide empowerment programs, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

In a statement issued to journalists today, the Women Forum for Unity and Development of Kaduna Central expressed disappointment over the senator’s alleged silence on the Senate floor and his inability to attract any meaningful development to the district since assuming office in 2023.

“It is over two years now since we elected Senator Lawal Adamu, and we have never heard his voice on the floor of the Senate,” said Hajiya Amina Suleiman, the group’s leader. “We have not seen any serious empowerment programme aimed at cushioning the effect of the current economic situation.”

The group lamented that while lawmakers in other parts of Kaduna and across the country have implemented various initiatives—such as distribution of tricycles (Keke Napep), grinding machines, motorcycles, and grants for small-scale businesses—Kaduna Central has seen no such dividends of democracy under Adamu’s leadership.

“We see other senators initiating scholarship schemes, distributing farm implements, and launching skill acquisition centers. Sadly, our representative has failed to do any of this,” Suleiman added.

The forum also criticized Adamu’s frequent absence from the senatorial district and his reported prolonged stays abroad. “He is always in Saudi Arabia instead of sitting in the Senate to raise issues concerning the progress and development of our constituency,” the statement read.

Most strikingly, the group condemned the senator’s failure to visit any of the seven local government areas within the district, stating that he appears more interested in aligning himself with the Senate leadership than in addressing the pressing needs of his constituents.

“We didn’t elect him to serve as an aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the group emphasized. “Our recent review meeting at Arewa House concluded that Senator Lawal Adamu is the worst-performing representative Kaduna Central has ever had.”

Citing the ongoing economic hardship worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy, the women’s group warned that their patience is wearing out.

By Mike Odeh James

In a society where truth is often obscured by power and fear, genuine activism and fearless journalism remain the last strongholds of accountability. Recently, I, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, in collaboration with Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Delta State Chairman of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN), released a hard-hitting report that reverberated across the country — especially in the Niger Delta. Our report exposed that the brother of a high-ranking individual, Chief Ayiri Emami, had been apprehended in connection with illegal drugs.

The fallout was immediate and intense.

From accusations of political mischief to claims of defamation, our work was met with suspicion and hostility. Many dismissed the findings as fabricated or driven by ulterior motives. Personally, I endured a barrage of insults, many hurled in private messages by those unwilling to believe or too quick to attack. Nevertheless, amid the storm of criticism, we stood our ground — guided by the principle that truth, though often resisted, always comes to light.

That light has now come.

In a decisive update, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially confirmed the arrest and detailed the situation surrounding the case. This confirmation not only strengthens the credibility of our initial reporting, but it also sends a clear message: Activism and journalism, when grounded in integrity, are vital forces for justice and societal reform.

This moment is not simply a personal vindication for myself or Comrade Fajoye. It is a triumph for youth advocacy, civic accountability, and the critical role of investigative journalism in a democratic society. It is a statement that speaking uncomfortable truths — even at great personal cost — is never wasted effort.

Despite attempts to silence our voices — including social media takedowns and online harassment — we remained resolute. We knew the story was not just about narcotics or criminal allegations. It was a deeper struggle over who controls the narrative, and whether ordinary citizens still have the power to challenge the influential without being crushed.

To those who doubted our intentions: healthy skepticism is essential in a democracy. But this episode should be a reminder that facts, when supported by evidence, will eventually pierce through propaganda and denial. Truth may take time, but it is never powerless.

Let this development also serve as a rallying cry to every journalist, youth leader, activist, and civil society organization: stay the course. Ask the hard questions. Dig deeper. Stand firm even when the ground beneath you shakes — because the stories that rattle the powerful are usually the ones that matter most.

Ultimately, this case isn’t just about a confirmed arrest. It is about bravery in the face of backlash, about standing firm when your credibility is questioned, and about protecting the future of a nation whose youth are increasingly vulnerable to the failings of leadership, justice, and governance.

Let us not forget that silence benefits only the oppressor. But a collective voice — driven by truth and united by purpose — can tear down even the most fortified walls of deceit.

By Mike Odeh James

Leaders of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) have called on Nigerian authorities to fully disclose the details surrounding the recent seizure of illicit drugs reportedly worth billions of Naira. The drugs were allegedly linked to the younger brother of Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent Niger Delta businessman and political figure.

In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Tuesday, the National Political Adviser of UYAN, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, and the Delta State Chairperson of the organisation, Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, expressed deep concern over what they described as an apparent attempt to shroud the case in secrecy.

“We are alarmed and outraged by the disturbing revelations that the younger brother of a well-known figure in the Niger Delta, Chief Ayiri Emami, was apprehended by security operatives in connection with a massive drug seizure,” Comrade Chuba stated. “Even more troubling are reports suggesting that Chief Ayiri or his proxies attempted to bribe security personnel to suppress this investigation.”

The case has sparked outrage across social and political circles in Delta State and beyond, not only for its scale but for what appears to be an effort to downplay the matter, possibly due to the high-profile individuals involved. Security operatives are said to have rejected bribe offers, showing rare integrity that UYAN commended.

“This is a moment where transparency must take precedence over status or connections,” said Comrade Gbenga Fajoye. “The Nigerian youth are the primary victims of this kind of criminality. They are often trapped in cycles of addiction, poverty, and criminal exploitation because of the unchecked activities of drug barons.”

Fajoye added that the issue extends far beyond a single incident, noting that hard drugs have become the silent drivers of widespread insecurity across the country. “We are already battling ritual killings, cybercrime, kidnapping, terrorism, and violent cultism among our youth. Hard drugs are a common factor in most of these vices,” he said.

The youth leaders urged security agencies to release the full details of their investigation to the public and avoid treating the suspect as a “sacred calf” protected by elite interests.

“This is not the time for silence or secrecy. Nigerians deserve to know the facts. The authorities must either confirm or dispel the reports regarding the attempt to bribe officers and the involvement of such a powerful individual’s family in a drug cartel,” Chuba stressed.

He warned that any failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s justice system, which many already view as compromised by selective enforcement and double standards.

“When drug barons are shielded because of their social standing or political connections, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of society—that the law is only meant for the poor and powerless,” he said. “We cannot continue to run a society where the rich commit crimes with impunity while young people are jailed or even killed for petty offenses.”

The UYAN leaders linked the prevalence of hard drugs to the alarming spike in insecurity across Nigeria, arguing that substance abuse has become a gateway to other major crimes.

“There is a clear connection between the abuse of hard drugs and the rise in violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, and ritual killings,” Comrade Fajoye emphasized. “Drug-fueled violence is consuming entire communities, and until we deal with the root—drug importation and trafficking by powerful figures—nothing will change.”

The youth leaders also praised the security operatives involved for their integrity and bravery in rejecting the alleged bribe, calling it a “rare and commendable act of patriotism.” They urged the federal government to reward and publicly acknowledge the officers involved as a way of encouraging such professionalism within the ranks.

“We must institutionalise a culture of accountability and reward officers who do the right thing,” Chuba added. “These officers stood their ground under tremendous pressure. Their courage deserves national recognition.”

UYAN also appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and well-meaning Nigerians to raise their voices and demand full disclosure of the investigation, including the identities of all individuals implicated and the current status of the case.

“Our silence will only embolden the criminals,” said Comrade Fajoye. “If we keep quiet now, tomorrow it could be another youth whose life is destroyed by these drugs. This must not be swept under the rug.”

As public pressure continues to mount, many Nigerians are watching to see how the case unfolds and whether the government will respond with the transparency and decisiveness that this moment demands.

“It’s time to send a message that no one is above the law,” Comrade Chuba concluded. “Let this be the turning point where justice is not just done but seen to be done.”

The drug bust, its links to prominent individuals, and the government’s response—or lack thereof—may prove to be a litmus test for President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s willingness to fight corruption and drug trafficking at all levels, including within elite circles.

As of the time of publication, the relevant security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming or denying the incident. Repeated attempts to reach Chief Ayiri Emami or his representatives were unsuccessful.

Solomon Manassas

Kaduna based philanthropist, Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his bold steps towards reforming the nation’s economy and signing the tax reform bill into law, saying that it will benefit Nigerians, and also encouraged foreigners to invest in the country.

There no doubt that the new law has laid a solid foundation to boost Nigeria’s economy by simplifying tax processes, expanding the tax base, and creating a more business -friendly environment for Nigerians and foreigners.

Shettima stated this in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Monday in Kaduna, where he equally called on all the stakeholders, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) , to ensure proper and transparency in the implementation of the new law in the interest of all.

Highlighting the benefits of the new tax reform law, he said that the reform will support small businesses, increased revenue generation, and simplified tax payments and the socio-economic situation of the country.

This is just as the philantropist added that it is particularly significant that the law are focused on fair and equitable distribution of VAT revenue, enabling states to fund more projects independently.

“This law aims to overhaul the country’s tax collection and administration systems, presenting an opportunity to create a more equitable and efficient taxation model. At the heart of the bill are transformative provisions, such as revisions to the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula and exemptions for small businesses and the average Nigerians.

“While these changes could potentially revitalize Nigeria’s economy, they also expose critical issues within the country’s federal structure, particularly the economic imbalances among regions (States and Local Governments),” Shettima explained.

While applauding the President in the statement, he further explained that: “with the enactment of these transformative tax laws, President Tinubu has once again demonstrated bold leadership and the political will to drive meaningful reforms that promote economic inclusion, reduce inequality, and spur growth”.

Ambassador Shettima therefore urged Nigerians to support the actualization of the law, adding that it is a defining moment. President Tinubu has delivered the blueprint; now it is time for all stakeholders to ensure it works for the Nigerian people.”

A pro-democracy group under the aegis of the June 12 Ibadan Alliance for Democracy has faulted former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), over his recent suggestion that several of his military colleagues be considered for national honours for their roles in the June 12, 1993 struggle.

In a statement personally signed by Col. Umar, following his recent conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the retired officer had called on the federal government to also recognise “38 or more” unnamed ex-military officers whom he described as “unsung heroes” of the democratic struggle.

However, the June 12 Alliance, in a press release issued and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Arisekola Abdulwahab, strongly disagreed with Col. Umar’s recommendation.

The group accused some of the officers mentioned of fraternising with the late General Sani Abacha and playing roles that ran contrary to democratic ideals.

“We appreciate Col. Dangiwa Umar for accepting the national honour and we acknowledge his outstanding role in defending the sanctity of June 12 despite being in military uniform,” the group said. “However, it is unacceptable to recommend for honours those military officers who were part of the machinery that frustrated and truncated Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.”

The group insisted that while Umar’s own contributions to the pro-democracy movement are undeniable and deserving of national recognition, “those of his colleagues, particularly those who hobnobbed with anti-democratic forces, should not be rewarded.”

“For the benefit of younger generations who may not know the history, honouring such officers would wrongly present them as champions of democracy. That would be a distortion of history,” the statement added.

The group concluded by urging President Tinubu and the National Honours Committee to be cautious in selecting future recipients, stressing that “national recognition should only go to individuals with verifiable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

By Luther Odeh

KADUNA – In an unprecedented show of unity, Kaduna’s most influential voices – from mosque minarets to government houses – joined forces Saturday to declare total war against gender-based violence and child marriage across the state.

The historic signing ceremony at the Centre for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV) saw an extraordinary alliance of clerics, policymakers, and activists putting pen to paper on what many are calling “Kaduna’s Freedom Charter” for women and girls.

“This isn’t another document gathering dust in government archives,” declared Professor Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, CERSDOV’s Executive Director, her voice ringing through the packed hall. “Today marks the day Kaduna says ‘enough’ to every form of gender oppression.”

The declaration comes armed with teeth – state prosecutors immediately announced a new era of zero tolerance. “We’re done with slaps on wrists for rapists and child bride traffickers,” warned Barrister Sarah Peters of the State Ministry of Justice, revealing plans for special GBV courts and rapid response legal teams.

Religious leaders delivered perhaps the most surprising show of force. Reverend Ma’aji Caleb of CAN and JNI’s Ibrahim Issa Kufena stood shoulder-to-shoulder, quoting scripture and hadith to dismantle cultural excuses for abuse.

“Any man hiding behind God to justify violence is serving the devil,” Reverend Caleb thundered, while Kufena warned imams across 23 LGAs to preach against GBV or face sanctions from the Islamic council.

The state government unveiled accompanying measures including:

• 24-hour GBV hotlines with ambulance services
• Safe houses in each senatorial district
• Mandatory GBV education in all NYSC camps
• Special police units trained in survivor-centered investigations

As night fell on Rigachikun, the glow from the signing ceremony seemed to promise a new dawn for Kaduna’s women and girls – one where the law, the mosque and the church all stand guard against gender violence.

[END]

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed joy and pride as three of its distinguished members were conferred with national honours during this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The awardees include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); renowned poet and political thinker Odia Ofeimun, and former senator and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, both awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a joint statement signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D, the association congratulated the recipients for their lifelong commitment to literature, democracy, and nation-building.

“We celebrate our illustrious members on this well-deserved recognition,” the statement read. “Their honour is a testament to the enduring power of words, ideas, and principled action in shaping our national journey.”

The association also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing literary icons and public intellectuals as deserving of the nation’s highest honours.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all citizens as we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” the statement concluded.

By Likita Jang

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating allegations of money laundering, misappropriation, and criminal diversion of public funds at the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna.

Findings reveal that over N105 million was allegedly siphoned through fake companies, while staff lament unpaid arrears approved by the government. Meanwhile, equipment worth millions of naira has been vandalized and stolen under suspicious circumstances.

The allegations, under EFCC scrutiny, are levelled against the agency’s Director-General, Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi, whose leadership has been marred by claims of corruption and administrative inefficiency since his appointment in 2022.

Federal Government’s Steel Revival Plan at Risk

The Federal Government’s agreement with Russia for the revival of Nigeria’s steel industry—and plans to boost the nation’s GDP—may face setbacks if NSRMEA, the primary raw materials supplier, remains entangled in corruption allegations.

A petition submitted to the EFCC in 2023 contained detailed evidence of financial misconduct, including diversion of funds. Investigations reportedly found Ogunbiyi culpable, yet the case has not been prosecuted, raising concerns over possible cover-ups.

Frustrated by the delay, the petitioners’ legal counsel wrote to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on March 4, 2025, demanding a discreet investigation into why the EFCC’s findings were being ignored. Meanwhile, Ogunbiyi continues to oversee the agency, with staff morale at an all-time low.

How N105 Million Was Allegedly Stolen

Documents show that N105,130,504.94 was withdrawn in a single day—December 21, 2022—and distributed among four questionable companies:

Alakrity Global Concept – N59,873,253.80

Gatplus Dynamic Resources – N13,330,712.00

Bitcnot Nigeria Ltd – N11,604,612.00

Teminote Concept – N20,321,927.14

Unpaid Staff Arrears and Dubious Deductions

The Federal Government had approved N1.2 billion to settle hazard and medical allowances owed to staff between 2009 and 2015. Ogunbiyi chaired the committee responsible for compiling beneficiaries and payment schedules. However, heavy, unexplained deductions were made from each beneficiary’s entitlement.

Payments were disbursed in four installments via IPPI:

25% on April 6, 2022

25% on May 11, 2022

25% on June 14, 2022

Final 25% on June 22, 2022

Shockingly, no beneficiary was allowed to verify their payment details, fueling suspicions of fraud.

Further investigations revealed that the Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRAI) and the NSC Cooperative Society allegedly colluded with the committee to divert funds. The computation process bypassed internal audit, violating government financial regulations.

Staff on Payroll Despite Absconding, Unresolved Transfers

Some staff who absconded from duty, some reportedly living abroad, remain on the agency’s payroll, allegedly protected by Ogunbiyi.

Additionally, transferred staff from sister agencies—including Ajaokuta Steel Company, National Metallurgical Development Centre, and National Lottery Regulatory Commission—have been unpaid for two years or more after Ogunbiyi reversed their transfers despite completed documentation. Efforts to enroll them on IPPIS were blocked, leading to an ongoing lawsuit at the National Industrial Court.

Controversial Appointment & Violation of Federal Guidelines

Ogunbiyi’s appointment itself is under scrutiny.

A 2011–2019 circular signed by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, mandates that ministerial appointments of agency heads must follow due process, with approvals routed through the SGF.

However, Ogunbiyi’s appointment was directly conveyed by former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, via the office of ex-Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, bypassing proper channels.

Mass Theft of Agency Equipment

Reports indicate rampant theft of agency equipment, including a case where a senior staff was caught stealing electrical cables but shielded due to his ties with the DG.

“Only a forensic audit can reveal the full extent of the damage,” an anonymous staff member said.

Call for Government Intervention

With Nigeria’s steel revival plans at stake, stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to investigate NSRMEA’s operations, recover stolen funds, and prosecute those responsible to restore accountability in the agency.

ENDS

Likita Jang is an investigative journalist covering governance and financial crimes in Nigeria.

*Governor BAO, Fayemi, Adebayo, SGF’s wife, others to honour Ekiti-born celebrant

*Speaks on her regrets, visions for Nigeria

It would be a celebration galore this weekend as former Special Adviser on former Governor Kayode Fayemi on Development Partnerships and SDGs, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, roll out drums in celebration of her 50th birthday, taking place at at BMO Event Arena, Abuja.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), will lead his predecessors, former Governors Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adedayo, including the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Regina Akume, to celebrate the 50th birthday of an Ekiti-born development expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Fagboyo, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The event billed to take place at BMO Event Arena, Inside RiverPlate Park, will also have other prominent personalities such as Ondo State First Lady, Seun Aiyedatiwa, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, many House of Representatives members, top government officials, top CSO leaders, development experts and many other diplomats.

Born on the 23rd of June, 1975, to the respected family of Pa Cyril Akanbi Bello and Mrs. Mary Olanike Bello from Oke-Emo Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Dr. Fagboyo is a multi-disciplinary development practitioner whose work has made meaningful impacts across Nigeria and beyond. With over two decades of professional experience, she has carved a niche in international development, gender advocacy, and institutional partnerships. She currently serves as the Director of Development at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), one of Nigeria’s leading think tanks dedicated to strategic leadership and sustainable development.

The celebrant was a key member of the Ekiti State Executive Council from 2019 to 2023 serving under Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships and SDGs.

Prior to her public service, she spent a remarkable chapter of her career with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), rising through the ranks to become Regional Coordinator and Acting Head of Office, leading programs in the South West, South South, and South East regions.

Her leadership in promoting social inclusion and gender mainstreaming remains a reference point in development work.

Speaking with newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, on her expectations for Nigeria ahead of Saturday’s event, Dr. Fagboyo said she envisioned a country where institutions work, where justice is blind, where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve.

According to her, as a passionate Nigerian who believes in the immense potential of our nation, my vision for Nigeria is one of hope, transformation, and inclusive growth.

“I long to see a Nigeria where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve – not self. A Nigeria where our diversity becomes our strength, not our division.

“I envision a country where institutions work – where justice is blind, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen feels seen, heard and valued. A land where young people can dream boldly and achieve greatly without having to look beynd our borders. Where women, men, and all marginalized groups are fully included in governance and development.

“Going forward, I expect Nigeria to rise beyond the grip of corruption, insecurity, and poverty. I expect us to prioritize education, invest in healthcare, secure our streets, and harness our vast resources – both human and natural for the common good.

“The road may be long, but I believe in the resilience and brilliance of Nigerians. Together, with vision, courage, and collective action, we can build the Nigeria we all desire – a nation that works, not just for a few, but for all.”

When asked whether she had any regret in the last 50 years of her age, the proud mother of three wonderful children and loving wife said life has been good to her.

“At 50, I choose gratitude over regret. Life has been good to me at 50 though I experience some challenges too, but every high and low has shaped the woman I am today – stronger, wiser and more grounded.

“If there is any regret, it would only be moments I doubted myself, delayed my dreams, or dimmed my light to make others comfortable. But even those moments taught me valuable lessons. So, no deep regrets – Just reflections, lessons, and a deeper resolve to live the rest of my life with more intention, joy, and courage. I’m embracing this new chapter with open arms and a heart full of purpose.”