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Islam, IG Wala’s sentence and the indictment of Hajj Commission – By Abdulrazaq O. Hamzat
“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith”
The above hadith by the noble prophet of Allah is a direct instruction to every one of us to always strive to correct the ills in our society in the manner convenient for us and to my understanding; this is what propelled the Human Rights Crusader, Ibrahim Garba Wala to embark on a mission to hold the National Hajj Commission accountable to the numerous corruption allegation leveled against the institution over the years.
On the 16th of April 2019, an Abuja court sentenced Human Rights Activist Ibrahim Garba Wala popularly known as IG Wala to 7years imprisonment and since that fateful day, many opinion articles have flooded the media, both conventional and social.
Some of the op-eds are well thought out, others full of fabrications and some are outrightly sponsored. What is important here is that IG Wala has succeeded in achieving the first phase of his advocacy, which is to focus the searchlight on the National Hajj Commission, a government agency for Muslim pilgrims, alleged to be extorting the Muslim Community.
Before we all get carried away by the paparazzi of joining a popular narrative, let us pause and ask again, what was Wala’s crime? Like many before him, he was said to have uncovered monumental acts of corruption, running into billions of naira in National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM) against the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria and he took action to stop it.
Contrary to reports by several media agencies, IG Wala didn’t only go on the social media to accuse the Chairman of NAHCOM, that’s a false narrative. He actually petitioned the relevant agencies, which include but not limited to the Nigerian Senate, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others and all pieces of evidence at his disposal was presented to these statuary agencies for further investigation. If i am not mistaken, it was a portion, from the petition submitted to these agencies that IG Wala posted on the social media.
For many years now, Nigeria has remained one of the most expensive places on earth to travel to hajj, even though the country is not among the most distant places to Saudi Arabia. Countries that are more distant than Nigeria to Saudi Arabia are said to be paying less and it continued to remain a misery, why Nigeria’s hajj fare is so exorbitant.
After the Nigerian Senate received IG Wala’s petition with all the supporting evidence, they set out to investigate the claims.
The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Accommodation, Logistics and Feeding sent some delegations to Saudi Arabia to verify some of the claims in Wala’s petition and when they returned; they also held series of public hearings in which IG Wala and the Chairman of Hajj Commission were given an opportunity to present their case. Those who witnessed the public hearing gave accounts of what transpired.
Consequently, having properly investigated the matter with both parties presenting what they have, the Senate established the facts and made its report public on 19th October 2018 and in Vanguard Newspaper, the headline screamed ‘’ Senate panel indicts NAHCON in hajj extortion, fee hike probe’’
In the report also carried by several national dailies, it was said that:
The Senate had on July 20, 2017, resolved to conduct the probe following the adoption of a motion moved by Senator Ibrahim Dambaba, titled, ‘Extortion of Monies from Nigerian Pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
The report partly read, “The committee has observed that the commission’s procurement processes on the annual hajj operations were marred by many contraventions and infractions as it flagrantly breached the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Public Procurement Act 2007, and the Federal Government’s Financial Rule and Regulations in the conduct of its role as mere regulator of hajj operations.
“Similarly, it was also observed that under the normal circumstances, Saudi Arabian authorities recognize two institutions as far as hajj is concerned: the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the (Nigerian) Civil Aviation Authority. The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s recognition was based on the international laws under the Vienna Convention on Consular Matters. The role of hajj commission is limited to national issues.
“However, NAHCON has usurped the responsibilities of these agencies and deals directly with Saudi Arabian authorities without recourse to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In fact, the committee has realized that the Nigerian Consular General in Saudi Arabia has been turned into an employee of NAHCON. This explains why there is a conflict of interest in almost all the offshore transactions engaged by NAHCON.” The committee also accused NAHCON of “over bloated charges,” onshore and offshore, saying, “The charges escalate the cost of pilgrimage,” it said.
NAHCON was further accused of short-changing and extorting Nigerian pilgrims, intending air carriers, and service providers “through spurious charges without regards to the Second Schedule of the Utilities and Charge Commission.
The committee added that “ the so-called revenues realized by the commission were not paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, contrary to Section 80(1) of the 1999 Constitution. “Just as in the same manner, the commission generates its revenues with total disregard to extant Acts, so it expends them without following the provisions of the Constitution. “Similarly, NAHCON often goes on spending spree from the said generated revenue, quite beyond the approval threshold of the Accounting Officer, which is a breach of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s circular with reference number SGF/OP/S.3/XI/894, dated 14th January, 2016.”
The above indictment against NAHCOM wasn’t done by IG Wala, but by the Nigerian Senate through evidence provided by IG Wala and subsequent investigation of the matter.
So, what I am driving at here is that, even if we remove IG Wala from the equation, the corruption allegation against NAHCOM is still very valid and it is only a matter of time before the NAHCOM chairman is prosecuted unless those in charge choose not to.
However, rather than for our Muslim Ummah, whom IG Wala is trying to protect from extortion to see this as something worthy of attention and ask relevant questions, our leaders are looking the other way, as if IG Wala who made the Senate report possible has committed a crime by trying to protect the Muslim Ummah against possible extortion and make hajj more affordable.
One must then ask, where are the so-called Muslim organizations always claiming to be fighting for the interest of Muslims? Have they not seen the Senate indictment on NAHCOM about possible extortion of the Muslim Ummah? What has been their contribution in ensuring everything is corrected?
In all honesty, the judgment against IG Wala wasn’t strange to him. Long before now, Wala had revealed several times that he has been promised jail by hook or by crook and he vows never to back down, even if it means going to that jail. The first time he was sent to jail, he saw it as a learning opportunity and this will not be any different. However, he is certain that the truth, which he stands for will prevail, now or later.
Many had accused IG Wala of turning down out of court settlement, but what is there to settle really?
Will settlement between IG Wala and NAHCOM suddenly bring justice to NAHCOM over the senate indictment or will the settlement make NAHCOM chairman saint?
If you ask me, IG Wala’s case can be equated to that of Yusuf in the Holy Quran. In Suratul Yusuf, Prophet Yusuf prefers prison against the temptation of compromise.
In verse 33 of that chapter, Yusuf said, ‘My Lord! The prison is DEARER to me than that to which they invite me” and like Yusuf, IG Wala refused to negotiate if that negotiation would mean rejecting the truth.
Sometimes last year, a colleague narrated how he came in contact with an individual working in one of the anti-graft agencies and the hajj commission matter came up.
The gentleman narrated what he heard, which according to him was frightening, though cannot be verified.
According to the person he met, IG Wala made the biggest mistake of his life by trying to expose corruption in Hajj Commission. The person, who is not even a Muslim, pointed out that, even in his office, there are several petitions against hajj commission, but he dare not act on them. He said, rather than act, he will rather resign and walk away in peace than incur the wrath of the hajj commission cabals.
Curious to know why it is so, he said as an activist, you can fight corruption in NNPC and succeed, you can even fight corruption in CBN and succeed, but there are places you dare not go to fight corruption and one of such places is hajj commission. According to this information, if you dare do that, you will be dealt with and nobody can save you, not even the president. This revelation shocked many greatly, but the fellow isn’t done. He went on to explain that, when the cabals in hajj commission are ready to deal with anyone, they will get their own police that will arrest you, get their own judge that will sentence you and still get their own prison official that will ensure you are feeling the heat of the prison.
This person asked those close to IG Wala to advise him to settle out of court no matter what.
IG Wala became aware of this information and he laughed it off. He made it clear that he knows the capability of those against him, he knows what they can do, but rather than negotiate with an evil prophet Muhammed asked us to reject, he decided to face the consequences of the truth, knowing fully well that no matter how fast falsehood runs, truth will eventually catch up with it.
Yes, IG Wala maybe arrogant, but his arrogance is usually against corruption and bad governance. He may be proud, but only against injustice and he may be accused of taking activism too personal, but that is because he personally feels the effect of lack of good governance.
Although, for IG Wala, activism is an act of worship to Allah. It is in furtherance to the observation of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammed (S.AW) and he is very convinced that even if he dies in the course of activism for a better society, Allah if not the society, will give him his reward.
Let me therefore conclude by saying that, IG Wala has been sentenced to prison for daring to fight corruption, not for stealing, not for committing any crime, but for observing the Sunnah of prophet Muhammed which says, “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith”.
But according to Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilori (May Allah continue to be pleased with him), when you are down, (like IG Wala is currently is), nothing worse can ever happen to you than rising up. I believe strongly that IG Wala shall rise again.
IStandWithIGWala
Abdulrazaq O Hamzat
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As FCC Under Omidiran Sets to Restore Fairness, Balance and National Unity
————From dormancy to destiny, the Renewed Hope Agenda finds its moral compass in fairness, inclusion, and credible leadership under Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Hon.
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For years, the FCC wrestled with bureaucratic inertia and dwindling public trust. It existed in structure but struggled in spirit. Nigerians watched with delight yesterday October 14 as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Bola Tinubu requesting the senate to confirm Omidiran and 38 other commissioners. The needed confirmation serves as part of statutory requirements of the commission. With Omidiran’s pragmatic, purpose-driven leadership — and guided by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — the Commission will once again find its voice and vision.
With service driven 37 Commissioners drawn from every state and the FCT, the FCC will no longer be a dormant establishment; it will become a living conscience of equity, balance, and opportunity — a true reflection of Nigeria’s diversity and promise.
THE WOMAN REDEFINING FEDERAL CHARACTER
Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran stands at the intersection of integrity, intelligence, and inclusivity — a rare blend of competence and compassion. Twice elected to the House of Representatives (2011–2019), she earned national acclaim for her people-centered approach: delivering potable water, quality healthcare, scholarships, and empowerment programs that restored dignity to countless families.
Her politics is not one of noise, but of nurture; not of entitlement, but of empathy. Guided by the enduring principles of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Omidiran sees leadership as a moral obligation — “to feel the people’s pain and respond with purpose.”
Her story extends beyond politics. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to serve on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Organizing Committee, and as founder of Omidiran Babes FC, she built a generation of women who rose from obscurity to global recognition through sports. That same spirit of mentorship, teamwork, and excellence now defines her stewardship of the FCC.
Omidiran will lead not as a ruler, but as a reformer — building a team bound by trust, discipline, and shared vision. Under her watch, the FCC will no longer be an idle bureaucracy but a coalition of conscience — a collective mindset committed to making equity not an exception, but a standard.
RENEWED HOPE IN ACTION: OMIDIRAN’S BLUEPRINT FOR EQUITY
Under Omidiran’s visionary direction, the FCC is expected to transform into a model of transparency, digital efficiency, and moral accountability. With her commissioners she will introduce systems that prioritize merit, inclusion, and measurable impact, making the Commission a true guardian of justice in public service distribution.
Her guiding philosophy is clear and compelling:
“Fairness is not favoritism; it is balance.”
Every appointment, employment, and resource allocation must reflect both Nigeria’s federal diversity and her meritocratic spirit. In Omidiran’s FCC, representation will not be about tokenism — it is about trust. And every decision carries the weight of national responsibility.
This is the living embodiment of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — a Nigeria rebuilt on fairness, inclusion, and credible leaders.
THE TEAM THAT MIRRORS NIGERIA’S UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Behind Omidiran stands a remarkable assembly of leaders — 37 Commissioners, each bringing integrity, intellect, and innovation from their respective states. They represent Nigeria’s mosaic of culture, competence, and conviction.
Together, they form a “coalition of conscience and competence”, a team designed not to preserve the old order, but to pioneer a new era of equitable governance.
From policy thinkers to administrators, human rights advocates to professionals, the Omidiran-led Commission embodies the Renewed Hope dream in motion — transforming ideals into institutions.
NORTHWEST: EXPERIENCE, STATESMANSHIP, AND STRUCTURAL DEPTH
Hon. Lawan Ya’u Roni (Jigawa State) stands as a pillar of institutional memory. With over 30 years of governance experience — from serving as Commissioner to Secretary to the State Government and Acting Governor — Roni brings tested wisdom to policy formulation and intergovernmental relations.
His mandate in Policy Coordination and Intergovernmental Synergy ensures that federal appointments and initiatives align seamlessly with state realities. His insight and steadiness anchor the FCC’s evolving reform structure, driving unity through understanding.
SOUTHWEST: PROFESSIONALISM, DISCIPLINE, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE
Hon. AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos State) is the archetype of administrative discipline. Having served as Chief of Staff to a Senator and Minister, and as a corporate executive in the U.S., he brings global precision to national service.
As head of Operational Efficiency and Ethics Oversight, Bawa-Allah is setting a new standard for institutional accountability. His leadership ensures that the FCC’s internal mechanisms reflect transparency, order, and ethical governance — making the Commission a model for other federal agencies.
SOUTHEAST: STRATEGIC THINKING, COORDINATION AND DIGITAL REFORM
Hon. Peter Eze (Enugu State) brings a refreshing blend of strategic intellect, youthful energy and innovation. An economist and policy strategist with international exposure, and a key contributor to the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Eze understands both leadership dynamics and national governance architecture.
Tasked with Research, Strategy, and Public Communication, he will spearhead the digital modernization of the FCC — ensuring transparency, data integrity, and accessible public information . His nomination signals a new generation of technocratic leadership, where ideas and integrity merge to serve the nation. Eze’s experience in public and private sector and commitment to FCC’s principles and objectives bodes well for the success of the commission
NORTHEAST: RESILIENCE, ADVOCACY, AND THE POWER OF INCLUSION
Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa State) embodies the courage and tenacity of the Northeast. A seasoned banker, policy advocate, and community mobilizer, she has spent decades empowering women and youth in post-conflict communities.
She oversees Community Engagement and Gender Equity Initiatives, ensuring fairness transcends paper policy to touch real lives. Her approach is practical — equity that educates, empowers, and elevates. She represents the Renewed Hope spirit of rebuilding people, not just systems.
SOUTH-SOUTH: SERVICE, LEGISLATION, AND HUMANITARIAN IMPACT
Hon. Chief ( Barr) Lovette Ederin Idisi
exemplifies selfless service. A lawyer by profession and legislator with years of community impact, he has championed rural healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.
He leads Humanitarian Affairs and Social Impact, ensuring that fairness extends beyond employment into wellbeing. His model is fairness with a human face — a governance of compassion consistent with the Renewed Hope philosophy.
NORTH CENTRAL: BALANCE, VISION, AND SOCIAL COHESION
Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru (Nasarawa State) combines administrative rigor with social empathy. Her extensive background in land administration, welfare coordination, and governance reform makes her a dependable voice for balanced development.
As head of Institutional Development and Social Cohesion Programs, she is driving equitable access to federal opportunities across the North Central region — ensuring that fairness is not abstract, but tangible. Her leadership bridges the gap between policy and people.
ONE COMMISSION, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY
Under Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, the Federal Character Commission will no longer be bureaucratic relic; it will become the nation’s moral compass. Each Commissioner is not merely a representative of a state, but a custodian of the Nigerian dream — a dream where justice and opportunity are evenly shared.
Together, they personify the spirit of Renewed Hope — the belief that governance must mirror the nation’s diversity while uniting it under a common purpose. From Abuja to the remotest local council, their collective mandate is to ensure that no citizen is invisible, and no community is forgotten.
OUR VERDICT: THE FCC REBORN, NIGERIA REAWAKENED
The Federal Character Commission, once seen as dormant, has found its pulse again — firm, fair, and forward-looking.
Under Omidiran, it will no longer be an institution of routine; it is a movement of renewal — restoring confidence, credibility, and national cohesion.
With this credible and competent team of Commissioners, fairness is no longer a promise — it is policy; inclusion is no longer aspiration — it is action.
In the rebirth of the FCC, Nigeria rediscovers her essence — a nation bound not by tribe or tongue, but by trust, transparency, and shared destiny.
Written by Dr George Allwell , a Public Affairs Analyst and Promoter of good governance in Nigeria
October 15,2025
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Article
The Craft of Creative Writing: From Shoot to Branches
By Emman Usman Shehu
“Always resist the urge to start with too many characters; even a plant begins as a shoot before developing its peculiar branches.” This insightful observation, seemingly simple, offers a profound metaphor for the craft of creative writing.
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The initial “shoot” in creative writing represents the foundational element of a story. This could be a single character with a clear desire, a specific setting that sparks imagination, or a central premise that demands exploration. Rushing to introduce a multitude of characters, elaborate backstories, or convoluted plotlines at the outset can overwhelm both the writer and the reader. It’s akin to planting a sapling with too many branches already attached; the roots haven’t had time to establish, and the structure lacks inherent strength. A strong beginning, therefore, often focuses on establishing one or two key elements, allowing them to take root in the reader’s mind.
As the narrative progresses, the “shoot” begins to develop its “peculiar branches.” These branches are the secondary characters, the subplots, the thematic explorations, and the intricate details that enrich the story. Just as a plant’s branches grow in unique patterns, shaped by its environment and genetic code, a story’s elements should emerge naturally from its core. A new character might be introduced because their presence is necessary to challenge the protagonist or reveal a new facet of the central conflict. A subplot might sprout to deepen the thematic resonance or provide a moment of respite before a major turning point. This organic development ensures that every element serves a purpose, contributing to the overall strength and coherence of the narrative.
Moreover, the metaphor extends to the concept of revision and growth. A gardener doesn’t simply plant a seed and leave it; they nurture it, prune it, and guide its growth. Similarly, a writer’s first draft is rarely the final product. It’s the initial shoot, often raw and unrefined. Through subsequent revisions, the writer prunes away unnecessary elements, strengthens weak connections, and encourages the healthy development of the story’s branches. This iterative process allows the narrative to mature, its complexities to deepen, and its peculiar beauty to fully emerge.
In essence, the wisdom of starting small is about embracing the power of organic growth. It’s about trusting the narrative to reveal itself, character by character, plot point by plot point, rather than forcing a predetermined, overstuffed structure. By allowing the story to develop its branches naturally from a strong, central shoot, writers can cultivate narratives that are not only intricate and engaging but also deeply rooted and enduring.
*Shehu is the author of four poetry collections, Questions for Big Brother, Open Sesame, Icarus Rising and The River Never Returns. He is currently working on a poetry collection, a collection of short stories, and a collection of plays. He is also co-founder of the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF).
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Ajia: The Bridge-Builder Turbaned as Dan Amanar Fune Emirate
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, reporting from Damagum, Yobe State
In a rare blend of honour, tradition, and national recognition, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, a distinguished son of Ilorin in Kwara State, was turbaned as Dan Amanar (Custodian of Trust) of Fune Emirate in a grand ceremony held at the Emir’s Palace in Damagum, headquarters of Fune Local Government Area, Yobe State, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The colourful occasion, which also marked the 25th coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Ibn Uthman, Emir of Fune, was attended by royal fathers from across Northern Nigeria, political leaders, captains of industry, and hundreds of admirers from Ilorin, Abuja, and Damagum.
Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia is not just a politician or businessman—he is a patriotic Nigerian whose footprints in public service, security, philanthropy, and community development have made significant impacts nationwide. Born in Magaji Ngeri ward, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ajia’s life journey is that of relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.
From humble beginnings at ECWA Primary School in Ilorin and later Government Secondary School Kawo, Kaduna, Ajia pursued academic excellence with deep passion. Though he initially gained admission to study Economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, his desire to serve Nigeria led him to the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, where he was commissioned as an Inspector of Police in 2004.
Ajia later earned a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Abuja and a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria. He also obtained a Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), Abuja.
As a young, vibrant, and intelligent officer, Ajia served in various sensitive capacities in the Nigeria Police Force, including as:
ADC to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, Security Aide to the late Governor of Yobe State, Senator Mamman B. Ali, Chief Security Officer to Governor Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command and 2IC, Yenagoa Area Command, Bayelsa State.
He also trained in several advanced security and leadership courses across Egypt, Italy, the UK, and Nigeria, including combating organised crime and high-risk operations. These experiences sharpened his understanding of national security and human management, building his reputation as a trusted, tested, and efficient.
Upon retiring from active service in 2017, Ajia transitioned into politics and entrepreneurship, but his core passion remained human development. Through his MAI Foundation, he has provided succour to thousands of Nigerians—orphans, widows, students, farmers, and small-scale business owners—across Kwara State and other parts of the country.
The foundation has carried out impactful interventions in education, health, youth and women empowerment, rural infrastructure, and skills acquisition. Whether it is donating medical equipment to rural hospitals, providing scholarships to indigent students, drilling boreholes, or equipping young people with vocational tools, Ajia has consistently used his resources to uplift the underserved and vulnerable.
This was one of the key reasons behind his recent honour by the Fune Emirate, which described him as “a trustworthy, honest, reliable, and dependable personality who has written his name in gold.”
To be turbaned as Dan Amanar Fune is not merely ceremonial; it signifies a deep trust and a sacred responsibility. For the Emir of Fune, Ajia represents those rare Nigerians who transcend tribal and religious lines, working selflessly for unity and progress.
Speaking after his turbaning, Ajia expressed gratitude to the Emir and the people of Fune for the honour. He promised not to relent:
*This is not just a title; it is a sacred trust. I will continue to work for the good of the Emirate, Yobe State, and our great country, Nigeria. This recognition has rekindled my commitment to serve humanity even more.”
Indeed, for nearly two decades, Ajia has maintained a close relationship with the Fune Emirate, dating back to his days as the Security Aide to the late Governor Mamman B. Ali. That relationship, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals, has now matured into formal recognition by the traditional institution.
Aside from his security background and philanthropic work, Ajia is also a farmer, businessman, and President/CEO of FUNAB Group of Companies, a conglomerate involved in construction, retail, hospitality, and cleaning services.
In 2019, he contested for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Kwara State. In 2023, he ran for the House of Representatives seat for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency. Beyond the ballot, Ajia has remained a passionate voice for inclusive governance, social equity, and national cohesion.
His track record, humility, and passion for development make him one of the shining stars of the younger generation of Nigerian leaders.
That a man from Ilorin, Kwara State, would be so recognised and turbaned with a traditional title in faraway Fune Emirate, Yobe State, is both a celebration. It is a celebration of how character, service, and loyalty can gain national recognition.
Ajia has done much, not only for Kwara but for Nigeria. From Ilorin to Abuja, Damagum to Bayelsa, his legacy continues to expand. His recent turbaning should serve as a call to action for his native Emirate to also recognise his efforts, and further encourage other indigenes to serve with integrity, humility, and purpose.
In the words of one observer at the event, “Ajia may have received the title of Dan Amana in the North-East, but his loyalty and service began from home. Ilorin must not be the last to honour him.”
With his head held high and heart full of gratitude, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia has shown that true service transcends geography—and those who serve selflessly will always be seen, celebrated, and remembered.
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