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Senator Natasha Marks One Year in Office with Commissioning of Legacy Projects
Lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, marked her one year in office on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 by distributing empowerment materials and launching some projects across the district. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The lawmaker was joined by her colleagues from the Senate to commemorate the historic event.
First was the commissioning of the 1km road network at the Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial College Okene by the senate Minority Leader Distinguished Senator Abba Moro.
Senator Tahir Monguno followed by commissioning the reconstruction and remodeling of the Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College in Okene. There are 9 blocks of classrooms and 4 boarding houses; as well as unveiling the 5,000 digital learning devices marked the event.
The anniversary also included the inauguration of the reconstructed Ihima Police Station, which was officiated by the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha. Additionally, an empowerment programme was launched by Senator Abba Moro.
The Deputy Senate President, represented by Senator Ladan, spoke about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s first year in office, describing her representation as effective, and praised her efforts to significantly impact her constituents.
“She invited us to see firsthand how she is improving the lives of her constituents in Kogi Central. What makes Senator Natasha unique is her passion for humanitarian service, which seems to be part of her genetic makeup, as her family has a history of giving,” he stated.
On his part, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno emphasised the importance of education in a country’s development, commending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative to digitalise learning in Kogi Central.
Senator Abba Moro also praised the legacy projects and applauded his colleague for her exceptional performance.
“We have toured various projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, particularly concerning security. All of us here, the senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are proud to support our colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her achievements in just one year of service are remarkable.
“I am astonished by the amount of support gathered here for distribution. It’s evident that this is the kind of representation we need, and I am very pleased that she is delivering.”
Speaking at the programme, Senator Natasha reflected on her past year in office, describing it as eventful with many of her campaign promises fulfilled.
“This past year has been a journey of commitment, challenges, and, above all, unwavering dedication to the well-being of our people and the development of our senatorial district. When I took on this responsibility, my vision was clear: to create a senatorial district of our dreams, where every child has the opportunity to learn, every young person has access to meaningful employment, and every family can access basic amenities such as clean water and electricity.
“I am honoured by the trust you have placed in me, and I am here today to reaffirm my commitment to delivering a future that reflects our shared hopes and aspirations. A cornerstone of this vision has been the digitalisation of education. We have deployed 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools across Kogi Central. In the coming weeks, the Universal Basic Education Learning Resource Centre will train teachers and programme these devices with the Nigerian educational curriculum.
“Furthermore, we believe that education is the foundation of a prosperous society. We are beginning the total overhaul of selected existing schools, such as the Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO) in Okene. We will also construct a brand-new model primary and secondary school in Osara and facilitate a centre for artificial intelligence and robotics at the Federal College of Education in Okene, as well as an automotive mechatronics workshop and cottage automobile workshop at the Technical College in Oboroke. Both projects are currently undergoing the BPP contracting process, and construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025,” she stated.
She continued, “Moreover, a scholarship scheme through the Natasha Foundation has supported the tuition of 353 vulnerable Indigenous students at tertiary institutions nationwide. Equally, we have worked tirelessly to attract employment opportunities for various graduates and facilitate capacity-building training and empowerment programs for thousands of beneficiaries from our senatorial district.
“Today, we are launching a massive empowerment initiative for over 1,300 artisans, focusing on our women and youth. They have been trained and will be empowered to earn a living in areas such as renewable energy installations, fashion and shoe making, block and tile making, fish farming, advanced welding and carpentry, hairdressing, and catering. You can see for yourself what we have accomplished. They have been supported with startup grants. These efforts will provide a solid foundation for families and, in turn, communities. I am also deeply committed to addressing essential needs, such as access to clean water. Through our numerous water projects, we have brought a reliable supply of potable water to many communities, transforming what was once a challenge into a sustainable reality. Out of the 12 water projects, we developed a massive 50,000-liter solar-powered motorised water system, which serves 300 locations and provides 1,800 fetching taps.
“The electricity projects that have been executed throughout our senatorial district, just within one year of my being in office, have illuminated homes and streets, making our communities safer and more supportive of local businesses. Proudly, 30 kilometres of road networks across Kogi Central are now lit, providing better visibility and enhanced safety for both residents and travelers, especially at night.”
She further added; “The Ihima community had been without a police station for seven years, and I am honored to have my office facilitate the reconstruction and expansion of our community police station, which we commissioned today. If health is wealth, communities should not be impoverished by the lack of effective and responsive Primary Health Care Centers. I am grateful that my office attracted the rehabilitation of two primary healthcare facilities—the Primary Health Care Center in Ohueta and the one in Osara. Construction is set to commence within two weeks.
“A series of medical outreach programmes have been scheduled for next week in Ajaokuta and Okehi local governments. Similarly, I have proposed and sponsored several bills and motions that are not only nationalistic but essential for repositioning Kogi Central and Kogi State as an industrial hub. This, in turn, will create jobs for our youth and generate revenue for our beloved country.
“The legislative assembly, under the guidance of the Senate President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, and the executive, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have formed a strong political alliance. We are ensuring that not only will the Ajaokuta Steel Company function, but that the National Iron Ore Mining Company’s mandate will be expanded to harness the abundant natural resources lying untapped in our region.
“To the leadership of the Senate and my colleagues present, the hills surrounding us are rich in natural minerals, from gold to amethyst and iron ore, among others. I hope that in the coming months, you will join forces with me to ensure these minerals are tapped for the benefit of our country. The Gold Reserve Bill and the establishment bill for the Federal Medical Center in Ihima are legislative efforts aimed at transforming the industrial landscape of our state to meet the welfare and health needs of our people and to widen employment opportunities”.
“I am grateful for the productive leadership I have developed with the President himself, His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio. I am immensely grateful to them all. This collaborative approach has helped us access new opportunities and resources, bringing about greater development and democratic dividends for our people.
“There is still much work to be done, and I am committed to continuously learning and striving for improvement. I will work for you with the same energy, passion, and dedication that you deserve. Thank you for your unwavering support,” she concluded.
Dignitaries at the event include representatives of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Musa Ladan, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senate Minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Anthony Yaro, as well as Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi.
Others are: Edo Deputy Governor, Omobayo Godwins, House of Representative Member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Abdulmaleem Danga, Kogi Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha, Ohi of Okene, HRH Alhaji Isa Mamman Okatahi, Ohi of Ihima, HRH Abdulrahim Ogido, Ohiomata of Odumi, Chief James Omeiza amongst other eminent Nigerians.
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Ajia: Tunji Disu’s Leadership Offers Hope for Tackling Insecurity
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has congratulated the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, describing his appointment as well deserved and timely for Nigeria’s security challenges. js">
Ajia also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called a bold and thoughtful decision in appointing a highly experienced and celebrated police officer to lead the nation’s police force.
In a statement signed by his Director of Communications, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday , Ajia praised Disu’s impressive educational background, professional training and operational experience, noting that Nigeria and Nigerians are fortunate to have him at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force at this critical time.
According to Ajia, the new IGP has built a reputation for professionalism, discipline and dedication to duty, qualities he said are necessary to reposition the police and strengthen internal security across the country.
He noted that the appointment has raised renewed hope that the country can decisively confront insecurity, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry if the police leadership fully deploys its experience, training and operational capacity.
Ajia, a celebrated retired Police Officer, however, advised the new police chief to prioritise the welfare and concerns of officers and men particularly the rank and file who carry out the bulk of policing duties across the country. He stressed that listening to their “yearnings and cries” would significantly improve their morale and operational effectiveness.
He urged the new IGP to see to the end of final exit from the Pencom system to an improved police pension system . Also to address structural imbalances within the force, particularly the growing disparity between senior officers and the rank-and-file personnel who are responsible for frontline policing.
According to him, the police system must return to a proper pyramidal structure that allows for balanced growth, professionalism and efficiency.
The security expert further called for the recruitment of more rank-and-file officers to strengthen community-level policing, noting that the current structure has too many officers in higher ranks while the operational base remains understaffed. He encouraged the new police boss to ensure that recruitment becomes a real and transparent exercise rather than routine announcements.
On welfare, Ajia urged the police leadership to work towards the realignment of police salaries with those of other internal security agencies. He recalled that approval had been granted during the administration of president Goodluck Jonathan but requires only full implementation.
He also advised the new IGP to work closely with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to ensure that projects and interventions are based strictly on the operational needs assessment of the force . According to him, the National Assembly should also strengthen the legal framework guiding the Trust Fund so that it functions purely as a professional support institution rather than a political structure.
Fune Emirate title holder emphasised that with the establishment of the Trust Fund, funding for policing in Nigeria should no longer be a major challenge if properly managed.
Speaking on insecurity, he expressed confidence that Nigeria can significantly reduce insurgency, kidnapping and banditry if the police rise fully to the responsibility of internal security. He urged Disu to deploy his experience, networks and training to confront criminality decisively.
He also recommended the establishment of a special force counter-terrorism unit within the police, stressing that the Nigeria Police already possesses a model that can be strengthened into an effective national response unit for violent crimes
Ajia concluded that Nigerians are optimistic about the future of policing under Disu’s leadership and expressed confidence that with courage, strategic reforms and commitment to officers’ welfare, the new Inspector-General of police will leave a lasting legacy in the nation’s security system.
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Rev. Fr. Barkindo of the Kukah Centres highlights 2 points to tackle insecurity, at the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation Centre Ramadan Lecture
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of The Kukah Centre (TKC), and Head of Secretariat for the National Peace Committee has identified two cogent points to tackle insecurity in Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
He revealed this during the 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayer for the Nation, presented by Ashraaf Islamic Foundation in Abuja, Nigeria.
While answering questions from journalists at the event, Rev Fr. Barkindo highlights misrepresentation of religion as the first problem.
He said, “I think for me, the first thing is to understand where is this problem coming from? Number one, we cannot keep denying that this thing has nothing to do with Islam or has nothing to do with Christianity. I think if you make this denial, you have not understand.
“If you have ten children and one of them becomes a thief, are you saying that that thief is no longer your child, is your child.”
“So, the first thing is that people are exploiting religion, they are misrepresenting religion and we need to get religious leader who understand the situation, who have the influence, the respect in order to proffer solutions and to help us to stop the exploitation and the misrepresentation of religion.
He further revealed that education is the second key element in the equation.
“And the second element for me actually is education. People are really not very educated and it is difficult for you to practice democracy in a context of illiteracy. So there has to be proper education that can offer jobs, meaningful jobs to people. And I think once people have this job they are likely going to leave atrocities and concentrate on their work.”, he continued.
While reacting to questions on why he is part of Muslim gathering, he said, “God is God, where are the human beings trying to make distinction, God has absolutely no problem.”
“The Christians are fasting, Muslims are fasting, there is nothing wrong for me to come and grow from the Islamic perspective. If I get to heaven and there is no Christianity, I have Islam, I will enter heaven; If I get to heaven and there is no Islam, I have Christianity, I will enter heaven; so, I am pretty very much okay with it.”
“My biggest interest was actually to look at the Islamic jurisprudence, either supporting or making illegitimate terrorist activities in this country. Does Islam support terrorism through jihad or does Islam prohibit terrorism and condemn jihad rather than personal effort and I think for me this is really an interesting aspect and I think this will afford the government in developing some very strong strategic policies recommendation from lectures of this nature.”
“To see how they can work with religious leaders particularly Islamic groups in supporting the justice system, the judicial processes that will hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable.”
“And at the same time, what sort of mediation, conflict resolution, reconciliation platform can communities create in their local area in order to mitigate the violence across this country.”
“We don’t have to wait for another country to come into Nigeria and tell us what is happening. We can all see for ourselves. It’s not Christians, it’s not Muslims, Nigerians are dying literally from every part of this country; in Sokoto, in Zamfara, in Katsina, in Benue, in Plateau, in Adamawa, Christians, Muslims, atheist; at the end of the day, Nigerians are dying.”
“And I think for me we should look at it from that perspective. Death is about Christians or Muslims. It is about the fact that Nigerian citizens are being killed and what can we do to stop the killing together?”.
The Ashraaf Islamic Foundation is always striving to tackle the socio-economic problem bedeviling the nation with its Annual Ramadan Lecture and Maolid Nabiyy. This year edition of the Annual Ramadan Lecture had gathered notable Nigerians focusing on the Islamic perspective on banditry and terrorism with theme “Faith & Justice, The Islamic Judicial Perspective on Terrorism, and Banditry in Nigeria.”
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Ashraaf Islamic Foundation Tackles Insecurity with 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Many people, especially Nigerians were not happy when on October 31st, 2025, the United States of America led by Donald Trump had again designated Nigeria a country of particular Concern (CPC), citing severe systemic and ongoing violation of religious freedom. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
This is because Nigeria insiders know that impact of insecurity in Nigeria does not only affect a particular religion or sect or tribe or state as claimed by outsiders. The version of insecurity that Nigeria as a nation is currently experiencing has recorded significant blow to properties and loss of lives to Christians, Muslims, traditionalists and atheists alike; from the northern, southern, eastern, western and even the middle-belt parts of the country. So, concluding that a particular religion, sect or tribe is being targeted at might revealed that such does not actually understand the true nature of insecurity in Nigeria.
Notable among those that truly understand the real calculus of insecurity in Nigeria is the Founder/Chairman, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Imam (Dr) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan. So, it is not surprising that the 9th edition of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation’s Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayer for The Nation focused on assisting the government in tackling insecurity by bringing stakeholders together under one roof of discussion so as to channel a course of action for the nation.
This year Ramadan Lecture which theme is “Faith & Justice, The Islamic Judicial Perspective on Terrorism, and Banditry in Nigeria” gathered stakeholders from across the board; the judiciary, the executive and the legislative arms of government; religious leaders, politicians, business moguls among other notable Nigerians.
Those that speak with journalists among guest speakers at the event expressed enthusiasm hoping that outcome of the event will boost the fight against terrorism and banditry in no small measure.
Salisu Abubakar representing the grand cardy of the sharia court of appeal of FCT, Abuja while interacting with journalists at the event said, “the grand cardy had wanted to attend however, other engagement prevented him from doing so. And he sends his appreciation and congratulations to the organizer, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, especially for coming up with a very timely topic on the issue of Islamic judicial perspective on terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.”
“This topic could not have come at a better time than now especially considering what the country is with lately presenting, Nigeria has been designated as a country of a particular concern by the United State of America.”, he continued.
“It is our belief that Islam has provided solution and prescription on how to fight terrorism and banditry. Allah clearly says in the Holy Quran in chapter 5, verse 33 on how bandits and terrorists should be dealt with. Incidentally and fortunately the terrorism prohibition acts in Nigeria has borrowed a leaf from most of the punishment prescribed in the Quran. So, what is left is the will to prosecute bandits and terrorists.”
“All hands must be on deck, the judiciary, the executive and the legislature to see to the end of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.”, he charges.
“Fortunately, the organizer is able to empanel the right stakeholders to this program, the representative of Mr. president, the person of honourable minister of state for health and social welfare was here; a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria is here and the judiciary is represented by us.”
“So, all the three arms of government are here and we hope that this program will come up with solutions on how to implement the laws that we already have; both in the Quran and the Nigeria constitution and other relevant legislation
Also, a security expert and politician, Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Ajia commending the organizer of the Annual Ramadan Lecture event while emphasizing its importance to the modern-day challenges bedeviling us as a nation said, “I must say to you that this Ramadan Lecture is a very unique one, the topic borders about typical issue that is confronting our nation.”
“The guest lecturers and all the speakers are looking at the perspective on how to assist the country in tackling the problems of insurgence, kidnapping and all sort of senseless killing that is going on across Nigeria. And from here today, we are going to deduce that if you go back to faith, if you go back to Islamic perspective on dealing with high level of crime, I can tell you the society will be free of such heinous crimes.”
While proffering solutions to the insecurity, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of the Kukah Centre (TKC), and Head of Secretariat for the national Peace Committee highlights two cogent points as a take-home if we must get it right about the insecurity.
Fr. Barkindo said, “I think for me, the first thing is to understand where is this problem coming from? Number one, we cannot keep denying that this thing has nothing to do with Islam or has nothing to do with Christianity. I think if you make this denial, you have not understand.
“if you have ten children and one of them becomes a thief, are you saying that that thief is no longer your child, is your child.”
“So, the first thing is that people are exploiting religion, they are misrepresenting religion and we need to get religious leader who understand the situation, who have the influence, the respect in order to proffer solutions and to help us to stop the exploitation and the misrepresentation of religion.
“And the second element for me actually is education. People are really not very educated and it is difficult for you to practice democracy in a context of illiteracy. So there has to be proper education that can offer jobs, meaningful jobs to people. And I think once people have this job, they are likely going to leave atrocities and concentrate on their work.”
All hands must be on deck so as to see to the end of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
Imam Aliagan, the visionary founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, has continuously worked towards educating and awakening the consciousness of Muslims and non-Muslims alike on topical issues of national concern. For years, his efforts have been showcased during the Annual celebration of his Foundation’s Maolid Nabiyy and Special Ramadan lectures and prayers.
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PoliticsMarch 5, 2026Ajia Congratulates Kwara APC Exco , Gov. AbdulRaham Others Over Successful State CongressNewsMarch 3, 2026Ajia: Tunji Disu’s Leadership Offers Hope for Tackling InsecurityNewsMarch 3, 2026Rev. Fr. Barkindo of the Kukah Centres highlights 2 points to tackle insecurity, at the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation Centre Ramadan LectureNewsMarch 3, 2026Ashraaf Islamic Foundation Tackles Insecurity with 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture