General
Buhari: Tribute to a life of dedication
By Aminu Garko, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The quiet town of Daura in Katsina State played host to the nation’s political elite on Tuesday as it bid farewell to its most accomplished son, Muhammadu Buhari, the nation’s immediate past president, ex-military Head of State, and retired Major-General.
The city hosted the nation’s political gladiators led by President Bola Tinubu, business moguls, top military brass, both serving and retired diplomats to pay their last respect to the late president.
The list of dignitaries also included Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, and Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic.
Other notable attendees include Service Chiefs, industrial leaders, former governors, a representative of the President of Chad, Islamic clerics, and other prominent personalities from within and outside Nigeria.
Buhari died at a London clinic on Sunday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness according to a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu.
The announcement of the death of the erstwhile president came as a rude shock to many Nigerians as it was earlier said that he was recuperating.
Buhari’s remarkable journey in Nigeria’s political landscape began on July 29, 1975, when he was appointed Governor of the North-Eastern State.
On Feb. 3, 1976 the North Eastern State was split into Bauchi, Borno and Gongola and Buhari was appointed the first governor of Borno before his tenure was cut short by the coup that ousted Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
He later appointed Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources by the Olusegun Obasanjo-led junta and oversaw the establishment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) the most prominent player in Nigeria’s oil industry.
As a military leader, General Buhari demonstrated exceptional courage and strategic prowess, notably repelling Chadian troops from Nigerian territory during his tenure as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Division in Jos.
As Head of State (1984-1985), he showcased his leadership abilities. Later, as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), he managed the fund judiciously, addressing infrastructural deficiencies and providing medical support services.
In 2015, on the ticket of All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari emerged victorious in the presidential election after several attempts, having anchored his campaign on tough stance against corruption.
He relinquished power to Incumbent Bola Tinubu after reaching the ceiling of two tenures of eight years.
A true patriot and nationalist, President Buhari’s legacy is marked by discipline, capable leadership, honesty, and integrity.
His passing leaves a void, but his impact on Nigeria’s history remains profound.
Among those who paid tribute to the fallen hero was retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who toppled his regime in 1985.
“I’m deeply saddened by the sudden demise of my friend, brother, course mate, and fellow soldier.
“We shared a bond forged by military training and a commitment to service, discipline, and love for Nigeria.
“From our early days at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, Muhammadu stood out – quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic, and fiercely loyal.
“We shared experiences, dreams, and disappointments, but he remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and dignity of public office,’’ the retired military president said.
According to him, as a leader, Buhari served the nation with every sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment.
Beyond the public glare, I knew him as a deeply spiritual man, humble and guided by faith.
“Though we may not have agreed on everything, I never doubted his sincerity or patriotism.
“His passing is not just the loss of a former Head of State or President, but a symbol of Nigeria’s transition from the old guard to the new republic,’’ Babangida said.
Similarly, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, also a former military Head of State, described the late Buhari as a great patriot and statesman who greatly contributed to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
Abubakar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Monday that: “from God we came, and to Him we shall all return”.
He said that Buhari would be greatly missed by his family, friends, and indeed all Nigerians, and prayed for God’s repose of his soul.
“The death of President Buhari is a painful one, but who are we to question the will of Almighty Allah? We have lost an honest, sincere leader and a patriotic Nigerian at this critical time.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and give the family and indeed all Nigerians the strength to bear this loss,” Abubakar said.
He underscored Buhari’s efforts in fighting corruption during both his military and civilian administrations as well as implementing measures that significantly impacted Nigeria’s political and economic trajectories.
He praised Buhari as a detribalised Nigerian, consensus builder, and selfless leader who worked tirelessly to maintain the country’s unity.
Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, describes late Buhari as a great patriot and statesman who significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development.
Similarly, Sen. Sani Musa expressed grief and shock over Buhari’s death, describing him as a great leader who leveraged his vast experience to serve the nation.
“Buhari’s life is widely regarded as exemplary and worthy of emulation,” Musa said.
Musa commended Buhari’s life as exemplary, marked by patriotism, good works, humility, and dedication to public service.
He highlights Buhari’s efforts in instilling discipline and combating corruption, adding that they left a lasting impact on Nigeria.
The lawmaker described him as a patriot, bridge-builder, and exceptional public servant who lived a modest life.
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, expressed sadness over Buhari’s death, describing his legacy of selfless service as unparalleled.
“It’s sad that President Buhari passed away at this critical time, but we’re consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure,” Mark said.
Mark said Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot, and a selfless leader who gave his all for the nation’s good.
He highlighted Buhari’s love for the country, especially its unity, as his greatest sacrifice.
If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria
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A civil society organisation, Muryar Matasa Initiative (MMI) for Employment Development and Inclusion, has called on the Katsina State Government to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law.
The group made the call in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday, signed by Saratu Hamidu and Nasir Dauda, Executive Director and Secretary-General respectively.
The group urged Gov. Dikko Radda to prioritise the full enforcement of the law, noting that delays have continued to deny persons with disabilities (PWDs) access to critical protections and opportunities in the state.
The CSO expressed concern that, despite the signing of the landmark legislation in 2023, its implementation framework remains largely inactive, leaving a significant segment of the population vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion.
It noted that Katsina is home to an estimated 600,000 persons with disabilities, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, visual and hearing impairments, leprosy-related conditions, and other physical or developmental challenges.
The group added that Nigeria has about 35 million PWDs, underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for urgent action at the state level.
It further stressed that full implementation of the law would guarantee the protection of fundamental rights, ensure equal access to justice, and eliminate discrimination in both public and private sectors.
“The law would provide a structured framework for inclusive healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals,” the group emphasised.
According to the group, effective enforcement would also position Katsina as a model for inclusive governance and social justice in Nigeria, in line with global development goals.
It commended Radda for his efforts toward inclusive governance and for creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in state affairs, adding that, “more concrete steps are required to translate policy into action.”
The group called on the state government to immediately operationalise the law, establish enforcement mechanisms, allocate adequate funding, and ensure the active involvement of PWD in its implementation.
“Implementation is not merely a legal obligation, it is a moral imperative and the pathway to dignity, equality, and opportunity for all citizens,” the statement added.
(NAN)
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The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with an NGO, Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, on Thursday organised an intensive pre-marital counselling and training for about 1,000 intending couples.
The exercise, held in Katsina, Daura and Funtua zones, was part of preparations for a mass wedding, ‘Auren Gata’, an initiative of the state government, scheduled for April 25.
The Chairperson of the Foundation, Dr Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, said that the training was aimed at strengthening family values and reducing divorce in the society.
She said that the foundation was partnering with relevant authorities to prepare couples, representing 2,000 individuals, for the planned mass wedding.
Ibrahim-Duwan added that the initiative was designed to equip the intending couples with the knowledge and skills required to build stable and successful marriages.
She said that the couples were earlier screened by the state Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure they are fit and ready for marriage.
She said that the training exercise had been divided into three zones, Malumfashi, Daura and Katsina, to allow participants from different locations conveniently attend the sessions.
“The training is to prepare the couples for a successful married life by educating them on their responsibilities to one another and the importance of mutual understanding in marriage,” she said.
Ibrahim-Duwan added that the sessions also provided guidance on Islamic perspectives on marriage, conflict resolution and ways to maintain harmony in the home.
She noted that participants would receive certificates, which would serve as a requirement for participation in the mass wedding.
The chairperson further explained that the ministry of women affairs compiled and verified the list of screened couples after conducting medical tests and other necessary evaluations.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute significantly to reducing marital disputes and strengthening family institutions in the state.
Earlier, the Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), said that the initiative, the first in the state, would help in reducing immorality.
He said that the state government would also provide the couples with all the necessary support needed for marriage, and also a capital for the groom to start a business.
Usman said that after the wedding, the board would continue to monitor the couples, to ensure a true and peaceful marriage.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, said the initiative was to prevent the beneficiaries, especially women, from falling into immorality.
Represented by Amina Sada-Mashi, the Spokesperson of the ministry, the Commissioner said that the beneficiaries were made to undergo a thorough screening, such as genotype, HIV and other health issues.
NAN
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A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) has commended women across Katsina communities for their contributions towards promoting peace and security.
The GAT’s State Coordinator, Muhammad Maifada, made the commendation on Friday during a sensitisation exercise at the palace of the District Head of Shinkafi, Abdurashid Abubakar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was organised in collaboration with UK International Development, SPRING, and Tetra Tech International Development.
Maifada said that the sensitisation programme, which featured participation of about 13 community leaders, was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
He noted that studies have shown the significant contributions women make in enhancing security within communities, particularly through the provision of vital information to security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Maifada further emphasised that parents and religious leaders also have a vital role to play, noting that they were close to the people and serve as permanent community leaders.
According to him, they are in a strategic position to help promote peace, guide the public on security measures, and inform citizens on appropriate channels for reporting issues in order to protect their communities.
He, therefore, called on members of the public to understand that everyone had a role to play in ensuring security and peace, stressing that each individual could contribute in different ways toward safeguarding their communities.
According to Maifada, GAT supported Women peace and security implementation committee members to carry out community sensitisation to inclusive peace-building.
Maifada further revealed that GAT also operates in Kaduna, while in Katsina State its activities cover Batagarawa, Kaita, and Katsina Local Government Areas.
“Among the key activities of the organisation is raising community awareness on the importance of women’s participation, particularly in matters relating to security and peace-building.
“The organisation is also advocating against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a menace that affects women and children in the state,” the Coordinator said.
In his remarks, the District Head, who is also the Turaren Katsina, expressed gratitude to God for the choice of his district to host the celebration marking the International Women’s Day.
He also acknowledged the positive impact of the organisation’s activities within the community and pledged continued support and cooperation to ensure sustained peace and security across Katsina state.
NAN
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