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 political support group, Tinubu/Dikko Assured (TDA 2027) has on Wednesday donated ₦11 million in cash and 95 bags of rice to party executives of the All Progressives Congress in Katsina.
The distribution, which took place in Katsina, was aimed at supporting party leaders and stakeholders during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Director-General and founder of the group, Umar Ahmad-Zayyad, said the distribution exercise would be supervised by members of the TDA State Steering Committee.
Represented by the TDA State Coordinator, Khalil Aminu, the D-G said the gesture was part of the group’s continued commitment to strengthening the party structure from the grassroots while supporting loyal party executives.
He further assured that the structure of the party in Katsina Local Government and the state in general, remains intact, adding that it had mobilised ahead of future political engagements.
Ahmad-Zayyad described the outreach as part of a sustained effort to consolidate party unity and reinforce grassroots mobilisation in line with the objectives of the Tinubu/Dikko 2027 Project.
He described Ramadan as a period of sacrifice, compassion and generosity, adding that the initiative was designed to cushion the economic burden on party officials and their families during the fasting period.
According to the breakdown provided at the ceremony, five bags of rice and ₦500,000 were distributed across each of the 12 Wards in Katsina Local Government Area.
In addition, 15 bags of rice and ₦2 million were presented to the Katsina Local Government Executives to support their activities and welfare.
Similarly, 20 bags of rice alongside ₦3 million were handed over to the State Party Executives as part of the broader intervention package.
Party leaders who received the items expressed appreciation to Ahmad-Zayyad for what they described as a timely and thoughtful intervention.
Other beneficiaries who spoke at the occasion pledged their continued loyalty and support to the party’s leadership at both the state and national levels.
NAN
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Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina has unveiled a ₦10.3 million Ramadan support initiative under the Maituraka Foundation for APC members and community leaders in Katsina Local Government.
The cash disbursement, launched on Tuesday in Katsina, aims to cushion the effects of economic hardship on beneficiaries during the fasting period.
Radda described the intervention as humanitarian, reflecting “the spirit of Ramadan, a period of compassion, sacrifice and generosity”.
He stressed that governance must remain people-centred, adding that supporting citizens is a priority of his administration.
The governor said strategic partnerships with well-meaning individuals and groups would continue to complement government efforts at poverty alleviation.
He commended APC members for their maturity and unity during the recently concluded party congresses.
According to him, the outcome has strengthened the party’s internal cohesion and grassroots structures across the state.
“After the APC congresses, our party has emerged stronger and more united than ever before.
“This unity will translate into better service delivery and political stability,” he said.
The programme’s initiator, Abdulaziz Maituraka, said the ₦10.3 million intervention was conceived as a Ramadan gesture to support beneficiaries.
Maituraka stated that those selected had remained steadfast in advancing the party’s ideals at the grassroots.
He described Ramadan as a season of giving and reflection, urging beneficiaries to use the support to ease domestic burdens.
Maituraka also called on party faithful to sustain their loyalty and mobilise support for Radda ahead of future political engagements.
He specifically urged continued backing for Radda and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
“Though this is an annual gesture, this year’s edition is unique because I expanded it to cover the entire local government.
“My first consideration is the APC, where I belong,” Maituraka said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the intervention as timely and impactful amid rising living costs.
NAN
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Mercy Corps, a Non – Government Organisation (NGO) , on Wednesday, handed over a newly constructed Veterinary Clinic and a rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA), to the Katsina State Government.
The project, which included a 20,000-litre capacity upgraded solar-powered borehole, was executed under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Kastina State,Prof Ahmed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners on such commitment to support peace and development in the state.
While praising the state government for restoring peace and stability, the said the project would improve livestock services and the welfare of farmers who depend on animal health services for livelihood.
Bakori buttressed that improved security in the state had enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions in communities affected earlier.
He said,” Recently, Gov. Dikko Radda was in South Africa to explore strategies for boosting livestock production and strengthening the livestock value chain in line with the government’s economic development agenda.”
In his remarks, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction on the timely and successful implementation of the project in Danmusa.
He stated that although Mercy Corps began its operations in the state in 2023, security challenges, initially, had prevented the organisation from accessing some areas, including Danmusa.
Ikita said that the project would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.
“The project involves the upgrade of a veterinary clinic from a two room structure into a fully functional six office facility,
“The was embarked on to strengthen livestock healthcare services in the area,
“The programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project and seeks to promote long-term peace and stability in Northwest Nigeria.
“It works across 48 communities in Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening socio-economic recovery,” he said.
Also, the District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps and its partners for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and beneficial.
Earlier, the Chairman of Danmusa LGA, Ibrahim Na-Mama, represented by his Deputy, Musa Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the projects, assuring that the council would support efforts to safeguard them.
NAN
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Tinubu campaign group donates N11m, rice to Katsina APC Officials
Radda unveils ₦10.3m Ramadan support for APC members in Katsina
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