Rountrip

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has welcomed President Bola Tinubu's cabinet reshuffle, urging ministers to continue their outstanding work and build on the progress achieved so far. The group specifically commended Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo for their exceptional performances, which have contributed significantly to the administration's success. In a statement by Dr. Bolaji Abdullahi, the NDF said Matawalle's leadership in combating insecurity is yielding tangible results and bolstering national stability and security. Abdullahi, meanwhile, said Keyamo has transformed Nigeria's aerospace landscape and driven developmental projects, impacting infrastructure and economic growth. Other ministers, including Nyesom Wike, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Mohammad Abubakar, Professor Joseph Utsev, and Dave Umahi, were also praised for their notable contributions in their respective sectors. "We t...

The Centre for Africa Civilisation and Development (CACD) has hailed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as a transformative leader who has revolutionized Nigeria's airports.  They rated his performance as superlative.  Under Keyamo's proactive leadership, the Cente said the sector has witnessed significant reforms, addressing longstanding challenges and propelling the nation forward. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Prince Madaki, Executive Director, praised the Minister for his strategic approach to tackling dollar repatriation concerns, empowering local carriers, and modernizing airport infrastructure. According to Madaki, the relocation of airlines to the newly constructed terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport has improved the passenger experience, demonstrating Keyamo's commitment to efficiency and transparency. He further said air safety has also received a boost, with Keyamo prioritizing the deployment of moder...

By Ochonu Ochonu The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) stands as the guardian of Nigeria's treasury, a position established by Decree 43 of 1988. This esteemed office is reserved for exceptional individuals, handpicked by the President and entrusted with a four-year tenure. Chief Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein is one such outstanding leader, whose appointment attests to her remarkable abilities. Born in Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area on the 7th day of March 1965, the distinguished goal-getter obtained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy in 1988 from the Ogun State Polytechnic (presently Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) Abeokuta. In a bid to improve herself educationally, Mrs Oluwatoyin proceeded to Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) Ago Iwoye from where she graduated colourfully with a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) followed immediately by a master's Degree in Business Administration in 2019. In recognition of her exceptional intellectual prowess a...

By Toby Prince Nigeria's vast maritime frontier stretches an impressive 84,000 nautical miles, rivalling a third of its landmass. With over 3,000 lakes and rivers, this complex terrain demands bold leadership. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognised this challenge, appointing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff in June 2023. A seasoned navigator, Ogalla embodies the determination, discipline, and vision needed to harness Nigeria's maritime potential. Ogalla took over office on June 23, 2023, with a bold vision to transform Nigeria's maritime security and blue economy. His comprehensive strategy, the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy (TSMS), tackles maritime crimes and promotes economic growth. With his vast knowledge of the maritime domain and tactical operations, Ogalla outlined a detailed agenda to combat maritime crimes and foster the growth and development of the blue economy. This agenda includes the designation of Special Courts for Maritime C...

By Ibrahim Musa Rt. Hon. Olufemi Gbajabiamila's loyalty finds its perfect echo in a timeless biblical truth: a man cannot serve two masters. This dedication, driven by principle rather than personal gain, stands as a testament to his strong character. Inspired by the unyielding devotion of biblical figures, Gbajabiamila's commitment shines brightly. His steadfast resolve and faithfulness make him a pillar of reliability. In a world where loyalty is often tested, Gbajabiamila's exemplary service sets a shining standard. Guided by faith and conviction, his selfless dedication inspires hope. The real Rt. Hon. Gbaja, as he is fondly called by close associates, can hardly be divorced from his loyalty to President Asiwaju. While there exist several writings about the quintessential Rt. Hon. GBAJABIAMILA, writing about his loyalty to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is particularly difficult and different, as it is not easy to attribute the brand of loyalty - short...

By Ali Adamu  The legislative arm of government is entrenched with the powers to make laws for good governance. Effective representation, however, goes beyond lawmaking. It demands a deep understanding of the people's needs and a willingness to address them. Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, exemplifies this commitment, leveraging his parliamentary expertise to drive transformative change. To Rt. Hon. Betara, parliamentary practices are about service to humanity. He believes that laws are made for people and therefore strives to ensure his diligent efforts cover tangible, measurable interventions that better the well-being of his constituents and society. Born on November 22, 1966, in Zarawuyaku Ward of Biu town, Biu Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Aliyu is a five-time lawmaker and accountant. He began his education at Biu Central Primary School in 1973, completing his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978. He then attended Biu Central Junior Day Secondary School and later G...

By Kunle Olalekan Personality is a multifaceted concept unfolding through observable behaviours, traits, and interactions. These indicators include character, physical presence, verbal communication, nonverbal cues, interpersonal relationships, distinctive habits and traits, and environmental interactions. Research reveals a strong link between conscientiousness, achievement, and personality. Conscientiousness encompasses orderliness, rule adherence, dutifulness, focus, goal-oriented behaviour, and impulse control. Achievement, meanwhile, involves completing tasks with requisite effort, skill, or courage. Notably, conscientious achievement is driven more by consistent effort than sheer willpower. This interplay of internal and external characteristics forms a comprehensive picture of an individual's identity, influencing their values, beliefs, and actions – publicly and privately. This concept is exemplified in the remarkable life and career of Chief Barrister Festus Egwarewa Keyam...

By Kunle Olalekan Personality is a multifaceted concept unfolding through observable behaviours, traits, and interactions. These indicators include character, physical presence, verbal communication, nonverbal cues, interpersonal relationships, distinctive habits and traits, and environmental interactions. Research reveals a strong link between conscientiousness, achievement, and personality. Conscientiousness encompasses orderliness, rule adherence, dutifulness, focus, goal-oriented behaviour, and impulse control. Achievement, meanwhile, involves completing tasks with requisite effort, skill, or courage. Notably, conscientious achievement is driven more by consistent effort than sheer willpower. This interplay of internal and external characteristics forms a comprehensive picture of an individual's identity, influencing their values, beliefs, and actions – publicly and privately. This concept is exemplified in the remarkable life and career of Chief Barrister Festus Egwarewa Keyam...

In a show of solidarity, over 100 support groups of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), condemning attempts to undermine the party's constitution. The groups, under the umbrella of Foundational Support Groups, described the recent attempts to remove Damagum as Acting National Chairman as "anti-democratic" and "detrimental to the party's unity." A federal high court in Abuja had earlier restrained the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum until the party's national convention in December 2025. The court's decision, citing Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP constitution, reaffirms that national officers can only be elected through the national convention. Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, Chairman of the Foundational Support Groups, and Comrade Olarewaju Thompson, Secretary General, in a statement urged stakeholders to respect ...

By Dominic Ejeh The people of Bichi Federal Constituency in Kano State can look upon the accomplishments of their representative, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, with immense pride. His contributions to their constituency, the state, and Nigeria at large have been both remarkable and impactful. Nicknamed "Shine your Eyes," the humble legislator was born on October 2, 1981, in Hagagawa village, Bichi town, the administrative seat of Bichi Local Government and the Bichi Emirate Council. His vision and commitment to democratic principles have set him apart as one of the leading figures of his generation. A champion of transparency and accountability, Rt. Hon. Bichi has earned a reputation as a transformative leader and a symbol of national unity. While many legislators focus solely on their legislative duties—law-making, oversight, and appropriation—Rt. Hon. Bichi goes beyond these roles. Through his political acumen, he has broken barriers and extended his reach, bringi...

Sokoto residents erupted in jubilation on Wednesday as Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, arrived in the state to rally troops in the fight against banditry. Matawalle's visit is part of the federal government's efforts to restore peace and security in the North West Zone, which has been plagued by banditry. "I'm thrilled to see Matawalle here," said Usman Usman, a local resident. "He's a beacon of hope for us, and his presence gives us confidence that the government is committed to ending this menace." Matawalle's reputation as a bandits' nemesis has preceded him, with many residents praising his efforts to tackle insecurity in the region. "Matawalle is a tested, trusted, and reliable leader," said Umar Ibrahim, a Sokoto resident. "We believe in him, and we know he'll do everything possible to protect us." Notably, Matawalle's last visit to the northwest led to the death of notorious bandit kingpi...

An Italian court has sentenced  two Milan prosecutors, Fabio De Pasquale and Sergio Spadaro to eight months in prison for failing to file documents that would have supported energy group Eni's position in the trial of Shell and Eni over the OPL 245 affair. The Brescia court, chaired by Roberto Spanò ruled that Milan prosecutors had a legal obligation to file documents that could have helped the defence team in that trial.   According to a report by Ansa, an Italian news website, the sentence was handed down by a Brescia court on Tuesday. The sentence, which is suspended — meaning they would only go to jail if there is a repeat offence. This is another episode in the OPL 245 saga which the Italian prosecutors lost in the Court of Milan after failing to provide evidence of fraud in the sale of the oil block to Shell and Eni by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, a Nigerian company, in 2011. All the cases alleging fraud in the OPL 245 transaction failed in Italy, the UK and in Nigeria. T...

At the grand 90th birthday celebration of Pa Ademola Salami, a man revered for his selfless service to Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu honored the former chairman of the old Ikeja Local Government Area with a remarkable gift— a brand new car. The event, which was organized by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, brought together a host of dignitaries and celebrated a legacy of dedication and service to the state. In her address, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara expressed her deep gratitude to the governor for his show of love and recognition of Pa Salami’s contributions. “This gesture is proof that the Lagos State government values and remembers those who have served our state selflessly,” she said. She also urged everyone present to care for their elderly, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have walked before us. “Whatever we do for the elderly, we do for ourselves, because we will all reach that stage,”...

The Northern Patriots has congratulated Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi on being named the Best Nigerian Legislator at the Democratic Heroes Award Africa 2024. This prestigious award recognizes Bichi's exceptional leadership, commitment to his constituents' welfare, and dedication to Nigeria's development. In a statement signed by Mallam Adamu Mohammed and Dr. Innocent Audu, the group said Bichi’s plp leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of his people's needs. As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, the group said he has demonstrated exemplary leadership, ensuring his constituents' needs are reflected in the national budget. The group said his leadership extends beyond his constituency, inspiring a new generation of leaders to emulate his values and principles. The Northern Patriots praised his dedication to the democratic process has been unwavering, and his contributions to Nigeria's development are undeni...

The All Progressives Congress Akida Forum has issued a formal apology to Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their previous protest and call for an investigation into his tenure as Zamfara State Governor. In a statement signed by Alhaji Farouq Adamu, the group also said it has expelled members who led the action to the EFCC office, including one Mahmud Mohammed.  Adamu said an emergency committee was set up to investigate the protest and it was discovered that financial inducement led them to make those judgments. According to him, specifically, Mohammed refused to pay the hired crowd he took to the EFCC for the protest after collecting as much as 50 million naira for the job. Adamu said their claims were baseless and driven by a desire to partake in the sharing of state resources, which they believed were being unfairly distributed among bandits and some media practitioners. Unfortunately, Adamu said greed clouded their judgment, leading them to make false allegations ...

By Philip Agbese In Africa's modern political landscape, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu stands out as a leader who exemplifies visionary leadership and diplomatic tact. As Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and head of Nigeria’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), his tenure has been marked by a relentless drive to strengthen cooperation among African nations, propel the PAP’s objectives, and foster the emergence of a new generation of African leaders. Through his work, Ben Kalu has embodied the core values of African unity, cooperation, and progress while also positioning the PAP as a vehicle for true continental integration. The Pan-African Parliament, established in 2004 as one of the African Union’s nine organs, serves as a symbolic and practical forum for unifying Africa’s disparate nations around common goals. Based in Midrand, South Africa, the PAP provides a platform for debate, decision-making, and policy formulation aimed at addressing the con...