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Buhari Was Angel In Human Flesh – Bisi Akande

Published

2 months ago

August 21, 2025

Editor

L - R: Late President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf, exchanging greetings with APC chieftain Bisi Akande and other members of his delegation during a condolence visit to Buhari residence in Kaduna on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, on Wednesday described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as an angel in human flesh, saying his legacy of nation-building would continue to endure.

Akande, who led a delegation of political associates to Kaduna to commiserate with the Buhari family, said the news of Buhari’s death was a “painful personal loss” that shook him deeply.

He recalled his last encounter with the late president in Daura, Katsina State, noting that Buhari had appeared “healthy and strong,” giving no sign that death was imminent.

“I first heard that he died when I was abroad. Before then, I met him in Daura after our feast.

“We had a nice time together. He was looking robust, he was healthy, very strong,” Akande recounted.

The elder statesman added that their conversation on that occasion was lighthearted.

“In a joke, I said I was going back to my village. He too said he was enjoying his village in Daura. By the time he moved to Kaduna, I was planning to come and see him here, and they told me he had travelled,” he said.

According to Akande, the sudden news of Buhari’s passing caught him unprepared.

“I didn’t ask questions and I travelled through. But when I was abroad, I learned that he passed. Very painful, very, very painful,” he lamented.

He explained that upon returning to Nigeria, his first duty was to pay a condolence visit to the family.

“When I came back, I thought the first thing I should do is to come and meet the family, commiserate with them and pray with them. And that’s what I have come here to do today,” he said.

Akande paid glowing tributes to the former president, describing him as a rare Nigerian leader whose influence would remain indelible.

“He was a great Nigerian. He was patriotic. Maybe he was an angel coming in human flesh and he had done his bit. He had passed,” he said.

The APC chieftain noted that Buhari’s legacy of service, integrity and discipline would continue to inspire Nigerians. “His spirit will continue to live forever because of the good work he did in Nigeria,” Akande declared.

The condolence delegation led by Akande included Senator Abu Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, APC stalwart, Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, and Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu.

They were received at the late president’s Kaduna residence by the former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and the eldest son of the family, Yusuf Buhari.

In his response, Yusuf expressed deep gratitude to Akande and his entourage for standing with the family during what he described as their “most difficult moment.”

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the late Buhari received a befitting burial and dignified send-off.

“We are grateful to President Tinubu for standing with us and giving our father the honour he deserved. We also appreciate all Nigerians for their prayers, their messages, and their visits. The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we do not take it for granted,” Yusuf said.

He assured that the family would uphold the values of patriotism and sacrifice which Buhari represented throughout his life.

“Our father lived by integrity, discipline, and service to Nigeria. We will continue to uphold those values and preserve his legacy,” he said.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

12 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

38 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

News

Recruitment: Customs Announces Exam Date For Shortlisted Applicants

Published

45 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the main online recruitment examination for shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will be conducted on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

The service said the online test marks a major step in its ongoing nationwide recruitment process aimed at strengthening manpower in the middle and lower ranks of the organisation.

The exercise, according to the statement, will be held entirely online to ensure fairness, transparency and equal access for applicants across the country.

Candidates have been grouped into three batches A, B and C and are required to log in with their National Identification Number (NIN) through the official portal https://updates.customs.gov.ng, https://updates.customs.gov.ng) to check their batch, date and time of examination.

The NCS emphasised that compliance with the allocated schedule is compulsory, warning that failure to adhere could result in automatic disqualification.

Applicants have been strongly advised against the use of calculators, mobile phones or any other electronic devices during the examination.

The service further cautioned against multiple log-ins or switching between browser windows, stressing that such actions could disrupt or terminate participation in the test.

Only candidates shortlisted under the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres are eligible to participate at this stage, while those in the Superintendent cadre will be notified separately for their own phase of the process.

NCS noted that the exam represents part of the NCS’s ongoing effort to modernise its recruitment and ensure that only qualified candidates proceed to the next stage of selection.

The use of online testing, they said, allows for improved efficiency and reduces human interference in the marking and assessment process.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to integrity, transparency, and merit-based recruitment, urging all applicants to follow the laid-down procedures strictly.

It also encouraged candidates to maintain vigilance against online scammers or fake recruitment agents posing as customs officials, warning that all genuine updates would be published only through official NCS channels and its verified social media pages.