Metro

Jonathan Vists Benin Monarch, Says Only Quality Education Can Birth Good Leadership In Africa

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2024

Editor

Former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan says quality education is needed among Africans for the continent to transform into society everyone desires.

He added that it is only young Africans are given quality education that they can attain a position of leadership and transform the continent.

Jonathan made these assertions in Benin Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, where he informed the First Class Monarch of an upcoming programme by his foundation (Goodluck Jonathan Foundation) billed for Thursday.

The programme, Democracy Dialogue, with the theme: Functional Education, Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development,’ is expected to have as a guest speaker, Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, a seasoned educationist, Chief Academic Officer at Maarifa Education, a Kenya based Pan-African company that owns private universities across Africa and former Vice Chancellor of the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Uganda.

Others expected at the event are immediate past president of Kenya, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta; former Liberian President, George Weah and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.

According to the former president, he was in the palace to inform the Oba of the upcoming event and to also seek for his blessings and protection during his stay in the kingdom.

He told the Oba that he is particularly concerned about democratic practice in Africa, hence he has been using his foundation to spread “the message of good governance and the issue of standard practice of election.”

Jonathan who said past programmes of the foundation focused mainly on democracy and democratic practice in Africa, said he decided to focus on education this year because there is no way education can be separated from good leadership.

He said: “That as a continent, we need to look at how we practice democracy; how we elect our leaders; and what the leaders should offer. As regards what should be offered to the citizens, we are emphasising on the issue of education because we believe that when you have educated citizens, that is when the citizens can now be in position to transform the society.

“So this year, we are focusing on the link between standard, quality and functional education and strong political leadership, and how that can transform our society.”

When asked to comment on Nigeria democracy as the nation prepares for Democracy Day, the former president said Nigeria has not gotten there democratically does not mean the nation is not advancing in its democracy.

Responding, Oba Benin, while thanking Jonathan and his entourage for the visit, said for Jonathan to have brought the programme to Benin is a personal recognition by the former president that Benin is the epic centre of Africa culture.

Related Topics:#Oba of Benin Goodluck Jonathan Jonathan

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Metro

Tension As Civilian Task Force Member Opens Fire Inside Kebbi Mosque

Published

6 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Residents of Faransi village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State were thrown into shock after a member of the civilian Joint Task Force, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly opened fire inside a mosque.

According to a report on Sunday by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his X handle, the incident left one youth, identified as Bawa Kiri, with gunshot injuries. His father, Kiri Nyako, reported the case to troops of 1 Brigade at Unashi.

Military sources said efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspected Yansakai member behind the attack.

Meanwhile, the injured victim has been evacuated to Ribah General Hospital in Zuru Local Government Area, where he is receiving treatment.

Details of the incident remain sketchy as investigations continue.

Metro

Bandits Leader Who Allegedly Killed 34 Katsina Worshippers Seen In Peace Meeting

Published

6 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

A picture has surfaced showing Babaro, a notorious bandit leader, at a peace dialogue held on Sunday in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst, Zagazola Makama shared the photo on X, noting that Babaro has been terrorising the Kankara and Malumfashi areas.

Makama said Babaro is alleged to have led the recent attack on worshippers in Mantau, Malumfashi LGA, where 32 people were killed and many others injured during Isha prayers.

The development comes as security analyst Bakatsine also confirmed on Sunday that Faskari residents and bandits agreed on a peace deal that included mutual forgiveness, unarmed entry into towns, safe farming, grazing, and the release of captives without ransom.

“Peace deal in Faskari LGA, Katsina State as residents and bandits agree on unarmed entry into town by bandits, safe farming/grazing, mutual forgiveness, captives freed without ransom. Notorious figures like Ado Aleru, Babaro and Kwashen-garwa attended,” Bakatsine wrote.

Authorities were yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, DAILY POST reports.

Metro

NAF Air Raids Kill Three Boko Haram Commanders In Borno

Published

6 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Boko Haram fighters are reportedly in disarray following sustained airstrikes by the Nigerian military on their hideouts in Borno State.

According to a report on Sunday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama via his X handle, the air raids targeted insurgent camps in Gobara and Balangaje, near Sambisa Forest in Gwoza Local Government Area, destroying several structures.

At least three senior commanders, identified as Mustafa, Ba Bunu, and Awana Kura, were said to have been killed in the operation.

The development has heightened anxiety among fighters, women, and children in the affected enclaves. A senior commander, Modu Kunduli, was reported to have informed another top leader, Bakura (alias Weeze), that the group’s ranks were unsettled by the bombardments.

Bakura, who operates around Kwajaffa–Ngabur village in Hawul LGA, was also quoted as expressing concern after sighting Nigerian Air Force jets over Garkida and Gombi areas.

Intelligence reports further indicate that the insurgents are considering retreating to their hideouts in Ngulde, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, pending further directives from their leaders.

Security sources said troops have been placed on alert to monitor possible movement of fighters as they attempt to evade additional air raids.