News
Shock as orphan recounts how he was picked from Abuja street to school by Ambassador’s son
It was a moment of joy and excitement for helpless and hopeless orphan, Musa Muhammad who divinely met with Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande that decided out of his love for the vulnerable and humanity sponsored his education from the primary to tertiary level.
Muhammed met with Yusuf Kwande, son of former Ambassador of Nigeria to Switzerland in 2008 at a traffic light in Wuse 2, Abuja selling plastic water under the bitting sun.
Yusuf Kwande gave Muhammad N1,000 note that fateful day and after few hours, God cross their path again and he extended some money again to him to enable him feed himself.
Few hours after the last encounter that same day, Muhammad ran into Yahaya-Kwande at Big Bites which he considered very strange and extended his business card with clear instruction that he should call him when he got home.
Muhammad yielded to the instruction and called the line and behold, Yusuf Kwande picked the call and decided to speak with his mother.
Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande asked the mother, why was Muhammad selling plastic water under the sun while his peers are in school; she replied with a low tune that his father was dead and she has no money to send him to school.
Months after then, Muhammad was arrested by Environmental Task Force for selling water on the streets of Abuja and a call was put across to Yahaya-Kwande, he gladly rushed to the office and rescued him with his friends.
He took Muhammad home where he saw his mother for the first time and decided to give her some money to set up a small business, sadly, she eventually died after illness.
Yahaya-Kwande also pledged to sponsor Muhammad’s education and that of his siblings; he extended some goodwill to their neighbours who witnessed the divine intervention.
He equally sponsored Ibrahim Rahj to Serbia and Turkey for football trial after he came to squat with Muhammad when he lost his parents.
At the moment, Muhammad is filled with joy and excitement as he has completed his National Diploma which has changed positively the living condition of the family.
Muhammad who narrated his chilling story said, “I was helpless and God bless me with a helper; I was hopeless but now hopeful. God used Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande to change my status in life.
“I was selling plastic water at Wuse 2 Abuja and met with Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande at the traffic, he didn’t know me, but out of pity he gave me N1000 and after few hours, we met again and he gave me some money.
“After some time, the Environmental Task Force arrested me and my friends for selling plastic water on the streets, I became helpless with no help coming my way. I decided to call Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande and he responded swiftly and came to the scene where he bailed us.
“He took me home that fateful day and met with my mother. He gave her money to start a business and took the responsibility of my education and my siblings, since then, he has not fail us.
“My friend, Ibrahim Rahj who came to stay with us when his father died, Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande sponsored him to Turkey for football trial. As we speak today 23 August, 2021 I have completed my National Diploma and all this came from a man who I met on the road.
“I will ever remain grateful to him for changing my life positively. May God keep him in good health and bless the work of his hands. My life has never remain the same since the day I had encounter with him, I am very grateful.”
The good gesture has continued to elicit commendation from members of the public who reacted on LinkedIn urged other citizens to emulate Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande’s approach to life and humanity.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed described the gesture as a step in the right direction, “This is awesome, a bold step. If we can all emulate and apply it where much is deserves, the better for us.”
An Ambassador at the Nigerian Embassy, Ali Magashi applauded the gesture and described it as a step towards empowering and liberating humanity.
“The silent things godly people do to impact humanity, this is wealth at its best. Well done and keep up the good things you are doing silently; may Allah continue to bless , guide and protect you.”
Yet, another reaction came from a Financial Advisor, Michael Akhigbe who encouraged Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande to carry on with the good work of helping the poor. “Well done Yusuf, It’s obvious that is the stuff you are made of, full of human kindness. Please keep doing what you know how to do best.”
Philomena Desmond re-echoed the position of Akhigbe and described him as God’s send into the life of the young orphans.
“Yusuf, you are a guardian angel. God directed you that day to help Musa and you listened to God till date. God bless you and your generation, may you never lack and he will multiply in millions.”
A Shipping operations and Business, Habila Theck, said “Your passion for helping and developing people is a rare gift. You have mentored and helped with career development for a lot of young people in the industry, myself inclusive. Reading this piece gives credence to your love for people and passion to help others.”
A senior subcontract Manager, Tunde Adekunle was also elated with the healthy development, noted, “Yusuf Yahaya-Kwande as you have been a blessing to Musa and surprised him, the Lord would reward you and bless you beyond your imagination. You will never lack, as you have raised this boy up, the Lord will also promote you to greater heights, your children will never be stranded.”
A Chief Executive Officer at the Trinity healthcare, Obiora Onowu said, ” very proud of you. I knew the entire Kwande family is like that…very very kind people. Everyone that passed through the University of Jos in the 80s and 90s definitely experienced that warmth from at Least one Baba’s son. I did as well.”
Abdullraman Akawu, who was happy with the laudable intervention of Yahaya-Kwande wrote, “Thank you very much Mallam Yusuf. I don’t know if you are the son of the famous Yahaya-Kwande at the Hill Station Junction in Jos. I knew that family growing up in Jos. You picked up total strangers from the streets and turned their life around, only God will reward you”.
Micheal Ajayi, a concerned citizen also applauded Yahaya-Kwande for the assistance rendered to the middle age young men. “Your sowing seeds to someone life isn’t by your power but gifts of God nature which many people have but fail woefully to practice.
“It’s always good to be kind to others because your kindness will return to you in immeasurable. May God grace continue to be sufficient for you and family. I was touched by the story of the young man and hope every good Samaritan will keep helping the poor in our communities.” He said.
Ahmed Abdul also comment, “How I wish the people in your capacity will also do the same as you are doing, helping one another irrespective of our religious and ethnic differences. We could have build a better tomorrow. Indeed, you are from a good family sir, may your pocket never go dry, may Almighty give us the heart to help one another.” He submitted.
HaAN OPEN LETTER TO ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR: THE CASE OF GOING TO EQUITY WITHOUT CLEAN HANDS
My attention as a Public Affairs Commentator and Citizen of Wukari in Taraba State has been invited to various invectives of unprecedented dimension directed at His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON by my brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ostensibly to give oxygen to resurrect his endless political odyssey and sordid presidential ambition. I am weighing into this public narrative to interrogate various disruptions triggered by some notable politicians like Atiku Abubakar in our national life.
It is hardly possible to build anything out of frustration and bitterness. This is sadly the predicament of a one-time Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who is on course to being enlisted in the Guinness Book of Records, as the only person globally, who has unsuccessfully contested for President for six times spanning 33 years.
These bitterness and frustration have beclouded his reasoning. Atiku Abubakar, who is shamefully a dominant mention in every page of the corruption history in Nigeria, an insipid and serial sodomist, could have rather used the Ramadan period to seek for the atonement of his many mortal and monumental sins from the Almighty Allah, but his engagement in chicanery and unbridled umbrage in the most malicious and defamatory manner is the sad characterization of a man reputed for low family values and child abuse.
The series of pernicious lies peddled by Atiku deserve response in this era of positive and innovative Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has invited collective actions for the growth and prosperity of Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar’s putrid and repulsive corrupt practices have made Nigerians to reject him for a record six times. A master of failure indeed!
It is an established fact that Atiku Abubakar is the most corrupt Nigerian, having been associated with every high-profile corruption allegation in the country across the private and public sectors. In 1996, the then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha seized control of the NICOTES shares belonging to him and renamed it Integrated Logistics Services Inc.
In 2006, Atiku was indicted by the EFCC and the Federal Government Administrative Panel of Inquiry after a Special Audit /Forensic Investigation of PTDF from 1999 to May 31, 2006.
Internationally, he is known as a super conman. Atiku’s association with American Congressman William Jefferson, who was jailed for 13 years in 2009 over bribery and other charges is well known to millions of Nigerians.
For those who don’t know, Atiku was the subject of a probe about 15 years ago by the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs chaired by Senator Carl Levin. He was indicted for using offshore companies to siphon about 40 million dollars from Nigeria between 2000 and 2008 to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer Iwenjiora Douglas Abubakar (now divorced).
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom Atiku served for 8 years as Vice President, in his book ’MY WATCH’, in the chapter, titled “Atiku and US Justice Entanglement”, gave a vivid account of “corrupt involvement” of Atiku with a company called iGATE and William Jefferson. Obasanjo equally linked Atiku to the embezzlement of $20 million, funds that were to be utilized by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and another $125 million to fund PTDF during 2003 fiscal year.
The immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has also spoken eloquently about Atiku’s corrupt adventure. In his book, ’The Accidental Public Servant’, El-Rufai gave a detailed account of Atiku’s corrupt involvement in Ericsson’s deals, the PTDF scandal, Abuja Water Treatment Plant contract and his obsession with marabouts – these marabouts that have been deceiving him since 1991 that he will be president.
A serial women abuser, Atiku has divorced two of his wives since 1971 (Ladi and Jennifer). In the case of Jennifer, even after the divorce, he threatened and bullied her out of Nigeria. Jennifer had to sell her law chambers in Nigeria and relocated to the UK.
He has been after the woman in an attempt to dispossess her of her assets and properties.
A certified child abuser, Atiku’s exploits with hapless boys and young men are well known. No wonder, in his eight years as vice president and many years as wealthy man (though filthy), Atiku could not boast of a school that could cater for the educational needs of the less privileged, especially boys (Almajiri’s), but now runs the exotic ABTI University and a host of other businesses that are out of the reach of the common man.
In the contrary, unlike Atiku Abubakar, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has for over two decades, conducted himself with integrity and transparency. His accomplishments in Akwa Ibom State, in particular, and Nigeria in general, are symbolized in the countless legacies of infrastructure, human capacity development and tourists’ hub.
Just yesterday (Tuesday), the Super Eagles of Nigeria hosted The Warriors of Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The stadium, which is the only FIFA approved facility in Nigeria, was built by Akpabio as governor of the state. What did Atiku do for Adamawa state and Nigeria?
The Zimbabwean delegation also flew Ibom Air and landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo- all legacies of the Uncommon Transformer. But where are Atiku’s legacies for the people? He can only lay claim to a chain of businesses, which are products of pillaging and corrupt investments.
In all of these, it is crystal clear that Akpabio’s unflinching support for President Tinubu, who blocked Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC in 2015 and frustrated his return bid in 2019 and yet floored him in the 2023 general elections is the reason for Atiku’s hostile charge against the Senate President.
But using Akpabio as a ladder to get to the president cannot do Atiku any good. Both Tinubu and Akpabio are united by the resolve to rejig and reset the nation and give Nigerians dividends of democracy, which Atiku as vice president worked tirelessly to undermine for personal aggrandizement.
It is also axiomatic that Atiku has started preparation for the 2027 general elections. As for Akpabio and Tinubu, they are preoccupied with state and governance issues and would not swim with the former vice president in his quest to distract the duo from delivering good governance to Nigerians. When 2027 comes, Nigerians will, for the umpteenth time give, Atiku a black eye and vote the best candidate.
DANJUMA ISAIAH writes from
Wukari in Taraba State
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
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