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Minister-nominee: Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an epitome of professionalism and compassion
Minister-nominee: Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an epitome of professionalism and compassion
By: Dr Saleh Abba
Time flown by and it’s been incredibly four years since I last connected with the extraordinary Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure. But let me tell you, the impact she continues to make in people’s lives is simply awe-inspiring. A captivating journey filled with love, resilience, and unwavering support.
Mariya — more than just a devoted housewife, she personifies the ideal partner that any man would be proud to have by his side. Her dedication to creating a loving home, filled with warmth and care, knows no boundaries.
Hailing proudly from the beautiful town of Bunkure in Kano State, Mariya embodies the values and traditions of her heritage. Like a guiding light, she carries the spirit of her hometown wherever she goes, igniting positivity and strength in all those she encounters.
But it is in her role as a mother that Mariya truly shines; she isn’t simply an excellent mother, she is a fierce protector, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child under her watchful eye.
Her love, compassion, and unwavering commitment nurture and empower the next generation.
As a sister, Dr Mariya Mahmoud goes above and beyond, consistently exceeding expectations. She is an unwavering source of support, always there to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her sisters know they can rely on her without hesitation, as she never fails to inspire and uplift them.
Mariya’s philanthropic endeavors are legendary, driven by an unquenchable thirst to make a difference – a philanthropist who never tires, constantly seeking out new ways to impact lives positively. With her tireless dedication, she transforms the world around her one act of kindness at a time.
But let’s not forget that Mariya is also a force to be reckoned with in her professional life as a talented family physician. Her love for her job knows no bounds, as she combines her expertise with a deep sense of care and compassion. Through her healing hands and kind heart, she touches the lives of countless patients, leaving a lasting imprint of hope and wellness.
And let me share with you a truly remarkable story that encapsulates the extraordinary nature of Dr Mariya Mahmoud. Together, we once supported a divorcee battling severe depression. With her unwavering encouragement, Mariya convinced me to conduct a home visit. What followed was nothing short of life-changing. Mariya took it upon herself to care for this woman and her children, and their lives were forever transformed by her selflessness and compassion. To this day, that woman continues to communicate with me, eternally grateful for what Mariya did for her through our joint efforts.
Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an iron lady, has touched the lives of many with her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Her boundless love, strength, and passion for making a difference inspire all those fortunate enough to cross her path.
May the world continue to be illuminated by incredible individuals like Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who shape lives, foster empowerment, and leave an eternal legacy of love and compassion.
Congratulations to our brand new minister norminee, May Allah bless and guide you through your national assignment.
~Dr Saleh Abba is a family physician with Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.
Minister-nominee: Dr Mariya Mahmoud, an epitome of professionalism and compassion
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
•••771 to Graduate in Nigeria in 2025
•••Otuaro Hails Scholars’ Performances
By: Michael Mike
Nine students awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by the Presidential Amnesty Programme have graduated from their master’s degree rprogrammes in universities in the United Kingdom.
The successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.
They graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.
Also, 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.
The PAP, on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025, organised a graduation reception for the scholars in London.
Otuaro has congratulated them on their successful graduation, stressing that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.
He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.
“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.
Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.
Otuaro has so far deployed 7700 students for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.
Within this period, also, he has also deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.
According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.
The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.
“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
By: Michael Mike
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been incorporated to seamlessly allowed for the Refinery and Free Trade Zone in Ondo State.
A press statement on Thursday read that: “In furtherance of our commitment to the execution of these two major projects – Refinery and Free Trade Zone in conjunction with the Ondo State Government, the joint partners have taken another giant step by incorporating a joint company, namely – SUNSHINE JOINT VENTURE INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED – as the vehicle to be used in executing these projects. A move that further reinforces the sincerity of purpose and total commitment of the funding partners to move ahead together as a united front.
According to the release by Wale Adekola on behalf of the JV, the Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limitedwill, going forward serve as the vehicle to work with the Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) in the implementation of the executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The statement added that: “In moving the projects forward for implementation, the JV team met in Dubai to finalize the funding modalities and put in place structures and plans for the commencement of activities for ground breaking and community engagements. These initial activities are aimed at complementing the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State and the one year anniversary of the election of the Executive Governor of the Sunshine State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa CFR.
At the Dubai meeting were key officers of the JV Company, including: Messrs SALEHI FARHAD; ZAHERI NAVID; EGHBAL KORDJAMSHIDI; SAHEED ZAHERI; DR. STEPHEN DIKE; HENRY OWONKA AND MRS. NAMVAR MARYAM.
The statement further informed that, plans have been concluded to mobilize the relevant contractors working with the locals and host communities to put up structures that will host the information center, architectural models to showcase the projects on offer and facilities that will serve the team. All these are being planned with ONDIPA to execute the relocation and accommodation of the host communities that are likely to be affected by the projects and create a seamless transition that will engender peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
The JV company further reiterated its commitment to work with Ondo State Government (through ONDIPA) to change the infrastructural landscape of the Sunshine State and for mutual benefits.
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected bandits were arrested along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, all Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at about 1800 hours on 2 December 2025. A search revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s, on their mobile phones.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to have travelled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing for the possible recovery of actual firearms and to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
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