FCT NUJ Chair Grace Ike Charges Graduands to Be Solution Providers, Choose Character Over Certificates

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has challenged graduating students of Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA) to become solution providers, build bridges rather than walls and choose character, integrity and service over certificates and material success.

Ike gave the charge at the weekend while delivering the keynote address as Guest Speaker at the 2026 graduation ceremony of Beautiful Beginning Academy, held at Nile University, Abuja.

Addressing the graduands, the NUJ chairman said the ceremony should not be viewed as an end, but as the beginning of a new journey filled with purpose, responsibility and possibilities.

She urged them to understand that academic achievement, though important, would not by itself determine their success in life, stressing that character would ultimately define their reputation and impact.

According to her, while examinations in the classroom may have ended, life would continue to test the values and principles of the graduands.

“The examinations that truly matter are not set by teachers but by life itself. They test honesty, courage, discipline, resilience, compassion and integrity,” she said.

Ike noted that knowledge without strong moral values was insufficient, adding that certificates and academic achievements could open doors, but character would determine how long individuals remained relevant and trusted.

“The questions life asks are not answered with pencils; they are answered with character.

“Knowledge may make you intelligent, but character will make you unforgettable. Long after people forget your grades, they will remember your integrity. Long after certificates gather dust, your reputation will continue to speak for you,” she said.

She also encouraged the graduands not to be discouraged by setbacks, describing failure as an inevitable part of the journey to success.

“There will be days when life will not go according to your plans. You may fail an examination, lose an opportunity, face disappointment or experience rejection.

“When those moments come, remember this: failure is not the opposite of success; it is often the road that leads to it,” she said.

The NUJ chairman urged the students to remain curious, cultivate the habit of reading, respect others, choose their friends wisely and maintain confidence in their abilities.

She further challenged them to become agents of positive change who would use their knowledge and opportunities to improve the lives of others.

“Success is not measured by how much money you make but by how many lives become better because you lived. Success may fill your pocket, but significance fills your purpose. Service earns respect. Character earns trust. Legacy earns remembrance,” Ike said.

She paid tribute to parents for their sacrifices and support in the education of the graduands, while commending the teachers and management of Beautiful Beginning Academy for their commitment to quality education, mentorship and the development of future leaders.

The ceremony also featured a powerful demonstration of the transformative impact of inclusive education and compassion, with Adaeze’s scholarship emerging as one of the defining moments of the event.

The scholarship, which opened a new door of opportunity for a child with special needs, underscored the importance of creating an inclusive society where every child is given the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil his or her potential.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Sir Chinasaokwu Innocent Okolie, charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the school, stressing that the world was waiting for their contributions and exploits as future leaders.

He urged them to uphold the values they had acquired in the institution and to approach the future with courage, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.

FCT NUJ Chair Grace Ike Charges Graduands to Be Solution Providers, Choose Character Over Certificates

Borno: Emir, District Heads, Stakeholders Endorse Ali Isa Abdullahi as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

By: Our Reporter

The Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, alongside all the 27 District Heads and key stakeholders from the Biu Emirate, have unanimously endorsed the nomination of Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate and running mate to the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio, for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.

The meeting was presided over by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also had in attendance former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN); members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly and other lawmakers.

Also present were former National Assembly members, Secretary to the State Government, acting Chief of Staff; members of the APC State Working Committee, commissioners, local government chairmen, party stalwarts, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

The Emir of Biu described Ali Isa Abdullahi as a true son of Biu and dismissed claims questioning his indigene.

“We want to also use this opportunity to dismiss unnecessary speculations that Ali Isa Abdullahi is not an indigene of Biu,” the Emir stated.

“As the Emir of Biu, my house is just 50 meters away from the family house of Ali Isa Abdullahi located in Tashan Danfulani. We have been together with their parents, siblings and relations for decades.”

“We are here at the Government House, Your Excellency, to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you for choosing one of our own, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi, as the Deputy Governorship Candidate for Borno in the 2027 general elections.”

“We are behind you 100%. The good choice you took is a welcome development, and we have no doubt that our son is capable of being paired with the APC Governorship Candidate to consolidate on the gains and achievements recorded under your good leadership as you complete your second tenure come May 2027.”

The Emir also urged residents of the Emirate and the state to disregard misinformation, particularly on social media, warning that false narratives could undermine unity, social cohesion and the fragile peace being enjoyed in Borno State.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum thanked the Emir, district heads and stakeholders for their show of solidarity and support.

“I am highly delighted, Your Royal Highness and all other stakeholders, for finding time to come all the way from your comfort zones to offer your collective appreciation to me and the Government of Borno State for endorsing your son, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi, as running mate to our gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio.”

The governor attributed the emergence of the APC ticket to divine providence and called on party supporters to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is God that gives power to whom He wishes, and therefore, let me use this medium to call on the people of the Emirate and Borno State as a whole to unite and give everyone their maximum support and cooperation to ensure victory for the APC from top to bottom come the 2027 general elections.”

Governor Zulum stressed that unity remained essential for sustaining peace and development in the state.

“We should be wary of divisiveness among our people. This will bring further disunity, instability and underdevelopment in our dear state.”

“I am not against any person emerging as the deputy gubernatorial candidate. However, his emergence was a product of proper consultation with Engineer Mustapha Gubio, who has worked closely with Alhaji Ali Abdullahi at the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement,” Zulum stressed.

Before his nomination as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi served as the Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Borno: Emir, District Heads, Stakeholders Endorse Ali Isa Abdullahi as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration

By Zagazola Makama

The Republic of Niger has officially launched the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport, marking another significant step in the confederation’s drive toward deeper regional integration following its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Abdourahamane Tiani became the first recipient of the new travel document during an enrollment ceremony held at the Presidency in Niamey, where officials also unveiled the passport’s official brochure.

The biometric passport was developed in accordance with harmonized technical specifications agreed upon by experts from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali during a meeting in Bamako in October 2024. The standards were subsequently endorsed by ministers responsible for security in the three member states.

According to the Nigerien government, the new passport is designed to enhance document security, facilitate the free movement of citizens within the Alliance of Sahel States, and align travel and identification systems across the confederation. The initiative forms part of a broader modernization programme aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and reducing dependence on ECOWAS-era travel documents.

The launch follows similar initiatives in Burkina Faso and comes months after Niger introduced the AES biometric national identity card, with President Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine among the first citizens to be enrolled. The three-member confederation has continued to advance plans for closer cooperation in defence, trade, customs, and the free movement of people and goods as it builds common institutions under the Alliance of Sahel States.

Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration