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Nuj Borno council, post election thoughts, functional committees of progress and the need to hurry up

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3 years ago

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Nuj Borno council, post election thoughts, functional committees of progress and the need to hurry up

Sam Kayode

Now that the long awaited election of a new council executive has come and gone, one’s greatest fear has been, how to break the obvious ice of disunity among some categories of members. Well like the partisans, Nigerians always find a way to unify among common interests sometimes before, during or after their own elections. In the case of the Borno council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), I believe the desired unification is going on well, but if there are any remnants of anger remaining, within our great union, it’s time for such comrades to bring in their own input so our new council will work effectively again. It’s attainable if we are ready to rise above certain mediocre idiosyncrasies associated with the way things were done before.

That certain wrong things were done this or that way before does not make it correct. The most correct phenomenon in this short life of ours given by our creator is change. So one will expect colleagues to adjust to “change” accordingly and appropriately. Before now, the chairmen were over burdened with too many activities even more than they can chew. A press center committee was set up in the last dispensation and one thing led to another the chairperson had to leave her station the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for the University of Maiduguri. The rest is history because much was not gotten from them as dividends. As a matter of fact, there has not been any strong press Centre committee activity in the executives I have witnessed from comrades Kakami, Baba Shek, Talba and even till date.
This is why an active press centre committee is needed to give members dividends of democracy. We cannot continue to do things the same old way gentlemen. This is why we must be in a hurry to fix our own now so our chairman Dauda Ilya can have time to carry out his duties as a reporter since he obviously did not ask for a “leave of absence” for him to do his job effectively.

Time to inaugurate relevant committees

Its time for the various committees to roll in and start work. It’s a deal we signed verbally during our campaigns that we will bring everyone on board to proffer solutions to our acts as comrades in the press Centre. As a result, over burdening the chairman and his executives unnecessarily with petty assignments like fixing bulbs that should be handled by the secretary of such a committee, will not give them ample room to think about what next which the chair should be involved in using his capacity and willpower to think along side his executives following after his campaign promises for his colleagues.

Press centre committee

One of such a vital committee in my mind’s eye is the “press centre committee”. It is not right for the chairman of the union to be the one to rush to the office of Yola electricity at Monday market for instance to fix our electricity supplies whenever it is cut. His duty if he visits the office of the regional manager is to seek partnership to benefit members and nothing more. There are so many resources out there for us to harvest and that is what we expect the chairman and his team to go after because we cannot continue to rely only on the government all the time.
Paying electricity bills is the function of the press Centre committee. They should off course do this in conjunction with the secretary who is the head of the secretariat, fixer of the nuts and bolts and keeper of all files and documents belonging to the union. It is the press center committee that will be generating desired funds and remitting same to the treasurer. The advantage of this is that too much of familiarity has been created between the exco members and the shop owners, the committee would not show them how whitish or brownish their teeth are. They should have a complete statistics of the rent payers and how much is generated. The committee system had existed in all the articles of constitutions I have seen and read from Sani Zoro’s Era to the present Era. Borno is backwards because they rely too much on the exco system other than allowing the committee to do the dirty job and cleaning the stable for them after if mistakes are made.

Ethics committee

If a colleague runs foul of our constitution, the ethics committee should be there to handle it. As a matter of fact, I understand the names of members of this committee have been penciled but we don’t know what is causing the delay in their inauguration because such committees are not driven by gratis or honorarium. As a matter of fact, this committee is supposed to be extremely independent because they owe their allegiances mostly to the letters of the constitution so that they are not found to be below board or siding with any side of a conflict which will obviously jeopardize the result they will turn over to the council. Members of this committee must also be knowledgeable about the constitutional way things are done at the national level so they don’t fall into the weakness of na so we de do am. If a colleague decides to drink heavy alcohol and disgrace the profession in a public place by doing wrong things, it’s this committee that will handle such a petition from the public and make recommendations to congress. The ethics committee are advocators always dressing well and living above board. They cannot be found in a beer parlor guzzling alcohol at “artillery” till midnight because that will deem their status in the eyes of ordinary colleagues who still behave sheepishly in this part of the country.

Welfare committee

When a member is assaulted physically or battered by an irate crowd in a bid to carry out his or her constitutional duty, the welfare committee chair and his or her people should be at the spot to douse the tension. It is they who should be the first set of people to visit that member before intimating the chair and exco about the state of affairs of the wounded or slain colleagues. At the end of the day if congress is to be alerted by a press release of what really happened, it is them that would write such a release in conjunction with the secretary which would be signed by the chairman. There is a need for the treasurer to be a natural member of the welfare committee because of her crucial roles concerning payments of hospital bills or sourcing for funds to bury a colleague in case such a Comrade male or female has paid the Supreme sacrifice.

Nobody knows tomorrow, especially the outcome of the insurgency we are battling with. That makes Borno peculiar and such a committee “must” exist to carry out that role. Committees are not meant to make members of exco jobless so to speak but they will be doing their natural duties we elected them from alongside the new roles given to them as committee chairmen. The two ex official members are also natural members that should be shared among such committees. We don’t expect the ethics committee to be completed without the only serving lawyer in the executive Comrade Abdulsalam. That would help a lot when we have challenges related with the public where our colleagues are involved deeply. The case of N14 million land sale is purely an ethical issue and they should have been in the fore front for the ethics committee instead of the exco directly which can bring bad blood. Therefore who ever thinks this is not necessary needs to search each or her brain to understand the peculiarities of Borno. The capacity of the chair of this team is vital and fundamental. He or she cannot be thinking inside the box and hope to succeed. Far from it.

Needed attraction of members to the center through more food and drinks outlets.

So many challenges need to be fixed to move the Press Centre from where we met it to where it should be by the time the Chairman Dauda Ilya led executives will finish their first term in office. And one of those is the provision of steady electricity supplies beyond the national grid. And to do this, solar panels have been one of the options on our campaign plan B which I believe many of us will be excited about. It must be done quickly before the heat season heads for its peak. As a matter of fact, this is the only reason why colleagues will become regular visitors to the main hall or any study corner to relax or work as expected. The chairman of this 5,6 or 7 men committee from the 7 chapels does not need to ask a kobo from congress to work after a take off grant. The greatest support they need is capacity to do the job and not been spoon fed with honorarium from congress. Any one who doesn’t know how to think outside the box should not be allowed to be a member of the press Centre committee as if it’s job for the boys because we worked for the victory of the current exco.

Job for the boys syndrome is the most disgusting thing to keep in your mindset if you want to work for everyone say in the area of security. You must think outside the box and get solar panels to boast electricity in the place.
The Yola electricity is obviously the plan A and we must do whatever we can to make a plan B happen. We must look for a digital meter for instance which I learnt from the zonal manager will be installed free of charge. We must also extricate our power consumption from that of the shop owners outside the building. They must get their meters too. These are some of the duties of the committee which must be stamped.

It’s up to the exco to work on the plan on ground to have a permanent shopping complex that will outlive all of us. The plan is already on ground as created by chairman Baba Shek and his exco, so we don’t need to look further for a plan. All we need is to start saving towards building our shopping complex.

More food outlet is another plan and the earlier we do something about good quality food the better. Not excessive maggi from indomie noodles. If you want to know why people don’t go there regularly it’s because of the lack of “variety” of food. It’s really dumb and insulting for anyone to sit down in his corner and assume that we already have enough food outlets. Other press Centres have up to 20 or 30 food outlets which has turned their Centres to variety point for civil and the military society to patronize them. This is the only way we can have competition. The essence for increasing the food outlets is to bring the standard and quality we are being served by creating competition. Even when the Nawojians take over, they must be given competitions so that they do not drop their guards and start taking us for granted. That is how business is run. You don’t piety people in businesses. You take proactive steps to safeguard the future. Good food is beyond painting the buildings and putting Ac. It goes beyond maggi poisoning that we relish now as food. How can we be productive if we don’t have good food? And who says it’s only in your home you should get good food devoid of all these poisons we eat?
Create a variety for food and watch the difference in the crowd flow from members to non members.

Partner with Hebron and other food vendors people visit in town and the pool of customers at our backyard in the UN hub who leave us to Hebron and Co will begin to stop by and we will begin to see the fruits of our turnaround. If you want the coolest drinks in town the best partner to look for is “today’s” and you will be glad we did. Gentlemen it’s time for us to think outside the box so that our exco do not begin to loose capacity steam thinking of how to please us besides their primary duties in their various media houses. I agree that some colleagues are mere lame ducks without capacity to back their certifications but most are loaded with ideas but are inhibited because nobody will listen to the right thing.

As for our dear pepper soup varieties, we are yet to get it right not to talk of snacks. Life at the press Centre is not just about beer drinking. It’s a variety of good food and clean people with clean brand new toilets at the beck and call of our visitors from outside. Think about this gentlemen as we prepare for the first press week organized by the Dauda Ilya led council of Borno State.

Let me use this opportunity to sympathize with many of our colleagues who have friends and relatives who lost out in the Monday market tragedy. May God console them even as the government and stake holders plan to bring them back to their feet. Amen.

Nuj Borno council, post election thoughts, functional committees of progress and the need to hurry up

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Opinions

My Public Servant Journey

Published

2 weeks ago

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October 22, 2025

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My Public Servant Journey

By Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji-Abba

Every journey begins with a single step, and mine into public service began on 22nd October 1990, when I took up an appointment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). At that time, I was a young man—full of ambition and determination—eager to contribute my quota to the growth of my community and my country. What I did not realize then was that this path would not only shape my career, but also mold my character, values, and outlook on life.

The Early Days

The early days were not easy. I started from the basics—handling routine administrative tasks, learning the intricacies of record-keeping, and adapting to the demanding environment of public service. It was a period that taught me patience, discipline, and humility. I quickly learned that in public service, dedication and accountability are not optional—they are the very foundation upon which trust is built.
I recall working long hours to ensure that essential records were accurate and supplies were properly managed. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was crucial. Hospitals rely heavily on efficiency behind the scenes. Every file I handled and every item I documented could impact the quality of care delivered to patients in need.

As the years passed, I rose through the ranks. Promotions came not just as recognition, but as greater calls to commitment. Moving into supervisory and later managerial roles meant I was no longer responsible only for myself, but also for the performance and welfare of others.

Becoming Head of Department (Stores) was a defining milestone in my journey. I was entrusted with ensuring the availability and proper management of critical medical supplies. This role demanded a careful balance—ensuring accountability, minimizing wastage, and making decisions guided by both policy and ethics. It was during this phase that I fully grasped the weight of stewardship. Public service is about managing resources as if they were your own—because in truth, they belong to the people.

No journey is without its trials. The public sector in UMTH is not without its share of bureaucratic bottlenecks, resource constraints, and slow-moving systems. There were moments of frustration—delayed approvals, limited resources, or a lack of recognition.
But I learned to see these challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. They built in me a sense of resilience, resourcefulness, and purpose. Most importantly, they reminded me that true service is not about personal comfort, but about the collective good.

Looking back, I carry with me timeless lessons that have guided every stage of my career:

  • Integrity is priceless. In public service, honesty and transparency are the strongest currencies.
  • Service is sacrifice. It means putting the needs of others above personal convenience.
  • Leadership is responsibility. Being in charge is not about authority, but about accountability and inspiration.
  • Impact is not always visible. The value of one’s work lies in the quiet difference it makes in people’s lives, even when unrecognized.

Now, with 35 years of service behind me, I see this journey as more than just a career—it has been a life of service. A life defined by quiet but meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery, administrative efficiency, and community impact.
It is indeed a remarkable coincidence that on this very date, 22nd October 1990, I began my career in the service of UMTH—and today, 22nd October 2025, I formally retire. Exactly thirty-five (35) years of committed and honorable service.
This symbolic alignment of dates signifies not only the completion of a full circle but also a journey of unwavering dedication, growth, and fulfillment. I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) for His guidance and protection throughout this journey, and for granting me the grace to retire peacefully and honorably.

I am honored and fulfilled by the efforts I made and the contributions I offered—even in the face of challenges. My heartfelt prayers go to those still in service: May Allah (SWT) grant you wisdom, ease, and peace to complete your own journey with honor.
To the Management of UMTH, I offer this parting counsel:

  • Treat every member of staff with justice, fairness, and dignity.
  • Appointments and promotions should be based on merit and seniority—not favoritism, influence, or eye service.
  • Keep your promises and let honesty and transparency guide your decisions.
  • Let every staff member feel valued and motivated, and let patients feel the true presence of government through ethical, heartfelt service. Revive the ethical conduct and professionalism that once defined UMTH—a place where patients receive the best care and staff are proud to serve.

In Conclusion

Public service gave me a sense of purpose, pride, and legacy. Service does not end with retirement—it is a lifelong calling. And if I were to begin all over again, I would still choose this noble path.
Because in serving others, we find the truest meaning of life. Thank you.

Comrade Abubakar a distinguished and Meritorious Retiree of the UMTH lives in Maiduguri. He is an Administrative Veteran with Accomplished and legendary Pace setting records.

My Public Servant Journey

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Opinions

AND WE WILL WIN!

Published

3 months ago

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August 13, 2025

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AND WE WILL WIN!

By: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader and Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution, celebrates his 99th birthday today, in the prime of his life.

I write this in the present tense because that’s how I feel and because that’s how the celebration is unfolding for the beginning of a symbolic year for Cuba and for all those around the world who recognize the significance of his revolutionary leadership.

I’m speaking of the centennial or the eternity of a man who remains alive in time, even when the physical, the material, turned to ashes almost a decade ago and he left it clear that he didn’t want statues or monuments in his memory.

What not even he could decree was the impossible, that is, his oblivion. And there he remains, alive and present as only the eternal is. Because that destiny, as history has proven so many times, is not decided by anyone, only by the enduring power of the ideas of those who have guided hundreds, thousands, millions of human beings to achieve their dreams of emancipation and justice.

Fidel is eternal, not by his own choice or by those of us who try to follow in his footsteps and continue his immense work of social justice. He achieved that status by interpreting, synthesizing, and making his own the magnificent accumulation of Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean, and universal pro-independence, anti-colonial, anti-imperialist, and Marxist ideals that preceded him, placing himself at the forefront for all time.

In his intense public speeches or in his long private conversations, he displayed a total command of that infinite wealth of knowledge, dazzling the most diverse audiences from the first word to the last. But what has truly immortalized him is everything he said that he transformed, every action turned into work.

In these markedly Fidel-inspired days, when each of us displays, in books, videos, traditional media, or social media, the Fidel who accompanies us, we are taking credit for that eternity, to our own heartfelt emotion and that of others who feel the same. Or to the hateful denial of those who cannot bear the dazzling vitality of his ideas.

In my case, as you might imagine, Fidel is not just present. He is a constant: a guide and a challenge. An example and a source of sleeplessness.

I feel he remains at the forefront, as in the Sierra or at Girón. Every time threats grow, when necessity compels, when the blockade seems to close all exits, the question arises spontaneously: What would Fidel do?

The good fortune of having known him, of having seen him act, and of having received his guidance many times, makes the answers easier: they are in the people, in their infinite reserves of dignity and talent. And in the indispensable unity of all revolutionary forces around Martí’s ideal of achieving all justice.

He was supported by those certainties that we understand science and innovation as a pillar of government management. And with the talent, the solid material foundation he created, and the audacity of the country’s men and women of science and thought, which he shaped for the future that is now present, we faced and defeated the pandemic and continue to strive to overcome even seemingly insurmountable obstacles like the blockade and our internal inefficiencies.

In Fidel’s history, from his student years to his undeniable presence today, there is an infinite number of lessons, and they all coincide on one point: he never allowed himself to be defeated by circumstances. Even the greatest blows from his adversary only served to elevate his stature as a leader to a higher level.

Examining each of his battles, one can see the deep motivations that this leader, born from his very core, always awakened in this courageous people, turning setbacks into victory. Then we understand the full meaning of the farewell Che Guevara dedicated exclusively to him before leaving for other lands of the world, which the Cuban people made an irrevocable goal: Until victory, always. Never forgetting the Homeland or Death that makes it possible. Nor the optimism in a word: We will win!

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
Cuban President, wrote this article on the 99th Posthumous Birthday of Former Cuban President Fidel Castro.

AND WE WILL WIN!

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Opinions

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Published

4 months ago

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July 19, 2025

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VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplified exceptional leadership stewardship in managing the burial process of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before the burial, Shettima played a pivotal role in expediting the repatriation of Buhari’s remains from the United Kingdom by waiving the standard five-day protocol, enabling their return within 24 hours. This swift action reflected his diplomatic acumen and coordination with international bodies, including the Nigerian High Commission in London. 

During the funeral proceedings, Shettima led a high-profile delegation alongside President Bola Tinubu to Daura, Katsina State, where they conducted a solemn and respectful ceremony. The inclusion of military honors and adherence to Islamic burial rites underscored his commitment to honoring Buhari’s legacy with dignity and reverence. 

After the burial, Vice President Shettima continued to embody stewardship by ensuring that Buhari’s final wishes for a modest ceremony were fulfilled. His leadership throughout the entire process not only facilitated national unity but also demonstrated respect for cultural and personal values associated with state funerals. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s execution of assignments as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplifies a rare form of loyalty that underscores the essence of servant leadership. His unwavering commitment to the president’s vision and collective national welfare highlights his prioritization of service over personal ambition, a hallmark trait of true servant leaders. By maintaining unity within the administration and acting as both mentor and strategist, Shettima demonstrates responsibility and dedication that transcend conventional political roles. This steadfastness not only consolidates the administration’s objectives but also fosters trust among stakeholders.

Shettima’s ability to remain composed amid provocations reveals a deep-seated character marked by resilience and selflessness. Such conduct frustrates detractors while reinforcing his credibility as a leader who serves with humility and loyalty. Ultimately, the vice president’s approach reflects an exemplary model of servant leadership in contemporary governance, where loyalty is intertwined with accountability and genuine concern for the collective good.

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The participation of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the burial process of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura represents a significant moment of humility and solidarity among Nigeria’s elite. By actively engaging in lowering the remains into the grave, Shettima transcended traditional boundaries often observed by individuals of high status, demonstrating profound respect and unity during a solemn occasion. Such involvement is rare, as prominent figures typically maintain a distance from physically participating in burial rites. However, Shettima’s actions inspired others present to similarly set aside their social ranks and partake collectively in honoring the departed leader.

This event underscores the potential for societal leaders to model empathy and communal values during times of loss. The collective effort at Daura not only paid homage to the former president but also sent a powerful message about national cohesion and shared humanity. It challenges conventional norms regarding status and ritual participation, encouraging greater inclusivity in public mourning practices. Consequently, Shettima’s example may foster broader cultural shifts toward unity across socio-political divides.

At the third day prayers, Vice President Kashim Shettima assumed a distinctly fatherly role that transcended mere political protocol. His engagement with sympathizers was marked by genuine empathy and approachable warmth, fostering a sense of communal solidarity during a period of profound grief. This compassionate demeanor not only comforted attendees but also reinforced social cohesion among mourners who sought solace in shared remembrance.

The Vice President’s interaction with the bereaved family was characterized by carefully chosen words of encouragement and rare personal reflections. These moments provided emotional sustenance and helped to bridge individual sorrow with collective resilience. His address functioned as more than a formal eulogy; it became a sermonic message imbued with wisdom and hope, intended to guide the family through their ongoing journey of mourning.

This paternal engagement by the vice president at such a solemn occasion underscores the vital role of empathetic leadership in times of national loss. The enduring impact of his words is likely to resonate within the family for years to come, serving as both a source of comfort and an ethical compass amid adversity.

Indeed, Vice President Kashim Shettima stands as one of the most exemplary figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His leadership is marked by a profound commitment to humanity and an unwavering reverence for ethical governance, qualities that have distinguished him from many of his predecessors. Shettima’s approach reflects a blend of empathy and accountability, fostering trust between the government and the populace. This humane leadership style has been instrumental in addressing socio-political challenges with sensitivity and pragmatism.

Shettima’s governance is deeply rooted in moral principles, often guided by the fear of God, which underpins his decision-making processes. This spiritual foundation enhances his credibility and integrity as a leader who prioritizes national interest over personal gain. Consequently, his tenure will be recorded in history as one characterized by sincere dedication to Nigeria’s progress and stability. Through his exemplary conduct, Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplifies what it means to lead with both compassion and conviction within Nigeria’s democratic experience. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

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