My Binoculars: A tribute to a former Controller of customs Borno state Joshua Angbalaga

By: Sam Kayode

Indeed Angbalaga was a reporter’s delight. Firm yet welcoming. His demise is a sudden blow to some of us who have basked in his warmth and detribalized nature. He was of a different make from the generality of uniformed personnel some of us are used to, sharp witty with a strong ability to interface from one generation to another. He was a trained sociologist from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he graduated in 1984. Taught for sometime at the FCT which gave him the unique ability to understand his generation and all the ones after his.

His training as a customs official since 1988 had taken him to many States including the commercial capital of Nigeria Lagos and many other cities. Controller Joshua Angbalaga was easy going and kept an open door for most of us journalists who came into contact with him through exclusive interviews. He was open minded and was ready to tolerate most of our young colleagues who sometimes displayed slight intolerance for uniforms at news conferences because of the insurgents lurking around.

In Controller Joshua Angbalaga buried today in lafia nasarawa state, I have a personal loss of a man who was an exemplary news maker. He was a public figure who had immense knowledge about the weaknesses and strengths of the gentlemen of the pen. He was a good representative of his controller General. He understood the body languages of most of our intolerant younger colleagues and gave his subordinates in the office then a standing directive that any time any of us comes to see him, we must not be kept waiting unnecessarily if he is free. He was far different from previous controllers who had come and treated reporters like condemned criminals who should never be allowed to come close to the controllers office upstairs.

Some of them in sister agencies especially the ones in the immigration service gave standing orders that journalists should be turned away from the gate as if we were insurgents. This was because some of them were never financially transparent as we learnt from their boys so we understood why they were so vehement at stopping journalists from conducting their constitutional activities. A lot of Angbalaga’s paramilitary colleagues marveled at his dexterity with the gentlemen of the fourth estate.

Our paths met in April 2017 when he reported to Maiduguri as controller and Borno/Yobe area Commander of the Nigerian customs. That was three years after I reported in Maiduguri as correspondent of the nation newspaper.
From then on we continued to work together with him and his entire management team in making expected progresses within the war theatre.
We had several news conferences with him especially on how he had been able to make tremendous progress in turning things around in spite of the insurgency which was at its peak by then. Angbalaga was a rare news maker in uniform because of his belief that none of his officers were too rotten to resist reforms. They were all in sync with his policies to make the state better than he met it. When it was time to go, he left maiduguri on transfer to Abuja where he later retired in 2020. He was involved in stopping a lot of contrabands including hard drugs which is the main fuel keeping insurgents at alert.

On retirement, we kept our communication intact and friendly. Oga Angbalaga was a very studious officer who had already prepared himself for leadership roles by completing his master in public administration in 2000. Feeling a bit bored and not tired in retirement, he went back to school for his PhD program in University of Abuja. He told me recently that he was close to finishing his course work and was kicking to go to the next challenge as God directs. We bantered on the phone while I wondered if he was going back to teaching but he laughed and asked for Gods will to be done. We had a one hour call last year with an invitation to me to visit him during the last yuletide 2024. So with a promise that I would be in lafia to see him for the yuletide, we rounded the call. But due to certain conditions not under my control, that was the last time we would talk as friends. I missed the trip due to I’ll health. Controller Angbalaga is no more as the Lord wills. He has answered the solemn call of nature which sends all mortals back to their creator regardless of age, status, character, race or creed. Death has shown that it’s a leveler of all mankind and my friend oga Angbalaga as I used to call him lived a forthright life before bowing to immortality. May the Lord console his friends at Mount St Gabriel Makurdi, St John Bosco Doma, the entire family of the Nigerian customs service, immediate family and the entire eggon nation where the Lord used him to touch several souls before his passage.
Have a nice sleep oga Angbalaga. From Biodun as you used to call me.

My Binoculars: A tribute to a former Controller of customs Borno state Joshua Angbalaga

Senator Kaka Shehu: When Lawyers in Borno Honor Their Own

By: Dr. James Bwala

In the realm of legal professionalism, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan emerges as a quintessential example of excellence and recognition within Borno State’s legal community. I felt obligated to state that his recent elevation and the subsequent acknowledgment by his peers underscore the significance of professional merit and dedicated service. And I believed the legal fraternity in Borno state has demonstrated a commendable tradition of honoring individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment to jurisprudence and public service.

Senator Shehu’s trajectory, from being a state commissioner and attorney general to a distinguished senator, represents a remarkable narrative of professional advancement. Adding to his cap is the appointment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which is not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the rigorous standards maintained by the legal profession. This recognition reflects the intellectual rigor and ethical standards that characterize legal practitioners in the region.

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The celebration of Senator Kaka Shehu by his colleagues in Borno state symbolizes a broader institutional culture that values professional excellence, mentorship, and collective recognition. It reinforces the critical role of lawyers in shaping societal governance and maintaining judicial integrity. Such acknowledgments inspire younger legal professionals and contribute to the ongoing development of Nigeria’s legal landscape. 

This culture of recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a sense of unity and purpose among legal professionals. This collective acknowledgment of Senator Shehu’s accomplishments serves as an inspiring model for legal communities across Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent and upholding the principles of justice and equity. Such celebrations highlight the profound impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on their communities. 

Also, this acknowledgment not only underscores the individual accomplishments of Senator Shehu but also sets a precedent for honoring legal excellence within the broader Nigerian context. The honoring of Senator Shehu is a reminder that the legal community in Borno is committed to recognizing and uplifting those who embody the values of dedication, service, and excellence. This acknowledgment is particularly significant in a region where the challenges faced by the legal community are as diverse as they are complex. 

In recognizing Senator Shehu, the legal community in Borno not only celebrates his exemplary achievements but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering a robust legal system that can effectively address these challenges. Moreover, it exemplifies how the acknowledgment of legal excellence can serve as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging others to strive for similar heights in their professional endeavors. Such recognition serves not only as a testament to Senator Shehu’s distinguished career but also as an inspiration for emerging legal practitioners to emulate his dedication and integrity. 

It is through such celebrations of legal prowess and ethical standards that the profession continues to thrive. Furthermore, the celebration of Senator Shehu’s contributions underscores the importance of leadership rooted in a deep understanding of legal frameworks and community needs. This event not only highlights his individual achievements but also reinforces the role of legal professionals as pillars of societal development, aligning with the broader vision for progress in Borno and beyond. 

The recognition of Senator Shehu as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further cements his status as an exemplary figure in the legal community. His journey from serving as Borno State’s Commissioner and Attorney General to becoming a distinguished senator underscores his unwavering dedication to public service and legal excellence. His recent appointment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further solidifies his status as a legal luminary, inspiring both seasoned practitioners and aspiring lawyers in the region. 

Putting his influence in the political arena and in the red chamber, he has extended his feathers beyond the legal field, as he actively engages in initiatives that promote educational advancement and social justice within the community and his constituency. His commitment to fostering legal education and mentorship initiatives resonates profoundly within Borno’s legal circles, and his unwavering efforts to give back to his community and constituents are evident in his support for educational initiatives that aim to empower the next generation of leaders. His leadership journey is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on their communities, inspiring a renewed commitment to justice and equity. 

His legacy, marked by a relentless pursuit of justice and equality, continues to inspire a culture of integrity and resilience among the legal fraternity in Borno State and beyond. His remarkable achievements serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication and integrity in shaping a more just society. 

As lawyers in Borno gather to honor one of their own, Senator Kaka Shehu’s achievements serve not only as a celebration of his individual success but also as a catalyst for inspiring collective advancement within the legal fraternity. His exemplary career path and dedication to public service underscore the vital role that legal professionals play in driving societal progress and upholding the rule of law. His recognition as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further solidifies his standing as a distinguished figure in the legal community, reinforcing the importance of dedication and ethical practice in achieving professional excellence.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Senator Kaka Shehu: When Lawyers in Borno Honor Their Own

Kashim Shettima: The oratorical voice of the North

By: Dr. James Bwala

We have witnessed the rise of many influential figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, but few have captivated audiences quite like the vice president, Kashim Shettima. With a commanding presence and eloquent speech, Shettima has consistently used his oratorical skills to bridge divides and foster dialogue across the diverse cultural spectrum of the nation.

The VPs speeches, which are frequently laced with historical context and cultural references, strike a chord with listeners from all walks of life, making him a unifying figure in an age of disintegration. His ability to construct narratives that represent both the hopes and hardships of the northern area has not only increased his visibility but also drawn attention to the particular concerns confronting this section of Nigeria.

Through his words, Shettima has become a beacon of hope, advocating for progress and unity while addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges that affect the northern communities. In doing so, he has not only elevated the discourse surrounding regional development but also inspired a new generation of leaders to engage in meaningful and transformative dialogue. 

His talks frequently go beyond hyperbole, acting as a catalyst for genuine change and motivating parties to work together. Shettima has outlined a strategy for harnessing the potential of the North while encouraging diversity and resilience by continuously emphasizing the importance of education, infrastructure, and economic development. Recognizing the power of words to motivate and organize, Shettima has skillfully used his platform to advocate for joint endeavors across ethnic and religious lines. In this way, his oratorical skills have not only bridged gaps but also built a sense of common purpose and identity among Nigeria’s different peoples.

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Shettima’s ability to articulate the region’s needs and promise has established him as a key voice in national conversations. Shettima’s ability to weave cultural history into modern goals has cemented his position as a transformative leader who values both tradition and innovation.

By weaving together narratives of historical significance with forward-thinking strategies, he has effectively positioned himself as a conduit for both preserving the rich cultural legacy of the North and propelling it towards a future marked by growth and unity. His speeches resonate deeply, not only because of their content but also due to the genuine passion and commitment that underpin every word he utters. This passionate delivery not only captivates his audience but also instills a sense of urgency and possibility, urging listeners to envision and work towards a brighter future for the region.

Through this dynamic blend of rhetoric and resolve, Shettima has emerged as a beacon of hope, inspiring both leaders and citizens to actively participate in the region’s development. His eloquence serves as a powerful tool, bridging the gap between diverse communities and fostering a shared vision of progress and harmony. In this way, Shettima’s oratorical prowess transcends mere political discourse, becoming a catalyst for tangible change and collective empowerment. His speeches, therefore, are not just moments of inspiration but are instrumental in mobilizing efforts towards sustainable growth and unity across the Northern states. 

While addressing current concerns with clarity and conviction, Kashim Shettima effectively rallies support for measures aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure. His ability to combine classic ideals with current concerns connects with a wide range of audiences. His speeches frequently emphasize the value of unity and collaboration, pushing communities to work together toward a common vision of progress and prosperity.

Whenever he speaks, his eloquence not only captivates listeners but also motivates actionable change, instilling a sense of shared duty among disparate groups. As he goes onto the podium, his presence compels attention, crafting a story that speaks to both young and old. His statements echo many people’s ambitions, describing a Northern Nigeria that values inclusivity and creativity.

Through his articulate advocacy, Shettima not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also lays a foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience. His commitment to bridging divides and nurturing a spirit of cooperation is evident in his consistent efforts to engage with stakeholders from all walks of life, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the journey towards a brighter future. His speeches transcend mere rhetoric, becoming a catalyst for tangible transformation as they inspire individuals to take ownership of their roles in society’s advancement. With a keen understanding of the historical and cultural nuances of his audience,

The vice president often crafts messages that are both relatable and motivating. He skillfully incorporates traditional proverbs and local dialects, creating a profound connection with his listeners and reinforcing the authenticity of his message. His ability to seamlessly blend modern ideas with cultural heritage not only strengthens his appeal but also reinforces the importance of preserving identity amidst change. 

In doing so, the VP emerges as a unifying figure, bridging the gap between past traditions and future aspirations while fostering a sense of shared purpose across diverse communities.

In an era where divisive narratives often dominate public discourse, Shettima’s oratory stands out as a beacon of hope and unity. His words resonate deeply, igniting a collective sense of responsibility and inspiring action towards common goals.

The VP’s persuasiveness, therefore, not only captivates but also empowers listeners, encouraging them to overcome personal biases and collaborate for the larger good. Shettima’s talks not only address current challenges but also impart a vision of inclusion and progress based on mutual respect and understanding.

He emphasizes the power of dialogue and collaboration, advocating for solutions that honor diverse perspectives while forging a cohesive path forward. By fostering an environment where diverse voices are not only heard but valued, Shettima paves the way for a more harmonious and progressive society. With each address, he challenges conventional thinking and encourages a reevaluation of societal norms, urging his audience to embrace change while holding steadfast to the values that define their communities.

* Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Kashim Shettima: The oratorical voice of the North