News

VP Shettima charges journalists on courage to serve as conscience of the nation

Published

9 months ago

January 19, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima charges journalists on courage to serve as conscience of the nation

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored media professionals in Nigeria to be more focused on objectively speaking truth to power rather than antagonising the government.

Drawing the distinction between antagonism and speaking truth to power, he also urged members of the fourth estate of the realm to, as a matter of necessity, always strive to strike a balance between their allegiance to self and to truth.

Senator Shettima who gave the charge on Saturday during the Public Presentation of the Book, “Persona Non Grata,” authored by a seasoned journalist, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, said the goal must hinge on serving a greater good and a deserving humanity.

“What must be spelt out is that there is a distinction between antagonising a government and speaking truth to power. The latter is driven by a noble principle to serve a greater good and a deserving humanity.

“The former, on the other hand, is usually a self-serving exercise that fades into futility, and that is not the end we should aspire to achieve with the information and ideas we labour to acquire and process in our line of work,” he stated.

Taking a leaf from “The Republic,” a Socratic dialogue, written by the Greek Philosopher, Plato, the Vice President pointed out that to really build a nation that can best be described as an ideal state, the intellectual class, especially the journalists, must be allowed to be the nation’s conscience.

Categorically, the VP told the journalists that apart from speaking truth to power, the nation also needs them, as media professionals, to serve as the country’s conscience.

He continued: “No political leader, however sincere their intentions, can excel beyond the scale of the knowledge at their disposal, and this is particularly telling in our political space.

“While we need an army of courageous media professionals to speak the truth to power, we also need them to serve as the conscience of the political institutions and individuals who influence the evolution of society, including the questions of our collective survival.”

VP Shettima however observed that the real courage required to serve as the conscience of the nation “lies in resisting compromise in one’s pursuit of truth.

“True courage is being able to tell the truth even in a congress of critics and bullies. The rush to partake in a smear campaign, even in the face of superior facts, is, of course, not an act of courage. This distinction sets courage apart from cowardice. It takes rare integrity to recognise the difference between the two “Cs”, he added.

Urging both leaders and media practitioners, as well as other well-meaning citizens to “aspire to learn where and when to draw the line between courage and cowardice,” the Vice President described the author of the book, Mr. Omipidan, as a journalist who “has shown that, in reporting the ups and downs of his nation, true allegiance isn’t to oneself, but to one’s society.

“This awakening has defined his kind—the realisation of what one truly aspires to accomplish in advocating for a nation that functions, a nation that cares, and a nation that’s accountable. You cannot solve a crime objectively by investigating the cause away from the crime scene,” he said.

Describing the book, “Persona Non Grata”, as “a declaration of the price of adhering to noble principles even in the face of corrupting temptation,” VP Shettima pointed out that the book is not “a record of the journey to being cancelled for telling uncomfortable truths.”

He recommended Omipidan’s book to both practising and aspiring journalists, as well as any professional seeking “to find a balance between their allegiance to self and to truth” as a cautionary tale that “will inspire sobering reflections even within Nigeria’s media ecosystem.

“The man on whose invitation we gather here today must not go down in our history as either a persona non grata or a provocateur. He has been an essential pillar of our interactions as a nation and has helped determine the direction our society is headed. Each of us, therefore, must not fail in the performance of our duty to fill this moral vacuum,” he further stated.

In his welcome remarks, the Chief Host of the book launch, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, thanked Vice President Shettima “for taking time out of his demanding schedule to attend the book launch.

He said the book is a compilation of the vast experiences of the author, his work in the private and public sectors.

According to him, the book speaks volumes about the author’s strength of character, resilience and commitment that defines his personal and professional judgement, as well as integrity in journalism.

“The title of the book, “Persona Non Grata,” states his curiosity and rightly so. As I delve into the pages it became apparently clear that he put his mind and soul into his work. It is not just a professional memoir, it is a profound commentary of the complexities of power and unforeseen forces that shape public perception,” Oyetola stated.

On his part, the book reviewer, and the Editor of Saturday Tribune, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, said Omipidan’s book has 31 short chapters with the foreword written by Farouk Gberugi.

He said that he has taken time to read the book from the title page to all the pages that chronicle the author’s early life, and his many experiences.

In his vote of thanks, the author of the book, Ismail Omipidan, thanked the Vice President for honouring his invitation.

He recalled the first time he discussed with him ten years ago about writing a book, and the VP told him: “You have not seen anything yet; what are you writing about?”

Omipidan said he accepted to work with Oyetola when he was the Governor of Osun State because he is a man of honesty and integrity.

Among others who made brief remarks about the author were the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, who recalled Omipidan’s days as a journalist in Borno State where he enjoyed the protection of the Vice President, and former President of the Guild of Editors, Funke Egbemode, who recounted her experience with him as a colleague in the newsroom at the Sun newspaper.

VP Shettima charges journalists on courage to serve as conscience of the nation

Crime

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

Published

21 minutes ago

October 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, who passed away while receiving medical treatment in Lagos.

The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m., when the officer reportedly died at the Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, during a medical session for fibroid treatment.

Following the report, a delegation from the Command visited the hospital to confirm the development and make necessary arrangements.

“The corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for preservation and autopsy,”sources said.

The Command said arrangements were underway, in collaboration with the late officer’s family, to accord her a befitting burial.

CSP Ngbanoyen was described as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.

The Command expressed condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends over the tragic loss.

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

News

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

Published

6 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama

Hamza Ibrahim Idris, a bereaved husband in Maiduguri, Borno, has paid a touching tribute to his late wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was allegedly murdered by suspected phone snatchers.

In a heartfelt message titled “Ga Masoyiyata Nurse Hadiza Musa”, the widower expressed deep sorrow over the death of his wife, describing her as a virtuous woman, devoted mother, and compassionate health worker who dedicated her life to saving others.

“It’s been three days since my heart has burned with the pain of losing my wife, my life partner, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was killed in cold blood by those who snatched her phone,” he wrote.

“She was not just a wife she was my confidant, the mother of my three children, and the other half of my soul. We lived in love, understanding and mutual support, building dreams and hoping to grow old together. But now, that dream has been shattered,” he said.

The grieving husband described Hadiza as a woman of faith, humility and kindness who always put others first.

“As a nurse, she devoted her life to saving others with a smile and compassion. Yet, the life she saved was taken unjustly she died in faith and martyrdom,” he added.

He recounted the pain of their children’s repeated questions: “Daddy, where is Mommy?” a reminder, he said, of the irreplaceable void left by her death.

“Each time I hear those words, tears flow. In their faces, I see hers a woman of truth, love, and belief,” he said.

Offering prayers, he said: “Oh Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive her shortcomings, elevate her rank, grant her Aljanna Firdaus, bless her children, and give me strength and patience.”

He added that though Hadiza was gone, her love remained in his heart and prayers, expressing hope of reuniting with her in the hereafter “where there will be no pain, no tears, and no separation.”

“May Allah forgive and have mercy on my beloved wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa. May her grave be a garden of paradise. May He grant me patience and protect our children,” he concluded tearfully.

The incident, which occurred recently in Maiduguri, has sparked outrage among residents who have called for stronger security measures to curb rising cases of phone snatching and violent attacks in the city.

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

News

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

Published

8 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

By: Zagazola Makama

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu’s appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains in the fight against insurgency and strengthen national security.

Before his elevation to the apex position in the Nigerian Army, Gen. Shuaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, where his 14-month tenure was defined by tactical innovation, operational success, and deep civil-military engagement. His leadership transformed the counter-insurgency landscape, restoring relative stability to vast areas once dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Upon assuming command of OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu prioritized operational readiness, launching an extensive refurbishment of key military assets to boost troop morale and combat capability. He spearheaded the repair of vital armoured platforms, including ten VP1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, and six Camel MRAPs, ensuring optimal deployment for the 2024 dry-season operations.

These efforts culminated in the historic deep-clearance operations into Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle in early 2024, which dealt devastating blows to terrorist hideouts, supply chains, and command structures. His coordinated offensive operations neutralized more than 567 terrorists and dismantled several high-value enemy enclaves between February 2024 and March 2025.

Under his leadership, the integration of air and ground components reached new heights. The Nigerian Air Force component executed over 230 sorties and 232 interdiction missions, clocking more than 567 flight hours, while the UAV Command carried out 760 ISR operations totaling 6,674 hours. These precision missions enhanced battlefield awareness, enabling ground troops to conduct over 9,800 patrols, 2,700 ambushes, and 990 clearance operations with high success rates.

Intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 161 terrorist logisticians and the surrender of over 121,000 insurgents and their families — a remarkable milestone that shifted the dynamics of the North-East conflict toward peacebuilding and reintegration.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s counter-insurgency philosophy went beyond the battlefield. He introduced the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) model in February 2024 — an initiative that deepened trust between the military and local communities. This approach paved the way for stabilization operations, including the resettlement of more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa and other restored communities.

He also promoted civil-military cooperation through humanitarian and religious initiatives, including a Qur’anic Recitation Competition aimed at fostering moral resilience and unity among troops and civilians. Three participants were later sponsored for the Hajj pilgrimage — a gesture that reinforced goodwill and trust.

A hallmark of his tenure was the focus on infrastructure and troop welfare. He initiated the renovation and modernization of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Headquarters complex, constructed new escort and drivers’ lounges, refurbished soldiers’ accommodation, and built 30 two-bedroom community-based quarters for military families.

Additionally, the installation of long-range surveillance cameras in Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno enhanced operational intelligence and perimeter monitoring, further strengthening theatre-wide security.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s command period witnessed the elimination of several notorious terrorist leaders, including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal, whose deaths crippled jihadist coordination and recruitment. His effective decapitation strategy was complemented by humanitarian outreach, leading to a steady return of normalcy in major population centres across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

In recognition of these achievements, the North-East Theatre under his command received the Security Watch Africa Award in December 2024 as the Most Outstanding Defence Command in Africa, underscoring the effectiveness of his leadership and innovation in asymmetric warfare.

Now as Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shuaibu is expected to replicate his transformative approach on a national scale. Security analysts and defence watchers believe his deep operational experience and emphasis on community-driven stability will guide the Nigerian Army toward renewed efficiency and professionalism.

His appointment signals continuity, discipline, and modernization — values he consistently championed throughout his command. Stakeholders within defence and civil sectors alike express optimism that his era will usher in strategic reforms to fortify Nigeria’s military capabilities and accelerate victory against insecurity.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s rise from Theatre Commander to Army Chief embodies the success of merit, dedication, and results-oriented leadership, a journey rooted in courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria.

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey