Oyo abduction: Speaker Abbas calls for timely rescue, precise operation
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for “careful, clinical, and timely” rescue of the kidnapped students and teachers of three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
While the Speaker noted the immediate on-the-spot assessment by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the deployment of forces for the rescue operation, he called for “speed and precision” in the rescue mission.
Speaker Abbas, who strongly condemned the attack on the schools, said the safety of the abductees must be prioritised while the kidnappers should not escape unpunished by the law.
Gunmen had last weekend attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where they abducted scores of teachers and students.
Governor Seyi Makinde said seven students were kidnapped from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were abducted from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, adding that one person was killed during the attack.
The bandits later gruesomely killed one of the victims, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
Speaker Abbas said it is more unfortunate that schools are being attacked at a time when the country is struggling to enroll its massive out-of-school children population.
While noting that educational institutions should be one of the safest places, the Speaker called for concerted efforts to protect schools and other facilities with vulnerable populations.
Speaker Abbas expressed his empathy to the families of the victims while praying to God for their successful rescue.
2027: Speaker Abbas returned as APC candidate for Zaria Federal Constituency unopposed
…My best days as representative ahead —Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, on Saturday, was returned as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Zaria Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections unopposed.
The Speaker was returned through an affirmation by the APC registered members in the 13 electoral wards of Zaria Federal Constituency. The 13 electoral wards are Kwarbai A, Kwarbai B, Limancin-Kona, Unguwar Fatika, Unguwar Juma, Dutsen Abba, Gyallesu, Kufena, Dambo, Wuchichiri, Tudun Wada, Tukur-Tukur, and Kaura.
This is even as the Speaker announced that he would continue to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him by his constituents, saying he will never disappoint them, noting, “My best days as your representative are ahead.”
The exercise, which took place at the 13 electoral wards simultaneously, began at about 10 a.m. on Saturday. Thousands of APC members at the federal constituency trooped to the various offices of the party at the electoral wards for the exercise.
At the Kwarbai B APC office, which is the Speaker’s ward, the exercise was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. According to Nafiu Sabo, APC secretary at the ward, Kwarbai B has over 10,000 registered members, but only 220 were cleared to vote.
The Kwarbai B Ward exercise was conducted by Malam Iliyasu Muhammad Balarabe, who is the APC returning officer for the ward, with Speaker Abbas present.
Before calling for affirmation, Malam Balarabe informed the gathering that, based on the document handed to him by the national leadership of APC, there was only one aspirant who purchased a form and cleared for the Zaria Federal Constituency.
When he called for affirmation, all the cleared APC members for Kwarbai B affirmed that Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is returned as the party’s candidate for the federal constituency. The exercise followed a similar pattern at the remaining 12 electoral wards of the federal constituency.
At the collation centre for the Zaria Federal Constituency, the APC Returning Officer for the Zaria Federal Constituency for the party’s primary elections into the House of Reps, Dr. Hamisu Ibrahim Kubau, announced a total of 1,376 APC members across the 13 wards affirmed Speaker Abbas as the party’s flagbearer.
He said, “There are 13 wards in Zaria Federal Constituency, and there is only one person who bought a form, screened, and cleared. He is Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen. To fulfill all the requirements, we went to all the wards and conducted affirmation. INEC officials and party officials are here. The exercise was conducted peacefully.
“Thousands of party faithful gathered, but we only counted 1,376. I hereby announce Dr. Abbas Tajudeen as the APC flagbearer for Zaria Federal Constituency. I, Dr. Hamisu Ibrahim, hereby certify that the information contained in this document is correct. Congratulations!” he said.
The chairman of the APC House of Reps primary elections in Kaduna State, Senator Yakubu Oseni, in a goodwill message said, based on the outcome of the primary, Speaker Abbas is loved by his people. He described the Speaker as a leader with listening ears. He expressed optimism that Speaker Abbas would easily win at the general elections.
The breakdown of the results from the 13 wards is as follows: Kwarbai A, 97; Kwarbai B, 220; Unguwar Juma, 98; Limancin-Kona, 97; Kaura, 95; Tudun Wada, 96; Gyallesu, 95; Unguwar Fatika, 92; Tukur-Tukur, 97; Dambo, 98; Wuchichiri, 97; Dutsen Abba, 100, and Kufena, 94. He gave the total as 1,376.
The exercise was monitored/observed by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Meanwhile, speaking shortly after being declared the winner unopposed, Speaker Abbas thanked the APC members in Zaria Federal Constituency for affirming him as the party’s candidate.
He said he would ensure that the people of the constituency get the best representation, calling on them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; Governor Uba Sani and all the candidates of APC during the 2027 general elections.
Speaker Abbas seeks stricter measures against human trafficking to Italy
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for better collaborations with Italy and stricter measures against human trafficking to the European country.
Speaker Abbas said though Italy remains one of the biggest hosts of Nigerians in the European Union (EU), it is also a major destination for traffickers and their victims.
The Speaker made the plea during a courtesy visit by the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, on at his office.
He said: “On the issue of migration, which you have just mentioned, bearing that Nigeria has 137,000 migrants residing in your country, is something worthy of note.
“I also want to bring up one thorny issue that the governments of Italy and Nigeria have been addressing over the years, and that is the issue of human trafficking, particularly women. Italy remains one of the major destinations for trafficking over the last 30 years.
“I hope and sincerely believe that under your leadership here, Nigeria and Italy will continue to push and push until we eradicate this very serious menace. It is something that is a big stigma to our country, and I am sure it is the same thing with the government of Italy,” the Speaker said.
Speaker Abbas equally called for stronger ties with Italy, especially on health, education, and energy, among others. He also noted that one of the initiatives under his leadership of the House is parliamentary friendship groups with 78 countries in the world, including Italy.
“There are so many wonderful things happening in the area of economy between Nigeria and Italy,” he said.
The Speaker also made reference to the Nigeria-Italy Binational Commission proposed by Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry to facilitate bilateral relations on security and economy between the countries.
While stating that “Nigeria is blessed with abundance of manpower,” the Speaker called for favourable immigration policies that allow legal pathways for skilled workers in Nigeria.
He said: “Your country (Italy) is one of the most important countries to Nigeria. Our history, our journey, politically, has been a very long one. For us, we grew up to know several Italian companies especially big players in the construction industry. So, Italy is a household name in Nigeria, and I want to emphatically say that we in the House are very appreciative of the very wonderful relationship between Nigeria and Italy.
“I’m also happy to hear, for the first time, that Nigeria has one of the largest immigrants – the third – in the EU, which is a record. It goes to show the accommodating nature of the Italian people to Africans.”
Addressing the Speaker earlier, Ambassador Mengoni noted that he was posted to Nigeria in October 2025, saying the visit was part of his duty to meet with leaders and critical stakeholders un Nigeria.
The Ambassador noted that the Italian Embassy is “taking care of and developing more and more relationships with Nigeria” especially political, economic and cultural ties “as much as we can.”
While the Italian Ambassador emphasised commercial and social relations between Italy and Nigeria, he called for more exchanges between African and European countries.
Ambassador Mengoni recalled that President Tinubu was in Rome for an international conference on counter-terrorism, noting that the countries “share common interests,” adding that, “We hope to see more visits in the near future.”
He stressed that Italy and Nigeria can share ideas on democracy and rule of law, noting, “There are many things that can be done.”
Speaker Abbas seeks stronger diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for stronger diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially educational exchange programmes.
Speaker Abbas, while hosting the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, in Abuja on Tuesday, said diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia date back to 1961, describing it as “extremely, very historic.”
The Speaker specifically called for scholarship offers to Nigerians through their representatives at the National Assembly, noting that members are direct representatives of their constituents.
He pointed out that opportunities should also go to Nigerians through the parliament, which has direct contacts with Nigerians at the grassroots.
He said, “I also want to commend your country for supporting a lot of Nigerians on education in particular. So many of our accomplished clerics and scholars in Nigeria can attribute their foundation and success educationally to the scholarships that Saudi Arabia has been giving to our students over the past 40 years; just the way the Algerian Government has also kick-started a pioneering initiative of looking at the Nigerian Parliament as a distinct opportunity for collaboration, as against the Executive arm alone.”
The Speaker recalled being in Algeria about six months ago, where it was agreed that scholarships offered to Nigeria by Algeria would go to both the Executive and the Legislative arms of the government.
He said, “We are happy to inform you that through that particular understanding, over 200 scholarship slots are under the process of being given to the Nigerian Parliament to also support their (members’) people at the grassroots.
“So, we hope in the coming years or months of your being here in Nigeria, you will initiate the same kind of initiative, where support for education—scholarships—will not just be purely done at the level of the Ministry of External Affairs but also at the parliamentary level, which is a separate arm of the government that is more representative of the people.”
Speaker Abbas draws a comparison between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, noting that the African country has a large Muslim population while the Arabian country is the Islamic capital of the world. He also noted that both countries are oil producers while they are leaders and regional powerhouses in their respective continents.
Speaker Abbas added: “So, I believe that cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will make what I usually call a win-win for the two countries. It will be a mutually beneficial relationship that will benefit Saudi Arabia as well as Nigeria. Push for Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to have more economic, political, and social opportunities that will impact our two countries.”
He said, “Our people have been relating with Saudi Arabia for over 800 years. That is why today, you find a lot of Nigerian-Saudis who were born and brought up—maybe two to five generations—by Nigerians living there. And most of them only know that they are from Nigeria, but they don’t even know which part of Nigeria or state they come from because of the distance—the long years of being part of Saudi society.”
He added, “So, we are really very happy with the way the Saudi Arabian Government has been accommodating Nigerians over the past centuries, particularly with the creation of our diplomatic relationship from as far back as 1961. Saudi remains one of the key countries in the world that Nigeria cherishes and is very supportive of, and it will continue to see bilateral relationships taking place because we have so many things in common.”
Earlier, Ambassador Al-Balawi said the visit to Speaker Abbas was to know “what we can do together,” noting that Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have had bilateral relationships for deveral decades. He therefore called for more engagements between both countries.
Ambassador Al-Balawi assured that he was ready to do everything diplomatically right within his power to enhance the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
…thanks President Tinubu, Gov. Sani, as APC leaders hail lawmaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, on Saturday launched his fifth-term bid at a grand declaration ceremony attended by a mammoth crowd of constituents.
Speaker Abbas, who joined the House in 2011, used the occasion to list the many democratic dividends his representation has attracted to the Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.
A mammoth crowd welcomed the Speaker at the Mallawa Eid Ground, Zaria. Earlier, at about 2:30.pm, over 15,000 supporters and loyalists of the Speaker embarked on a solidarity walk from the Emir’s Palace, Zaria through the Babban Dodo, Lemu, Kofar Doka, Tudun Wada axis before arriving at the Mallawa Eid Ground at about 4:30.pm.
“These are not theories. These are visible projects. These are measurable results, the Speaker stated, adding that the constituency projects have empowered the constituents and changed the lives of his people.
“Today, I formally declare my intention to seek another mandate to represent the good people of Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. This declaration is not based on promises alone. It is based on work. It is based on results. It is based on a record that our people can see and verify.
“When you first entrusted me with this responsibility, I made a commitment that representation would not be distant from the people. I said leadership must produce visible outcomes. I said public office must improve lives. And together, we have worked to fulfill that promise,” he said.
Before becoming Speaker of the House, the Zaria representative stated that he remained “one of the most active lawmakers in the country,” as he sponsored 74 bills, out of which 21 were signed into law. “These were not efforts designed for publicity. They were aimed at solving problems and strengthening governance,” he said.
The Speaker, at the declaration ceremony held at the Mallawa Eid Ground along New Jos Road in Zaria, reeled out several impactful and developmental constituency projects attracted to Zaria, noting that legislation alone is not enough “if people do not feel the impact of representation in their daily lives.”
He stated that this is why his representation of Zaria at the House brought development closer to the people.
Speaker Abbas said, “We supported farmers with tractors, fertilisers, and agricultural equipment because we understand the importance of agriculture to our economy and to the survival of our families.
“We supported transport operators, party structures, community leaders, youth groups, and small business owners with tricycles and motorcycles to improve livelihoods, strengthen mobility, and create opportunities.
“We expanded these interventions on a larger scale by distributing 117 vehicles, 200 tricycles, and 1,000 motorcycles across communities, support groups, religious leaders, polling unit structures, and grassroots stakeholders.”
The Speaker added that “when our people needed direct economic support, we acted.”He recalled that 2,400 beneficiaries received direct financial support to strengthen their businesses and support their families, while 800 trained beneficiaries received N250,000 each, with 1,600 small business owners receiving N100,000 each.
“That is practical representation. That is the kind of leadership our people deserve,” Speaker Abbas stated.
On education, the Speaker said deliberate steps were taken “because we understand that the future of Zaria depends on the strength of our schools and institutions.”
Consequently, he facilitated the establishment of the Education City project in Zaria, a development valued at about N80 billion. “This is not an ordinary project. It is an investment in the future of our children and the future of Northern Nigeria,” he stated.
In addition, he supported about 30,000 students through a scholarship programme valued at N5 billion. He pointed out that this support for many families created “opportunities that would otherwise have remained beyond reach.”
Furthermore, Speaker Abbas cited cases of rehabilitated schools, support for the establishment of additional educational institutions, and expansion of educational access “because we believe education remains the strongest path to progress.”
The Speaker also spoke about healthcare, saying, “We worked to improve access for ordinary people across our constituency and beyond.” He noted that primary healthcare centres (PHCs) were facilitated across communities “so that families can receive medical attention closer to home.”
He said, “Just last week, we commissioned the newly completed 100-bed Specialist Hospital, facilitated through our constituency intervention efforts, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is in addition to broader investments we have continued to support in healthcare infrastructure to improve access, strengthen service delivery, and raise the quality of care available to our people.”
On infrastructure, Speaker Abbas said his representation of Zaria connected communities through roads, bridges, and rural access projects because development must reach every part of our constituency. Communities that were previously neglected are now linked to economic and social opportunities.
Speaker Abbas recalled that with his constituents’ support and the confidence of his colleagues across Nigeria, he was elected Speaker of the 10th House with 353 votes, making it “one of the strongest mandates in the history of the House.” He stressed that the responsibility demanded hard work, discipline, and leadership, “and we immediately went to work.”
Within less than two years, Speaker Abbas said the House introduced and considered more than 2,000 bills, with more than 180 bills passed and over 50 already signed into law. “That is not routine performance. That is a legislature working with purpose and direction,” he declared.
The speaker said, “On security, we strengthened the legal framework to support our security agencies. On education, we expanded access through the student loan system. On the economy, we processed major reform legislation aimed at stabilising the country and improving long-term growth. Through oversight, the House recovered billions of naira on behalf of the Nigerian people.
“We also opened the House to citizens. We engaged young people. We expanded participation for women. We strengthened public engagement because democracy must remain connected to the people.”
He added: “My dear people, when I stand before you today, I stand before you with a record. A record of service. A record of performance. A record of commitment. A record that speaks for itself. Zaria Federal Constituency cannot afford to slow down. This constituency deserves experienced leadership. It deserves strong representation. It deserves continuity. It deserves a voice that understands governance, understands development, and understands how to attract opportunities for our people.
“This is not the time for uncertainty. This is not the time for experiments. This is the time to consolidate the progress we have made together.
“Our youth need more opportunities. Our traders need stronger support. Our farmers need improved security and infrastructure. Our schools need continued investment. Our communities need sustained development. And I remain fully committed to that mission.
“I am ready to continue this work. I am ready to deepen the progress we have made. I am ready to continue representing you with dignity, focus, and results. This campaign is not about one individual. It is about the future of Zaria Federal Constituency. It is about ensuring that our people remain connected to opportunities at the national level. It is about strengthening the voice of our constituency within the leadership of Nigeria.
“So, today, I ask for your continued support. I ask for your prayers. I ask for your trust once again. Let us continue this journey together. Let us continue building a constituency that reflects the strength, the history, and the potential of our people.”
While describing Saturday in Zaria Federal Constituency as “an important day in our political journey,” Speaker Abbas said he stands before the people “with gratitude, with confidence, and with a clear sense of purpose.” He added, “I stand before you once again to renew my commitment to serve our people.”
The Speaker thanked His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for “the courage and determination he continues to demonstrate in leading Nigeria through difficult but necessary reforms.” He noted that, “Leadership is not always about easy decisions. Sometimes it requires sacrifice, patience, and the courage to take responsibility for the future. President Tinubu has shown that courage.”
Speaker Abbas appreciates His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, “for the steady work he is doing to promote peace, expand development, and stabilise Kaduna State.”
He also thanked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ward to the national level, while extending his thanksgiving to traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, women, youth, professionals, traders, artisans, farmers, students, and supporters across every ward and community in Zaria and Sabon Gari.
“Your support has remained the foundation of this movement,” the Speaker said. This is just as several stakeholders in the APC in Kaduna, who attended the event, hailed Speaker Abbas for his leadership and qualitative representation of Zaria at the House.
Speaker Abbas greets Deputy Speaker Kalu on birthday
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has felicitated the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D., CFR, on his birthday, describing him as a dear colleague, partner, brother, friend, and dependable ally.
Speaker Abbas, who said it has been a wonderful experience working with Rt. Hon. Kalu, said they share a common passion, mission, and vision for the House, and noted that their “partnership in leadership” has bettered not only the legislative institutions but also the people and the government of the country.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker noted that Kalu’s leadership is inspired by his brilliance, hard work, and patriotism.
“The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been my dependable ally and reliable partner in service to our nation, as presiding officers of the 10th House. He makes our job of overseeing 358 other members who are representing over 200 million Nigerians easier. We have worked closely, in love, unity of purpose, and patriotism to Nigeria for the common good of the people.”
Speaker Abbas wishes Dr. Kalu longevity, sound health, divine wisdom, and the grace to excel in his future ambitions.
Democracy: Unconstitutional govt changes require direct, measured response—Speaker Abbas
…urges ECOWAS Parliament to replicate House’s parliamentary friendship groups
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has stated that the world is closely watching democracy in West Africa, noting that unconstitutional change of government in the sub-region should cause a direct and measured response.
He stated that evidence has shown that people of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are opposed to military rule.
Speaker Abbas said this in his address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament (Sixth Legislature) in Abuja on Monday.
The Speaker pointed out that the session brought together parliamentary leaders and representatives from across the sub-region “at a time when the choices before us are both consequential and immediate.”
He said, “Across West Africa, democratic systems are under close examination. The concern is no longer limited to the conduct of elections. It extends to the broader question of whether democratic governance is producing outcomes that citizens can recognise and trust. In several countries within the sub-region, voter participation has declined, and public confidence in institutions has weakened.
“At the same time, we have witnessed a number of unconstitutional changes of government, each of which signals underlying institutional stress. These developments require a direct and measured response. The issue is not whether democracy remains the preferred system of governance. Evidence across the region continues to show that citizens reject military rule.
Speaker Abbas emphasised that “electoral legitimacy must be matched by governance outcomes.” He stressed that security, economic stability, and fairness in public administration “are no longer aspirational goals; they are the basis on which citizens evaluate the state’s credibility. Where these are absent, the space for disruption expands.”
Within this context, the Speaker noted that the role of the ECOWAS Parliament becomes increasingly important, adding that it must function not only as a deliberative body, but as a platform for aligning democratic practice with the expectations of citizens across member states.
He said, “It is important to acknowledge that this question of relevance is not new. Over the years, there have been sustained efforts within the community to strengthen the mandate of the Parliament, including proposals to move it from an advisory body towards one with enhanced legislative authority, greater oversight capacity, and a more direct role in regional decision-making.”
Speaker Abbas emphasised that strengthening the powers, relevance, and operational capacity of the institution is not a procedural ambition but a strategic necessity for regional stability.
“A more empowered Parliament would enhance accountability within the Community, deepen citizen representation at the regional level, and provide a stronger democratic anchor in times of stress,” he stated
While opining that national parliaments are central to this effort, the Speaker said they are the institutions through which laws are made, executive action is scrutinised, and public resources are allocated. He added that their effectiveness determines, in practical terms, how citizens experience governance.
He stated, “Where parliaments are active and responsive, democratic systems are strengthened. Where they are passive, institutional balance is weakened.”
In Nigeria, the Speaker explained that the National Assembly has sought to respond to these responsibilities with a clearer sense of purpose. “Under my leadership, the House of Representatives has prioritised legislative productivity, oversight discipline, and public engagement,” he said.
Speaker Abbas added that mechanisms have been introduced to expand transparency and access, while legislative interventions have been aligned with national priorities in areas such as economic reform, security, and social protection.
He said, “A specific area of focus has been the strengthening of Parliamentary Friendship Groups. These platforms facilitate structured engagement with legislatures in other countries, enabling the exchange of experiences, coordination of positions, and the development of shared approaches to common challenges. Their impact is already visible in improved legislative cooperation and dialogue.
“I wish to make a strong case for institutionalising similar mechanisms across the sub-region to complement the work of the ECOWAS Parliament and reinforce inter-parliamentary collaboration.”
The Speaker had created parliamentary friendship groups for over 40 countries as part of his legislative diplomacy on issues of mutual interest and benefit between Nigeria and other countries.
At the regional level, Speaker Abbas noted that ECOWAS has established frameworks to support these objectives. “The focus now must be on implementation,” he stated, adding that early warning mechanisms, peer review processes, and technical support for member states should be strengthened to ensure that democratic standards are upheld consistently.
The Speaker declared that three priorities follow, including that democratic systems must deliver measurable outcomes, political leadership must uphold accountability, and regional cooperation must translate agreements into sustained action.
Speaker Abbas congratulates First Lady on Nupe traditional title
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the traditional title, Soniyako Nupe, bestowed on her by the Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar.
Speaker Abbas described the title as an honour well deserved by Mrs. Tinubu due to her philanthropy and motherly care for women and children across the country.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker described the First Lady as a woman whose influence goes far beyond being the wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He noted that Mrs. Tinubu has carved a niche for herself as a political, religious, traditional, and woman leader.
Speaker Abbas noted that Senator Remi Tinubu has been so honoured by traditional institutions across the country, signifying her recognition across borders.
While congratulating the First Lady, the Speaker wished her more years of service to God and humanity.
Speaker Abbas commissions 100-bed Renewed Hope Hospital in Zaria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, on Saturday commissioned a 100-bed Renewed Hope Specialist Hospital at his Zaria Federal Constituency.
The 100-bed specialist hospital, located at the Dumbin Rauga community under the Dutsen Abba Ward, was facilitated by the Speaker under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) office.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said Speaker Abbas was joined by the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, at the commissioning.
Speaking at the well-attended event, Speaker Abbas said, the facility “is a clear response to a real need, noting that for many years, families in the area and across Kaduna State have had to travel long distances to access specialised medical care.
“That situation has placed pressure on households and delayed treatment in many cases. What we are opening today changes that. It brings care closer to people and improves access in a direct and practical way,” he said.
He added that, “This project also holds personal significance. It reflects engagements with communities across this constituency, where the need for improved healthcare facilities has been consistently raised. Based on those engagements, we pursued this intervention and secured the necessary support at the federal level.”
Speaker Abbas acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in making the project a reality through his commitment to targeted investments that respond to real needs. He also commended the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs for ensuring timely delivery.
He said Zaria is a strategic location for such a facility, noting that it serves not only the city but also a wide network of communities across Kaduna State and the North West.
“This hospital will reduce referrals, ease congestion at other centres, and provide a stronger foundation for healthcare delivery in the state and the region.
“Across the North West, population growth has increased demand for services, particularly in healthcare. In many cases, existing facilities have struggled to keep up. This hospital adds capacity and improves the situation. It is one step in a broader effort to strengthen healthcare systems across the country.
“At the national level, the House of Representatives has focused on ensuring that public spending delivers visible results. We have strengthened oversight to ensure projects are completed and put to use. It is not enough to approve funds. The outcome must be clear to the public. This facility is an example of what that approach should produce.”
However, the Speaker noted, the work does not end with commissioning, saying, “A hospital becomes valuable when it functions well over time. It must be properly staffed, its equipment maintained, and its services reliable. I urge those who will manage this facility to ensure that it meets these expectations every day.”
The Speaker encouraged collaboration between the hospital on one hand and the local authorities and community organisations on the other hand.
He added that, “This project fully aligns with the broader direction of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises improving healthcare, expanding access, and strengthening systems. What we see here is one part of that wider effort.
“As we approach another electoral cycle, our choice should be guided by evidence, not promises. This hospital is evidence. It shows what can be delivered when leadership is focused and consistent. Progress of this kind does not happen by accident. It requires time, coordination, and steady direction. When policies continue, projects are completed, strengthened, and expanded. When that continuity is broken, momentum is lost, and results are delayed.
“At the federal level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set a clear direction built on reform and delivery. In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has worked in alignment with that direction. This cooperation is already producing results, as we can see here today.
“For that reason, I call for clear and firm support for the All Progressives Congress. The APC provides the platform through which these policies are implemented and sustained. Supporting the party is supporting continuity, stability, and the expansion of projects like this across the country.
“Looking ahead, there is more to be done. More communities need access to quality healthcare. More facilities need improvement. More services need to reach the people. These goals are achievable, but they require consistent leadership and policy.
“The choice, therefore, is straightforward. To consolidate what has been achieved, to protect the progress already made, and to extend it to more communities, there must be continuity at both the federal and state levels under the leadership of the APC. That is the path to a more stable and improved future for our people.”
In a remark, Governor Uba Sani lauded the Speaker for attracting the project to Zaria. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the project and many others executed in Kaduna State and the North West.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the project was among the many Speaker Abbas attracted to Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, and the nation as a whole.
“We thank you for all your efforts, Mr. Speaker,” she said, adding that the hospital is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment to attend to thousands of patients.
The entire facility was transferred to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) for management.
Speaker Abbas felicitates Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo on birthday
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has extended his felicitations to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as he celebrates his birthday on May 1.
Speaker Abbas, in a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described Tunji-Ojo as “one of the stars that the House has sold to the Federal Executive Council.”
The Speaker noted Tunji-Ojo’s excellent service to Nigeria as a member of the House, and how the former lawmaker has shone even brighter as a minister and member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.
While highlighting the reforms that Tunji-Ojo has caused in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and other agencies under the ministry, Speaker Abbas said the interior minister’s performance has boosted the image of the country globally.
The Speaker said Tunji-Ojo remains a good ambassador of the legislature in the executive arm of the government, adding that the House is proud of him.
Speaker Abbas wishes Minister Tunji-Ojo longevity and the grace to carry on with his service to the country.
