Speaker Abbas mourns Shari’ah Council scribe, Nafiu Baba-Ahmed
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed sadness over the demise of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed.
Malam Baba-Ahmed passed away in the early hours of Tuesday.
Speaker Abbas described the deceased as an elder statesman and a religious leader of repute, noting his critical role in using Islam to propagate peace and unity across Nigeria. He noted the late Baba-Ahmed’s professional career as an economist and academic, from which he garnered immense administrative experience.
The Speaker, in a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, commiserated with the people and the government of Kaduna State, where Malam Baba-Ahmed hailed from.
Speaker Abbas especially condoled with the family and the Muslim Ummah, saying the late Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed’s passing is a huge loss to the Islamic community.
While praying to Allah (SWT) to forgive Malam Baba-Ahmed his mistakes and grant him Jannatul Firdausi, the Speaker noted that the religious leader will be sorely missed.
Speaker Abbas felicitates Emir of Zazzau Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli on 6th anniversary
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, has extended warm felicitations to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, on marking his 6th anniversary on the throne.
The Speaker, who described the Emir of Zazzau as a peacemaker and a symbol of unity, noted that the renowned traditional ruler has demonstrated phenomenal leadership since ascensing the throne six years ago.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker eulogized the Emir of Zazzau for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people.
According to the statement, the Speaker expressed delight that Emir Bamalli has lived up to the expectations of the people of the Zazzau Emirate and beyond, noting that the revered monarch has been diligently following in the footsteps of his forefathers.
“It is with profound joy that I join our people, the entire Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State, and indeed the country as a whole to rejoice with our royal father, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, as he marks six years on the throne.
“Since ascending to the throne of his ancestors, our dear Emir has exemplified peace, unity, progress, growth, and development for his people and beyond. I congratulate the people of Zazzau Emirate on this auspicious occasion, and I thank Allah (SWT) for giving us a leader like His Royal Highness,” the Speaker said.
Speaker, who holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, wished the Emir of Zazzau long life and prosperity as he continues to pilot the affairs of the emirate.
NAF aircraft crash shocking, painful, Speaker Abbas mourns 25 victims
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed shock and grief as an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crashed on Monday, killing the 25 persons on board.
Speaker Abbas described the air mishap as “a big blow to the Armed Forces of Nigeria at a critical time when the country is decimating terrorists, bandits and other criminals within the territory.”
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier on Tuesday confirmed the death of all 25 people—five crew members and 20 passengers—on board a NAF ATR-42 aircraft with registration number NAF 931. The ill-fated aircraft, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, was said to be on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Speaker, in a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, saying it was a huge loss to the President and all citizens of the country.
Speaker Abbas also commiserated with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Service Chiefs, while extending his condolences to the respective families of the victims.
While praying for the repose of the victims’ souls, the Speaker urged men of the Nigerian Armed Forces not to be discouraged by the “setback” but to remain “patriotically committed and undaunted” as they tackle crimes and criminals.
We must check public corruption, make national wealth serve the people—President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has said corruption by government officials must be checked for public wealth to serve all Nigerians and not a privileged few.
The President restated his administration’s commitment to creating and strengthening institutional frameworks that prevent and punish graft and other financial crimes.
President Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the Awka Zonal Directorate Office Complex of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Anambra State on Friday.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, the President said the opening ceremony “represents a critical breakthrough in our war against corruption—a vice justly condemned as the primary obstacle to our economic advancement and national growth.”
He said, “For too long, the greed of unpatriotic officials has drained public coffers, crippling our capacity to mobilize national resources for the public good. We must reverse this trend to ensure our wealth serves every citizen, not a privileged few.”
President Tinubu noted that in the last three years of his administration, “we have strived to reverse this trend by strengthening the anti-corruption frameworks and bolstering the institutional capacity of the anti-corruption agencies to deliver on their mandates.”
He added, “I dare say that the edifice we are about to commission today is a testament to the determination to ensure that the wheel of anti-corruption not only grinds surely, but also touches every section of our society.”
While pointing out that the establishment of the Awka Zonal Directorate marks a strategic milestone for the people of Anambra and Imo states, the President noted that it brings the EFCC into proximity to the region’s key economic engines.
“From the vibrant industrial hubs of Onitsha and Nnewi to the vital oil and gas sectors in Ohaji-Egbema and the rapidly growing tourism industry in Owerri, businesses can now operate with the assurance of ethical oversight and anti-corruption safeguards—both of which are critical to enhancing the ease of doing business.
“Ultimately, this local enforcement mandate ensures that public resources are protected, driving transparent governance and delivering tangible value to ordinary citizens,” he said.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of the EFCC under Mr. Ola Olukoyede “for this laudable initiative,” which he said is “in accord with the Renewed Hope Agenda of my administration.”
He said, “When we came into office three years ago, I highlighted nine major focal areas of my administration, two of which are reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth and promotion of good governance.
“Both objectives would remain a mirage without the requisite institutional support, including a virile justice and accountability framework. The anti-graft agencies complement this agenda, as their focus on accountability and transparency ensures systems integrity and appropriate deployment of resources.
“As a government, we are determined to provide the necessary environment for the fight against corruption to succeed. This edifice is a part of the intentional efforts of my administration in strengthening the capacity of the EFCC.”
While stating that supporting the EFCC is not particularly difficult, the President noted that the agency has consistently demonstrated that the confidence reposed in it is well founded. “Without mincing words, the evidential proof of the EFCC’s success speaks loudly in convictions secured, assets, and property recovered,” he said.
President Tinubu recalled that recently, the EFCC announced that it secured 10,872 convictions and recovered N1.233 trillion; $684,478,457; £373,905.78; and €9,343,803 from October 2023 to July 2026.
“The funds, I understand, were recovered on behalf of the Federal Government, the sub-nationals, corporations, and individuals. However, the import of the data lies in its transformational impact. The portion available to the government adds fiscal value by easing the pressures for revenue mobilisation without necessarily imposing additional tax burden on the citizens,” he said.
Additionally, President Tinubu noted the investment of the proceeds of crime in critical social intervention programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corp (CREDICORP), which ensures more youth are afforded hassle-free tertiary education, while public service employees can now acquire critical assets and pay over a length of time.
He said, “Furthermore, Nigeria’s economic resurgence and improved investment outlook owe much to the Commission’s decisive actions, which culminated in the country’s removal from the FATF Grey List in October 2025.
“The EFCC’s aggressive enforcement operations served as the ultimate proof of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing effectiveness. This achievement has fortified the nation’s financial security and reignited international trust in our economic potential.
“To sustain this momentum, we must commit to strategic investments that strengthen the Commission and allied anti-corruption agencies. Nigeria’s true potential will remain out of reach until we decisively dismantle the architecture of corruption. This transformation begins at the grassroots, through heightened public consciousness and unwavering support for our anti-graft institutions.”
The President called on all Nigerians to “take ownership of this collective crusade,” stressing that restoring transparency, accountability, and due process across all sectors of governance demands the active cooperation of every citizen.”
Birthday: Speaker Abbas sponsors 120 inmates for NECO, NABTEB
…ex-beneficiaries bag distinctions, describes Speaker as ‘foundation builder’
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has sponsored 120 inmates of the Medium Security Correctional Centre Kuje of the Nigerian Correctional Service for the National Examination Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.
The philanthropic gesture by the Speaker, which held at the facility, was part of the activities marking his 61st birthday on Thursday.
This is just as inmates who benefitted from Speaker Abbas’ scholarships last year and scored distinctions in their exams commended him for identifying with them.
A team from the Speaker’s Office, which delivered the message to the inmates through the management of the correctional centre, noted that the ceremony was special to the Speaker, hence the gesture.
“I leave you with three words: Believe. Learn. Rebuild. Believe that your future can be better. Learn everything that can make you a better person. And when the opportunity comes, rebuild your life and make a positive contribution to society,” the speaker’s message noted.
The highlight of the event was the announcement that the Speaker would register 120 inmates for this year’s NABTEB and NECO examinations in continuation of his commitment to ensuring that incarceration does not become a barrier to education, personal development, and the opportunity to build a better future.
“Let this occasion remind us that no human being should be defined only by his worst moment,” his message, delivered by the Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, David Igbe Okponya, read further.
He enjoined the inmates not to see their present circumstance as their final destination, noting that “whatever brought you here is part of your history, but it does not have to define the rest of your life.
“Use your time here wisely. Read, study, learn a trade, acquire a skill, and build your character. When the opportunity comes for you to return to your communities, return prepared to contribute positively to your families and to Nigeria.”
There were also testimonies by previous beneficiaries as well as the cutting of the birthday cake with the inmates.
An inmate simply identified as Adeolu, who benefited from the examination sponsorship last year, said “a big thank you” to the Speaker. He disclosed, “The foundation builder—that is what we call him in here.”
Another former beneficiary simply identified as Chikwendu gave his testimony of how he switched from science to art, sat for the NECO examination sponsored by Speaker Abbas and got seven distinctions.
He partly said, “Last year, you were here to plant a seed. I want you to know that, that seed has germinated. We are indebted to our father, the Right Honourable Speaker.”
The Education Desk Officer, DSC Adikwu Owoicho, in his overview, disclosed that over 2,000 inmates have been registered for various educational programmes in the FCT Command, with those registered in 2025 recording encouraging performance in both NABTEB and NECO examinations.
“The Speaker is taking the lead in the number of NECO and NABTEB registration sponsorships nationwide. The NGOs are doing their best, but the Speaker is taking the lead,” he said.
Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, who represented the Comptroller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, in his welcome address, commended the Speaker complementing the efforts of the NCoS to empower inmates as part of its reformatory efforts.
The CGC described education as a critical pillar of the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration mandate of the Service. He also advocated for employment opportunities for reformed inmates, noting that they have been reformed and are ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.
In his remarks, the representative of the Deputy Controller General in-charge of Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP), SC Igomu Augustine, appreciated the organizers for remembering the inmates and for supporting the Service to make inmates productive and useful upon re-entry into the society, adding that the Speaker is taking the lead in the registration of inmates for NECO examinations across custodial centres.
Birthday: Speaker Abbas celebrates with IDPs, distributes rice, clothes, school items
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, continued his 61st birthday celebration on Thursday with internally displaced persons in Kaduna State.
“As I celebrate my birthday today, I consider it a blessing to share this special moment with you. My prayer is that Almighty God will bring lasting peace to communities affected by displacement, restore livelihoods, reunite families and enable every displaced Nigerian to return home safely and with dignity,” he said.
Speaker Abbas celebrated his birthday with inhabitants of the Mararraban Rido, Barakallahu and Malalin Gabas IDPs’ Camps, where he gave out 600 bags of rice, 300 bags of fertiliser, 100 branded school bags, 1,000 exercise books, 300 shaddah clothing materials, and 300 Ankara wrappers.
The Speaker had earlier on Tuesday sponsored 120 inmates of the Medium Security Correctional Centre Kuje of the Nigerian Correctional Service for the National Examination Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.
On Thursday, Speaker Abbas, who was represented at the celebration with the IDPs in Kaduna by Chairman of Zaria Local Government Area, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, described the gathering as “a modest expression of solidarity,” noting that the assistance being presented is important while the greater message is that “we stand with you, recognise your challenges, and remain committed to supporting your aspirations.”
He said, “For me, this occasion is not simply about celebrating another year of life. It is an opportunity to thank Almighty God and, more importantly, to share this moment with people whose circumstances remind us of the importance of compassion, solidarity, and service to humanity.
“To our brothers and sisters in the IDP community, I want you to know that you are not forgotten. Displacement may take people away from their homes, communities, livelihoods, and familiar surroundings, but it should never take away their dignity, hope, and belief in a better future.”
As Speaker of the House, he said he remains conscious of the responsibility of the government to protect vulnerable citizens and support efforts that promote their welfare, dignity, and eventual return to stable and productive lives.
“I encourage our displaced brothers and sisters to continue to support one another, protect the education and wellbeing of your children, and remain hopeful about the future.
“To the children here today, I especially urge you to take your education seriously. Your present circumstances should never determine the limits of your dreams. Education can open doors and create opportunities for a better future,” Speaker Abbas said.
The exercise was organised by the Office of the Speaker in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. It was supervised by the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Humanitarian Affairs, David Igbe Okponya, and Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Hajia Salamate Iya Pate.
Independence: Nigeria maturing economically, politically—Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has congratulated citizens as Nigeria marks her 61st Independence Anniversary on Thursday, urging them not to lose hope in their country.
Speaker Abbas, in his congratulatory message to Nigerians on the occasion, noted that the country is maturing politically, socially and economically as a nation, adding that democracy now thrives in the most populous black nation.
The Speaker emphasised the role of patriotism, peace, and unity in nation-building, stating that Nigerians must collectively work for the development, growth, and prosperity of the country.
While urging continued prayers and support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Speaker Abbas pointed out that nationhood is beyond politics, political affiliations, and ethno-religious factors.
He, therefore, called for public reorientation towards national rebirth, stressing that Nigerians must love their country and be committed to its advancement.
