ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE - ISSUE 32

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HAJIA

SALAMATU BAIWA

HONOURED

ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR INSIDE

RESOLUTIONS

C e l e b r a t e

RECIPIENTS

I n s p i r e

PROFILES

C h a l l e n g e

CONGRATULATIONS

Alh. Mohammed Audu (Right) Recieving His Late Father’s Certificate Of Induction Into Arise Igala Hall Of Fame

Mr. Daniel Achema (Middle) With His Late Father’s Certificate Of Induction Into Arise Igala Hall Of Fame

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

Native Town Egume, Dekina LG

Interest Display and Declaring the Beauty of Igala land Occupation Graduate/Applicant Favourite Igala Food Oje and Oro Like(s) Sincerity Dislike(s) Insincerity Igala Hero/Heroine Inikpi (Oma Ufedo Ata) and All those who gave themselves away for Igalaland Dream for Igalaland An unbreakable and undivided love, Peace and Unity among the Igala.

OMA UFEDO ATA

Current Residence Abuja

FACE OF INIKPI

Full Name Emaikwu Blessing Ibe

Email address bemaiku@yahoo.com

Arise Igala-Issue 32

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CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME ADDRESS

WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY PROF. SEIDU ONAILO MOHAMMED, DIRECTOR GENERAL, NATIONAL SPACE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ON THE OCCASION OF THE ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS AND LECTURES HELD ON 21ST MAY, 2016 IN LADI KWALI HALL, SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS, ABUJA.

Protocol It is with great pleasure and cultivated sense of responsibility that I stand before you on this auspicious occasion of the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES. What is more thrilling about tonight gathering is the avalanche of the highly placed and respected Igala sons and daughters gathered here. Moment like this is a sustaining reference for the future to be cherished in conviviality.

My greatest joy tonight is hinged on the fact that a critical mass of Igala intellectuals are here, and together we are going to ask ourselves questions and critically examine what the issues are with us as a people. There is no any other time than now to discuss on the strategies of “Growing National Economy Through Community Based Participation, Investment and Development”.

It is apparent that unlike other indigenous groups that have stamped their hegemony over other such groups in Nigeria, we are yet to develop a common consciousness that will strengthen our voice and advance our interests in various capacities. Though we are blessed with people of great successes, youths of unrivalled potentials, and lands of enormous endowments, yet we are relegated to the back seat in the context of national issues of public importance. This is unacceptable and it not a hallmark of the great Igala Kingdom that was known for towering resilience, indomitable spirit, and collective responsibility for national growth and development. At this moment of our history, there is need to harmonize our collective abilities, tap into our enormous skills, and creative minds in order to drive and to reposition Igalaland and our dear Kogi State. This, is a matter that calls for urgency.

There is no more time for blame game rather this is the time to galvanize all the potentials inherent in Igalaland and harmonize them into productive national fortunes. We have the intellectual capacity, we have the material wealth and we are also gifted with people with impeccable characters occupying enviable positions in Kogi State, at the national and on global stage. Never again shall we be found towing afar from behind, this is our chance, and the rejuvenated mindset begins from this hall tonight. We must take our destiny into our hands.

In the quest to reposition our land we seek a vision; in the quest to develop our land we demand a mission; in the quest to preserve our heritage, we must fashion out a common philosophy; and in the quest to sustain our dream, we must set some sterling and achievable goals. It is time we introduce creative leadership, it is time for us to advance innovative governance and sustainable policy driven towards a better and more viable future.

I welcome you to this great gathering. This is a night of decision. I implore everyone to give out his or her best in whatever capacity deem fit.

Thank you and God bless you, Me gbà chakà

PROF. SEIDU ONAILO MOHAMMED 21ST MAY, 2016

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

SPECIAL

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HAJIA

SALAMATU BAIWA

HONOURED

ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR INSIDE

RESOLUTIONS

C E L E B R A T E

RECIPIENTS

I N S P I R E

PROFILES

C H A L L E N G E

GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

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VISION To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people

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MANDATE Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.

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THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE PLACE CALLED YOUR HOME Why We Must Identify With Our Source – Engr. Friday Ojima Michael

HAJIA

SALAMATU BAIWA

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HAJIA

SALAMATU BAIWA

HONOURED

ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR

CONTENTS

REGULARS

Growing Community Economies Through Participation, Creative Social Investment and Alternative Funding Mechanism’s.

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FACE OF INIKPI

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CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

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PUBLISHER’S DESK

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RESOLUTIONS

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RECIPIENT

>

2016 ARISE IGALA AWARDS/ LECTURE PICTURE GALARY

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3 4 8 9 11 21 33

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We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALA are copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Arise Igala-Issue 32

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

THROW BACK

IDAH/AGENEBODE FERRY 1982 PHOTO SOURCE: TIMOTHEE

Something fundamental must have gone wrong in our economic system as a people in view of the giant strides attained in the past when compared to where we are today. What then should we do to get it right and be great again?

Arise!

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

PUBLISHER’S DESK

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

MATTERS ARISING:

IGALA ECONOMIC AND EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE We can get it right.

I have a very strong conviction that the Igala nation can get it right. This confidence was reawaken in me at the 3rd edition of the annual Arise Igala Leadership Awards/ Lectures which was held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, May 21, 2016.

The lead paper presented by Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, the Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Wukari is truly loaded with vital information.

Also, fundamental questions were raised therein that as a people we need to answer them in practical ways.

Also, our Discussants; Arise Igala-Issue 32

Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji, Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku, Prof.

Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir and Rev. Fr. Anthony Attah Agbali did great justice to the topic. We can’t thank them enough. God will keep blessing them for the nation.

Following the robust and very deep deliberations amongst our people and other Nigerians gathered at the event, key points were raised and we at ARISE IGALA Magazine have decided to swing into action taking practical steps towards advancing the lots of the region economically and academically too. Therefore, the need to establish Igala Economic & Education Advancement Initiative

becomes inevitable. Through this platform as inspired by ARISE IGALA Magazine, The Igala Roundtable will be organized periodically to discuss and address critical issues in the land in a bid to tackle challenges, create businesses and opportunities for the people.

So, in line with the 7th item in the communique which is adoption of a structural platform that would encourage a cluster and an all inclusive community awareness and participation, Igala Economic & Education Advancement Initiative is hereby created and it will work hard and smart to achieve set objectives.

Arise!

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RESOLUTIONS

COMMUNIQUE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016 AT THE LADI KWALI HALL, SHERATON HOTEL AND TOWERS, ABUJA. DATED SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 Following a careful, robust and highly cerebral deliberations amongst distinguished Igala sons and Daughters gathered in this hallowed hall, the following thought-out decisions were reached thus forming the backdrop of what would be adopted tonight as a collective document to be referred to as communiquĂŠ; 1. That there is a need to harmonize our collective abilities, tap into our enormous skills, and creative minds in order to drive and to reposition Igalaland and our dear Kogi State.

2. Adopting a template for visionary, innovation and creative leadership in line with a common philosophy 3. That the language of blame, cynicism and hopelessness should be replaced with renewed philosophy of hard work, vigor and harmony 4. A need for a purposeful foresight towards an inherent community and creative economies for Igala land and by extension Nigeria.

5. Adoption of a community based investment to bridge the yawning gaps thus fostering socio economic development.

6.

All indigenous resources to be deployed for an Igala economic fund that would support youths and community initiatives.

7. Adoption of a structural platform that would encourage a cluster and an all inclusive community awareness and participation.

8. Need to eschew clannish shenanigans and religious fault lines as this does no good but promotes division 9. Community association through media interface approach must be devised 10. A rejuvenated and wholistic support for indigenous media efforts like the Arise Igala Magazine

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

COVER STORY

H

ajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, was born into the humble Moslem home of Alhaji and Hajia Abdullahi Ademu in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State on November 12, 1965.

Her quest for education began at the Islamiya Primary & Quranic School, Anyigba from where she proceeded, on merit, to Community Secondary School, Ejule and then to the prestigious Federal Government College Ugwolawo as a part of the pioneering set of graduates.

Salamatu was first admitted to the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, then the Kaduna Polytechnic where she was awarded HND, Upper Credit, in Hotel & Catering Management. Her thirst for higher education also saw her through the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where she earned MBA in

Arise Igala-Issue 32

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COVER STORY Management.

Her professional career began as a Youth Corper at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers where she served with the Training Department and was subsequently deployed to the Front Desk having been absorbed as a full staff on completing her Service. She was later to go back to the Training Department as the Officer in charge of that management function. On this desk, she was privileged to attend well over twenty International Courses in different countries of the world thereby acquiring invaluable exposure to global best practices both in the hospitality industry and in management.

Desiring to experience a balanced career in both the Private and Public Sectors, she joined the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in 2001 as an Assistant General Manager in the Training Department after a keenly contested recruitment exercise conducted by Accenture (former Anderson Consulting). In recognition of her meritorious contributions to the development of that department through pro-activity, ingenuity and selfless dedication, she was recommended for special promotion after two years as an Assistant General Manager to the position of a Deputy General Manager. She was promoted General Manager Training & Manpower Development in 2006 and distinguished herself in this position which she transformed from cost centre into a revenue generating arm of the organisation. It therefore was no surprise that she was 12

promoted Executive Director, Human Resources of FAAN in September 2012. This is her current position.

In addition to her official responsibilities, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa holds other important positions of leadership through which she makes her contributions to the development of humanity.

They include: Outreach Chairperson, Women in Aviation (Nigeria Chapter) Member, Board of Trustees, Women in Logistics & Transport (WILAT) Matron, Murtala Muhammed Airport Schools National Women Leader, Ukomu Igala Organisation President, Igala Female Ambassadors Member, Board of Trustees, Igala Star Club of Nigeria Council Member and Chairman, Programmes Committee, Nigerian Institute of Management NIM (Chartered) Furthermore, HSB is a recipient of a number of awards in recognition of her invaluable contributions to various professional, communal, philanthropic initiatives and development of many other aspects of the Nigerian society.

As a destiny helper and agent of positive social transformation, Hajia Salamatu founded the Salam-B Foundation in 2014 as a cohesive platform for

her numerous philanthropic endeavours which include sponsorship/scholarship for indigent students, especially the girl-child; youth empowerment through skills acquisition and the economic empowerment of women through revolving loans in cooperative societies.

Truly, HSB is a woman of amazing character with exemplary accomplishments and a rare public-spirited individual who is not deterred by the domineering spirit of men. She has in this light, groomed other young women to a more positive default position to understanding the relevance of self-reliance.

Hajia Salamatu B. Umar-Eluma is the proud mother of Mariam Amaka, a First Class Graduate of Software Engineering (who also holds a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Management of Information Technology, MIT); Abdul-Jelil Kelechi, an Undergraduate student of Business Economics and Nuratu Chioma, an Undergraduate student of Business Management.

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa is an inspiration to several young people, especially the girl-children amongst us.

Her life is an eloquent and indisputable testimony to the fact that through hard work, commitment to a life vision, a passion for excellence and the grace of God, humble beginnings can become great endings.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is for these reasons and more, that she is chosen for the 2016 ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR award.

Arise Igala-Issue 32

COVER STORY

hajia Salamatu Baiwa up for her citation at the 2016 edition of ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES. She was honoured as the ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR.

The humble Hajia Salamatu Baiwa being welcomed on stage by Chief Arc. Gabriel Y. Aduku

The ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD being presented to Hajia Salamatu Baiwa

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa received the CERTIFICATE OF CONFIRMATION from Arc. G.Y. Aduku on behalf of ARISE IGALA Magazine

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa address the guests after recieving the prestigious award

Arise Igala-Issue 32

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COVER STORY

L-R; The Rep of Wife of the President, Mrs. Maryam Bindow, wife of Adamawa state Gov., Hajia Salamatu Baiwa, The SSA to wife of the President, Dr. Hajo Sani and Mrs. Judith Ameachi.

L-R; Hon. Hassan Baiwa, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa, Hon. Idoko and a friend, well wisher

HSB admonishing the guests to be committed to the need of their people and the society at large

L-R; HSB with the Vice President, Igala Female Ambassador

Celebrating with HSB

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

COVER STORY

Prof. Seidu Onailo Mohammed (L) and Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji exchanging pleasantries at the event

L-R; Hillary Amodu, KC (HSB’s Son), Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (HSB) and Mrs. Hillary Amodu

L-R: Hillary Amodu, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa and Dr. Moses Abu

Some stylish Igala ladies celebrating with HSB (3rd from left)

L-R; Sheikh Shuabu Sadiq, HSB and Onoja, the Publisher of ARISE IGALA Magazine

HSB responding to the press on the Red Carpet after receiving the award

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LEAD PAPER

Prof. Yakubu Aboki

Ochefu

Guest Speaker

Growing Community Economies Through Participation, Creative Social Investment and Alternative Funding Mechanisms.

Yakubu Aboki Ochefu PhD, FHSN Professor of Economic History and Development Studies, Benue State University and ViceChancellor, Kwararafa University, Wukari.

Introduction The conversation that I will be engaging on today is not an entirely new one. The subject matter of community development is a path well travelled by very many commentators. My intervention today merely calls on us as leaders in our communities to engage in and apply critical thinking to old problems. In the last 20 years such radical and what is often referred to as “disruptive thinking processes “ have created societytransforming institutions in ways that the ordinary mind would not have envisaged. Powered by opportunities created by information and communication technologies, new ways of doing old businesses have emerged and created commercial behemoths like AirBnB for accommodation services, Uber for commercial transportation and Amazon and Alibaba for commerce. It has also allowed us to commercialize previously

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expensive technologies such as solar power for grid and off grid applications, biotechnologies and digital imaging and mapping.

My presentation today will be in two parts. I will first of all elaborate on the key conceptual issues inherent in community economies, creative economies and impact investing. The second part of the presentation will be a personal story of how a resource challenged community made an investment in higher education and is attempting to “crowd fund” the expansion of the institution. I will conclude by presenting this distinguished audience a set of posers as trajectories that they can follow in the quest to develop our communities Community Economies, Creative Economics, Social Investment and Crowd Funding.

Community Economic Development is a community-

centered process that attempts to balance social and economic development to foster the economic, social, ecological and cultural well-being of communities. It encourages using local resources in a way that enhances economic opportunities while improving social conditions in a sustainable way. Community economic development is an alternative to conventional economic development in the sense that its overarching objective is the focus on specific problems facing communities such as unemployment, poverty, environmental degradation and loss of community control that are addressed in a holistic and participatory way.

In conceptualizing communities, Community economic development does not distinguish along spatial lines such as urban or rural but between specific communities that share common boundaries,

Arise Igala-Issue 32

LEAD PAPER histories and problems.

The phrase creative economy refers to a set of interlocking industry sectors that focus on creating unique property, content or design that previously did not exist. Creative economy is the ideas business; it asks to turn ideas into products. According to John Howkins –author of the famous work “The Creative Economy: How people make money from ideas” the creative economy was worth about 2. 2 trillion USD$ in January 2000 and is growing at 5% a year. Projected to 2020 at the current growth rate of 5%, the forecast for the industry is $ 6.1 trillion. Originality, innovation, inventiveness, imagination, artistic ability are the basic building blocks on which the creative economy rests. Creative industries typically include industries that focus on: creating and exploiting intellectual property products such as music, books, film and games; or providing business-to-business creative services including advertising, public relations and direct marketing. A number of ground rules for success in a creative economy is to hh Think SMART hh Think Alternative hh Think 3D hh Think Efficiency hh Think Innovation hh Think Virtual The Nigerian home video industry popularity referred to as Nollywood is one of the best illustrations of a creative industry where the market value grew from a few million naira in 1992 to a 250 billion naira power house by 2013.

A social enterprise is any organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well being such as maximizing social impact alongside profits for external shareholders. The critical distinguishing factor of a social

Arise Igala-Issue 32

enterprise is that their social mission is as core to their success as any potential profit. This is usually referred to as a social investment or impact investment.

Social enterprises can be structured as a profit or non-profit.

A multipurpose cooperative, community Investment Company or a foundation/trust fund can operate as a social enterprise.

Social investors typically invest in organizations with a strong social change mission, who generate an income, but are not considered commercially attractive as their ROI is usually between 1 and 5%.

Globally, Social enterprise has a long history. Faith based organisations were amongst the earliest to establish social enterprises in the education and health sectors. Contemporary social enterprises attempt to bridge a gap between purely commercial driven enterprise and those that promote the logic of a social economy by using private capital create a social economy. Data from the United Kingdom estimates suggest that there are approximately 68,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing £24 billion to the UK economy.

Crowd Funding Crowdfunding is alternative financing by which small businesses, corporate organizations and individuals can

raise money from the general public through an online portal called a Crowdfunding Portal.

The theory behind this is that if a large number of people, referred to as the “crowd”, each provide monetary contributions then it is possible to raise substantial sums of money. Thus, Crowdfunding provides an alternative finance model, which is taking grip in Europe, the US and Asia as fast as the platforms can be set up.

There are today some 1000 Crowdfunding portals worldwide supporting a multi-billion pound industry in the UK. Global Crowdfunding experienced accelerated growth in 2014 to reach $16.2 billion in the US. In 2015 the industry raised over $34.4 billion.

The purpose of Crowdfunding is to provide investment opportunities for would be investors and to provide funding for start-ups and individuals to finance or re-finance their businesses. Crowdfunding in the European market has reached a value of EUR 1 billion, this market is made up of various funding models such as consumer lending, debt and equity financing for small and medium sized enterprises and donations for philanthropic causes. Funds raised by way of Crowdfunding ensure that small businesses have the credit to grow their business, which in turn creates jobs and

“

The purpose of Crowdfunding is to provide investment opportunities for would be investors and to provide funding for start-ups and individuals to finance or re-finance their businesses.

Crowdfunding in the European market has reached a value of EUR 1 billion, this market is made up of various funding models such as consumer lending, debt and equity financing for small and medium sized enterprises and donations for philanthropic causes 17

LEAD PAPER stimulates economic growth.

According to Massolution, the leading Crowdfunding data aggregation company, four categories of crowd funding platforms exits. These are equity based crowd funding, lending based crowd funding, rewards and donations based crowd funding.

Community Economic Development Initiatives in Nigeria: A Review Our past and recent histories are replete with efforts at community development by virtually all sections of the country. Common examples of community efforts include: hh Building and maintaining access roads hh Building of markets hh Development of Educational an Health Facilities hh Scholarship Schemes Governments at local, state and federal levels have also sought to drive community economic development initiatives.

We all remember the pet projects of many a first ladies of this country, especially Better Life for Rural Women, the Peoples Bank, Community Banks (now Micro Finance Banks) and Directorate of Food Roads and Rural Infrastructure, (DEFRI).

In more recent times, all state and local governments have invested heavily in community development focusing on education, health and agriculture.

Development partners like UNDP, World Bank, DFID, Bill and Melida Gates Foundation, MTN and TY Danjuma Foundations have also encouraged and supported numerous community development initiatives with various degrees of successes.

However, one of the best success stories of genuine community effort devoid of state or federal interventions in its foundations is the Kwararafa University project.

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Kwararafa University as Community Project In 2000, through the eyes of a community development organization known as the Taraba Community Project, a radical idea was conceptualized. The idea was propelled by the belief that without higher education, the Jukun people of southern Taraba will not be able to compete with the rest of Nigeria and the world in this knowledge driven age.

The TCP entered an MOU with Jubilee Bible College to promote a Wukari Jubilee University and applied to the National Universities Commission for a licence. The drive to promote a University was supported by the Aku-Uka of Wukari who donated his traditional “hunting land” of 114 hectares to serve as a permanent site for University. By the time the National Universities Commission granted the license in 2005, Wukari Jubilee University as it then was, became the first University in Taraba State and the second private University in the whole of the northeast geo-political zone. It also had the distinction of being the first private University to be promoted as community owned against the more popular trend of universities being owned by faith based organisations and/or wealthy benefactors.

In the ten years that the University has been in existence, the quantum of investment that it has attracted is in excess of 3 billion naira and it currently has over 1,000 students from mainly southern Taraba, the neighboring Benue State and 21 other states of the federation. To deepen its ownership structure, the University in 2009 officially changed its name to Kwararafa.

According to the Visitor of the University, the Aku Uka, the change of name was necessary to promote an identity and a heritage of a people who have been fragmented by history

and are now found in 22 states of the Nigerian federation.

Kwararafa is an epitome of community development and a clear demonstration of what can be done if the leadership of any community decides to take their faith into their hands rather than wait for government at all levels or benevolent international donor agencies.

In the bid to raise funds for the development of its permanent site, the University came up with a unique funding arrangement and presented Kwararafa University as a social and impact oriented investment on a “private placement” basis. From the business plan developed by our Financial Advisers, a total of 16 billion naira was proposed to be raised over the 18 months from a possible 200,000 new shareholders paying N10 per share for a proposed 2.2 billion shares. Even if we achieve 25% of our target, we would have raised over 2 billion naira that is a lot money that we could never have raised from donations. The breakdown of our sales are as follows: i.

Total Value of Project: N16,200,000,000 ii. Current Assets as Valued: N755,450,000 iii. Shares Definition @ N10, par Value of N1: 1,620,000,000 Shares Units. iv. Shares Distribution: a) Start Owners (Bulk) 20% =324,000,000 s h a r e s Unit b) Taraba State Government 5% = 81,000,000 c) Southern Taraba Local Government

10% = 162,000,000 d) Taraba Citizens 30% = 486,000,000 e) Kwararafa Family 15% = 243,000,000 f) University Community 5% = 81,000,000 g) Other Nigerians 10% =

Arise Igala-Issue 32

LEAD PAPER 162,000,000 h) Reserve (For expansion & external Interventionist group) 10% = 162,000,000

Total 100% = 1,620,000,000 v. Terms of offer: a. Not more than 1 million units for individuals b. Not less than 500 units for individuals c. Not more than 5million shares for groups (organizations) d. Not less than 1 million units for groups Although the marketing of this arrangement was seriously challenged by communal crisis that Wukari underwent in 2013 and 2014, the model enabled us to experiment with “crowd funding” in Nigeria to see if it is feasible. This model can be applied to any community economic development initiative.

The Water, Energy and Finance Nexus The consensus amongst community development practitioners is that aside from education, the three major challenges that communities face in changing their fortunes is water, power and finance. Water and Energy are fundamental for domestic and industrial use and they cost money. However, if water and energy challenges are resolved within the community, it enables them to free resources for other economic activities.

From harvesting of water, to its transportation, storage and use, a plethora of simple and effective technologies are now available for communities. Many of these like the Barsha Pump and Hippo Roller, reflect the logic of using new ways to solve old problems.

For energy, considerable progress has been made on renewables like solar. Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda have all used micro solar to significantly address energy shortages in the more rural parts

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of their countries. Community investments in off-grid solar plants are becoming common place in many parts of the world. Given the abundance of solar energy in Nigeria, it seems illogical that we are still making new investments in fossil energy sources when the rest of the world has gone renewable.

Financing of community economic development remains a core challenge. Given the nature and character of most economic activities in especially rural communities, cash flow can be a big problem. Conventionally, traditional forms of savings and loans scheme have remained the bedrock of meeting cash flow challenges. Development finance experts agree that the key to resolving cash flow problems for resource poor persons in the community is to expand their streams of income. This can be done by adopting a plethora of alternative financing models based on micro interest rates, equity funding, peer-to-peer lending, reward based crowd funding and debt based securities.

The logic is to determine which model fits best to the investment that the community is promoting.

Conclusion Chairman, chief host, distinguished panelists, ladies and gentlemen. I hope I have sufficiently challenged you on how we can apply creative thinking to unlock opportunities that exist within our eco-system and can be exploited to foster community economic development. To our community leaders, the clarion call is for us to promote “out of the box thinking” amongst our constituents. Specific focus on water, energy and finance as forms of business that draws on our creative intellect and operations in a knowledge driven society and economy is key to solving community development challenges.

For example, can an Igala Economic Fund using a crowdfunding model and managed by persons with an eye for “business” and target impact or strategic social investments in our communities not be implemented? Can the eight local government areas in Igala not establish an “Incubator Fund” that supports new and innovative ideas and businesses from the communities? Such funding can be extended to all Igala communities nation wide as a “social fund” with a single digit interest rate and other business friendly terms.

Can we not leverage on the very rich history and culture of Igala in particular and Kwararafa in general to create a set of creative industries at the community level and use it as platform to confront youth employment? Finally in an era where corporate gift giving has declined considerably and a general donor fatigue persists, can our communities not take advantage of crowd funding to mobilise funds for small and large projects ranging from municipal services such as water and power and other creative ventures? I pose the question of whether we can grow community economies through participation, creative social investment and alternative funding mechanism’s?. For me the answer is a resounding yes.

We have done so with Kwararafa University. There is virtually no limit to how we can apply our creativity in crowd funding. All we need to is to think smart, think alternatives, think efficiency, think innovation, think in 3-Dimensions and think virtual. By so thinking, we can be rest assured that our communities will not become burial grounds for illustrious sons and daughters whose caskets are the only things their communities see on occasion ably described by my mother as a “one day show”.

Thank you for your attention.

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ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP

PROF. YAKUBU A. OCHEFU

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ARC. GABRIEL Y. ADUKU

Vice Chancellor, Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State

Amana Ata Igala, Fmr. Minister of State for Health, Federal Republic of Nigeria

GUEST SPEAKER

DISCUSSANT

REV. FR. ANTHO

Spiritual counsello U

DISCU

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P AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

ONY ATTAH AGBALI

or and Anthropologist USA

USSANT

PROF. MOHAMMED S. ABDULKADIR

DR. VICTOR ALEWO ADOJI

Vice Chancellor, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State

Head, Corporate Communication and Brand Marketing, Zenith Bank Plc. Zenith Height, Victoria Island, Lagos State

DISCUSSANT

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DISCUSSANT

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PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU

ARISE IGALA HALL OF FAME

I

n a nutshell, Prince Dr. Abubakar Audu can be described as a man of extra-ordinary courage and vision driven by passion for excellence. A compassionate and uncompromising leader, a hero and most authentic hero of his people. His people believed so much in him and he believed so much in them.

This man of history, Late Prince (Dr) Abubakar Audu, the 1st & 2nd Executive Governor of Kogi State was born on 27th October, 1947, to the family of His Royal Highness, the Late Pa. Audu Oyidi in Obonicha-Alloma, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

An accomplished professional, Prince Abubakar Audu spent 25yrs with the First Bank, where he served in different capacities at management levels. It is on record that Prince Abubakar Audu was the first black training officer of the Bank, and one of the first black senior management staff of standard chattered bank in London & New York.

A distinguished and elegant personality, Prince Abubakar Audu was appointed commissioner for Finance & Economic Planning in the former Benue State in 1986 and served in that capacity under four Military Administrators and later returned to First Bank as General Manager.

In 1991, Late Prince Abubakar Audu was appointed Executive Director of FSB Int’l. Bank Plc. before he was invited into politics to contest the Governorship position in Kogi State on the ticket of the National Republican Convention, after the creation of Kogi State.

A man associated only with success, Prince Abubakar Audu won in the election of December 1991 and was swornin on 2nd January 1992 as the first Executive Governor of Kogi State.

As first elected Governor, Audu transformed the infrastructural landscape of the infant Kogi State within the 22 months life span of that administration which was truncated by Military incursion in the politics of the 3rd republic as a result of a prolong political impasse occasioned by the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.

His administration in recognition of education as one of the pillars of sound socio economic development and in a swift response to the frustrating experiences of indigenes of Kogi State, established Kogi State Polytechnic against all odds within a record time of 4 months in office.

Prince Abubakar Audu left office to wait for another date with history but not without leaving monumental landmarks in all sectors.

When democracy was restored in 1998, Late Prince Abubakar Audu offered to serve once again, he received overwhelming support of the people. On the 9th of January, 1999 Prince Audu got re-elected on the ticket of All Peoples Party. He was sworn-in on May 29th, 1999 as the second Executive Governor of Kogi State.

As second elected Governor of Kogi State, Late Prince (Dr.) Abubakar Audu placed the state on a pedestal of balanced and sustainable development. He established Kogi Cement Company a multi million dollar cement factory in Obajana. The establishment of Kogi State University, a child of necessity within another record time of six months of his administration remain a testimony to the vision, courage and resourcefulness of Prince (Dr.) Abubakar Audu.

On the international scene, Prince Abubakar Audu played very significant roles in our external relations. He was widely travelled and high connected in political cycle in Europe and America. His connection with the international community saved Nigeria from economic embargo during the heady days of the Shonekan’s administration.

On the national scene, the incontrovertible fact is that Prince Abubakar Audu excelled in many areas of development as Governor. The National Media Tour organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the NUJ to evaluate the performance of State Governors was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

In a concluding ceremony chaired by the Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Audu won 7 out of 12 medals including the medal for overall good governance and emerged best performing Governor in Nigeria.

Within 4 years a new Kogi State emerged, great and unprecedented transformation took place. Audu left office in 2003 as the best performing Governor in Nigeria and Kogi was the fastest developing State in Nigeria.

The prevailing socio-economic situation in Kogi state in the build-up to the 2015 Governorship election necessitated the call on Audu to return on a rescue mission.

Late Prince (Dr) Abubakar Audu received overwhelming support of the electorates and got elected on November 21st, 2015 in a highly controversial, concluded, but declared inconclusive governorship election in our entire political history.

Public expectation was high, the support was overwhelming, the mood of the people was palpably high in positive expectations; Prince Abubakar Audu WON but in a sudden twist of fate, he never LIVED to govern.

For these reasons and many more ARISE IGALA Magazine deemed it fit to induct this illustrious son of the land into the ARISE IGALA HALL OF FAME.

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RECIPIENT

DR. STEVEN Makoji Achema

ARISE IGALA HALL OF FAME

L

ate Dr. Steven Makoji Achema was born in Ankpa around February 1947 to the great dispenser, popularly known as Dokita Andrew Oyibo Achema and his beautiful wife Adi. From the age of five, in January, 1952-54, young vibrant Achema was enrolled into the kindergarten at Dekina. Where ever his father goes, Achema was always by his side in fact he got so inquisitive to the point that he asked question that was befitting for boys who were much older than he was.

From 1954, he proceeded to the Native Junior Primary school Idah, a school reserved for pupils with brilliance and excellent performance. This was later to earn him admission into the prestigious Senior Boarding School for the Gifted at Ofugo, Enjema District, Ankpa.

His exceptional performances won him a special place in the heart of his school teachers and principal that he was placed under strict supervision to study hard and gain admission to higher level in January 19611967 , Achema again got admitted to the popular Government College Keffi for his Secondary School. The college principal was so impressed with his performance that he was given a special recognition and award.

However, in 1967, Late Dr. Steven Achema was invited as a tutor at the staff College; he made history as the first student of the college to be employed for this act of exceptional performance, his name was written in the Government College of Keffi’s hall of fame.

He stood for justice, fairness and truth. He was a sportsman and had won several awards in the field of play.

He was dogged and for this was the president of the Man O’ War club from 1966-67 In 1967, he pioneered the Igala Student Association in the College where he became the president.

There were circumstances around his birth as well as his death! Steven Makoji Achema who was called Moses and Joshua dared where others feared.

Late Dr. Steven Achema is irreplaceable and we still cry after that fateful year, 16 years ago to be precise, at the Lokoja Abuja high way a ghastly motor accident claimed the life of our son and a political genius and that was to change how things should happen in our political history. He was a man who dreamt of sustainable social development for the people of Igala land, Nigeria and Kogi state as a whole. The late special Assistant to the former president Olusegun Obasanjo was a dogged politician who placed emphasis on the wellbeing of the common people of Igala land and Kogi state; this he did even at the point of death. A man with broad vision for fairness ensured that development in Igala land saw the light of the day; one can only imagine the level of development if he was to be alive and with us today. A RARE GIFT TO THE NATION STEVEN ACHEMA MAKOJI WAS! For his courage, determination, love for the people and many other positive attitude of this great son of the land, ARISE IGALA Magazine considered him fit to be inducted into the ARISE IGALA HALL OF FAME.

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RECIPIENT

HON. ABIODUN JAMES FALEKE

SPIRIT OF IGALA AWARD

H

on. James Faleke was born on 25, December 1959 in Ekinrin Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state, Nigeria where he had the best of his primary school experience.

His secondary school days at the prestigious Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College, Okene, same school has produced a good number of leaders in the country. There, the young James Abiodun Faleke distinguished himself in both academic and extracurricular activities. At the school, he served as the house captain of “Ohimege House. The Ohimege House was the largest in the school then and he stood out as a rising leader.

Faleke proceeded to gain admission into the Kaduna Polytechnic in Kaduna state. There he studied and at the end successfully obtained a Higher National Diploma in Purchasing & Supply Management with Upper Credit in 1986. His excellent academic performance earned him the Best Student Award in the department.

In the professional aspect, he had earned for himself excellent certifications with a Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Management field from the Imo state University, Owerri, Imo state, Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), London, full membership of the institution (MCIPS) as well as Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration (FIPA).

He is an active sportsman fully involved in sporting activities for the institution at the state and national level; this involves sporting activities like Volley Ball, Table Tennis, Hand Ball and Football. His sporting engagements won several medals for the institution including the NIPOGA Games in 1985.

For many who had encounter this extra ordinary man would tell you that his love for community service didn’t start today, it dates back from 1987 through his engagement as a youth corps member discharging his compulsory one year service to his father land.

As Honourable Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (2011 to 20150), he has through numerous activities from the different Commitees helped to influence so many bills such as the N.Y.S.C. Act Amendment Bill, Legal backing for newly created 9 Federal Universities, Prohibition on the sale and use of military uniforms and many others. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke is happily married and blessed with children.

James Abiodun Faleke has worked in different management capacities from Procurement, Clearing & Forwarding, Warehousing, Distribution and Construction.

He is a man of his words, firm decision and stands with the people always all these he demonstrated in his participation in the 2015 Gubernatorial Election in Kogi state as running mate to Late Prince Abubakar Audu.

For these and many more reasons, I present to you Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as the 2016 recipient of the SPIRIT OF IGALA AWARD.

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RECIPIENT

SEN. RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO

FRIEND OF IGALA AWARD

B

orn in 1956 in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, he had his primary education in Kwankwaso Primary and Gwarzo Boarding Primary Schools. Then he attended Craft School Wudil and Government Technical School Kano from where he proceeded to Kaduna Polytechnic and obtained a Higher National Diploma between 1975 and 1980. After his NYSC in Ogun State he proceeded to United Kingdom where he spent about 10 years pursuing various postgraduate studies in Middlesex Polytechnic and Loughborough University of Technology where he had his Masters Degree in Water Engineering between 1983 and 1985. He then proceeded to Nottingham University between 1987 – 1991 and also attended various professional courses at Derby Water Industrial Training, London Industrial Training etc.

Senator Kwankwaso is a seasoned civil servant who worked with Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA) for 17 years after which he retired in 1991 and joined party politics and was elected member of the House of Representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1992. He was also elected member of the Constitutional Conference in 1994 - 1995 that drafted the 1999 Constitution, which is currently in use.

Senator Kwankwaso’s participation in politics began from his days as a student where he was the Deputy Head Student Technical School Kano, President Student Union Kaduna Polytechnic, President postgraduate students Nottingham University in the United Kingdom and the first African to become a member of the University Senate.

He was also elected Governor of Kano State 1999 -2003, then appointed Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic for about 4 years and then Adviser to the President on Darfur & Somalia. He was also appointed as representative of the North-West Geo-Political Zone in the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). In 2011 he was again elected as the Governor of Kano for a second time and is currently elected as Senator representing Kano Central with the highest votes of about 760, 000 in the Federation. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs and also member Senate Committees on Defence, Education, Water Resources, Information & Communication Technology.

On the whole from, 1992 to date Senator Kwankwaso has contested 14 elections (both primary and secondary), won 12 and lost two in 2003. In 2014 he emerge runner-up to the sitting President.

He is the founder of two Universities, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil in 2001 & the North West University in 2012. He also established 26 academic and manpower development training Institutes and through these institutes over 360,000 youth and women where trained and empowered.

He is the first governor to introduce free feeding and school uniform for primary school pupils and this exponentially increased the school enrolment figures from 1 million in 2011 to over 3 million in 2015. He also declared free education at all levels and provided adequate teaching and learning materials. He established 230 secondary schools out of which 47 are Technical Colleges, 44 School of Islamic Studies, a Chinese College, a French College, and the first boarding Girls College in Damagaran as well as a Boys College in Niamey jointly with the Niger Republic Government.

In the last four years he awarded over 2,600 postgraduate and undergraduate students foreign scholarship in 14 countries across the world. This is in addition to the private university scholarship in Nigeria. Indeed in a couple of years to come Kano will occupy a substantial number of the Nigerian manpower.

In the area of infrastructure for the first time in the history of Northern Nigeria 3 flyover bridges were constructed, 5 km dual carriage lighted roads were being constructed in each of the 44 local Government Areas of Kano, constructed 2 underpass bridges and initiated the covering of the Jakara River which cuts across the city of Kano with a dualised road. Also most drainage and some ponds are being covered with interlocked within the city.

This has greatly improved the environmental and sanitary condition of the entire city of Kano.

Furthermore, most of the ancient city gates have been renovated and modernized. Pedestrian bridges have been constructed across major roads and all major roads leading into Kano have been expanded with security plaza gates put up at each entry point. Today, Kano is the most lighted city in Nigeria.

About 1500 houses have been constructed and donated free to the rural poor communities and victims of flood disaster. In addition, three modern cities have been established with about 3000 housing units of various capacities put up for sale to the general public.

As a water engineer he has substantially improved the quality and quantity of water provision to the city and other parts of the state and have supported agriculture and farmers by provision of fertilizer and other farm inputs such as tractors. He introduced training and re-training of farmers in modern agriculture technics and the provision of infrastructure for modern irrigation in the state.

In the area of healthcare, he introduced free anti natal care services across the state and most of the General Hospitals have been renovated. A massive training of health-based manpower was initiated through health related institutes, both locally and internationally.

Although he inherited a state that was over bounded with a 77 Billion-naira loan he was able to turn around the fortunes of the State. The above projects and programmes where achieved without taking up loan from any bank or organization and through introduction of the following measures: Cancellation of security-vote to block leakages Improved revenue generation from N400 million to over N2 Billion monthly Cutting recurrent expenditures saving up to N500 million monthly Made capital expenditure higher than recurrent votes on the average of 75% capital to 25% recurrent in the last four years.

Weekly publications of resolutions of the State Executive Council to ensure prudence, transparency and accountability.

Introduced the Single Treasury Account policy in 2011.

I therefore, have the singular honour and privilege to present to you this accomplished Engineer, Public servant, Politician, and Democratic General; the protector of the rights of the common man, the man who has revolutionized budgeting and appropriation, a close associate of Igala people, the man who is today known as the architect of modern Kano; distinguished ladies and gentlemen I present to you His Excellency Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso the former Governor of Kano State as the 2016 recipient of FRIEND OF IGALA AWARD.

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RECIPIENT

PASTOR AYO ADUN

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

P

astor Ayo Adun was born on the 3rd of September 1968 to Christian parents, Solomon and Foluke Adun. He hails from Edo state, Oredo Local Government. He is third in a family of seven children.

He had his early education in Lagos with his primary school at the Adrao International School, Victoria Island Lagos and his secondary education at the St. Gregory’s college, Lagos, and later on completed it at the Federal Government College, Kaduna. Pastor Adun proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he graduated with a degree in Agronomy specializing in crop science.

Pastor Ayo Adun met the Lord in December 2006 and joined the Dunamis international Gospel center where he served for 14 years until the Lord called him out of his most lucrative posting (London) to establish a ministry that would be committed to affecting lives and destinies. In obedience to God, he started the ministry which today has extended its axis into organizing feeding programs for the less privileged; free transport services for school children in Lokoja; free medical services partnering with specialist doctors amongst others. His ministry has also succeeded in establishing the only elderly people’s home in Kogi state, where various provisions, counseling, feeding, medical care and legal services are freely given to the elderly that are distressed.

Today various outreaches of his ministry are progressing without backing from any organization. Some of the outreaches also engage in distribution of bags and sandals to indigent students, free extra mural classes in mathematics and English Language.

He oversees an on-going Free Text Books Distribution Project, designed to support the indigent students all over Lokoja, amongst many.

Pastor Ayo Adun presently sponsors many less privileged to the blind schools in Jos, deaf school in Kuje and so on.

ARISE IGALA Magazine singled out Pastor Ayo Adun out as a distinguished worthy to be honoured with the prestigious ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD as it our mission to sail through culture to national unity, peace and development.

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RECIPIENT

SHEIKH SADIQ SHUAIBU

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

S

heikh Sadiq Shuaibu is one man that has evolved from being an ordinary man into a great spiritual leader due to his deep commitment and dedication to the things of Almighty Allah.

Born and bred in Okpo, Olamaboro Local Government Area to Parents of Ogugu origin, Sheikh Abubakar attended the Native Authority Primary School in Okpo between 1974 - 1980. His secondary education was at Community Secondary School Okpo between 1988 - 1993. From there he proceeded to obtain Degree in Islamic Studies from University of Medina, Saudi Arabia (2000 - 2004) and a Masters Degree in Islamic Studies, University of Riyyad, Saudi Arabia (2005 - 2007).

Sheikh Abubakar Shehu Sadiq’s quest for spiritual fulfilment inspired him to study more of Arabic and Islamic Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and since then he has been propagating Islam in Nigeria, USA, UK, Brazil, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Italy, Qatar, Syria, Libya, Mali, Sierra Leone, Niger, Chad Republic, Algeria, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Malaysia, China, South Korea et al.

He is today one of the most outstanding Islamic scholar in the land and in Nigeria as well. His understanding of the principles of Islam he has been translating in helping mankind. He is deeply into philanthropic activities through the sponsorship of students education and feeding of the less privileged.

Some of the most distinguished factors about Sheikh Sadiq Shuaibu are his level of humility and extreme care for his fellow mankind. He is a happy family man and always pray for the peace of Nigeria and harmony between Christians and Muslims and other religious bodies therein.

Today, we celebrate this great humble man of God with the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to inspire others into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.

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PRINCE HALILU SANNI SHUAIBU

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

T

he name Prince Halilu Sanni is not new to many of us because of his charming charisma and drive towards revitalizing the image of Igala land from the perceived backwardness into the progressives.

This also tells so much about his personality. He attended the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, where he read Political Science for his first degree. He later moved on to Bayero University, Kano where he obtain his Master (2015) certificate in Business Administration including other professional programmes.

Prince Halilu Sanni Shuaibu has over the years built for himself a global business and political portfolio and has used the different platforms to build the skills of children, women and youths by creating windows of opportunities for self-reliance through entrepreneur and skill building programmes.

In 2011, he contested for the House of Representatives under the platform of the APC to represent his people. He contested for the seat of the highest authority (Gubernatorial) in the political palace of Igala land through the platform of the All Progressive Party to change what he called the perception of backwardness of his people.

Commended as one of Igala’s finest politician, strategic business man and social crusader Prince Haliru Shuaibu apply integrity in his relationship with the people throughout his administrative life of over 25 years being the First Chairman of the Board of interlink (2007), Contested for House of Representatives under the All Nigeria Peoples Party – ANPP (2007), First Chairman of the board of Interlink Group in Nigeria (2010) He is currently a Board Member and Vice President of North Gold Investment Group and Currently the President of Harish Group Committed to motivating children and the less privileged through mentoring, art, education and recreation ARISE IGALA Magazine recognises his strong visionary leadership abilities and well organized to uplifting the face of his land as he contributes to the nation at large.

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RECIPIENT

HON. IDRIS MUSA

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

H

onourable Idris Musa was born in Enabo-Enjema in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi state.

In 1989, he obtained his first school leaving Certificate having successfully completed his primary education in Enabo.

He then proceeded to Enjema Community Secondary School where he obtained his Senior School Certificate in 1997 and mustered courage to obtaining several other qualification and certificate of higher learning which include: National Diploma (ND) from Kogi State Polytechnic (2005), Higher National Diploma (HND) from Dorben Polytechnic (2008) and a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) Certificate from the Nasarawa University, (2011). As a trail blazer in the business sector, Alhaji Idris is currently running a Master in Business Administration (MBA) programme from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Alhaii Idris Musa is practically an Oil and Gas mogul which has earned him the name OANDO in the industry.

His carrier at the downstream sector began in 1999 at the Unipetrol in Lokoja where he served diligently as Station Manager. Due to his dedication and hard work, he got a deal that saw him moved to Oando Plc where he rose to the position of a Senior Manager (2012-2013). However, in 2013, his records earned him the position of Operations and Logistics Manager with Forte Oil where he’s still serving till date.

As a professional business man, Honorable Idris is equally a good husband and father to his lovely four children. He is a seasoned strategic politician who has continued to serve and provide for his people through democratic means. So, with or without a political office, he allows his philanthropic nature lead him always to sponsoring youths education, creating job opportunities and contributing greatly to community development.

Alhaji Idris Musa aka Oando deserves the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD as he is on the rise in making impact on lives at home and outside.

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RECIPIENT

ENGR. YUSUF ALI

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

M

r. Yusuf Ali is the Managing Director of Swiz-tech Nigeria Limited, a company that carries out services in all areas of IT and Electrical maintenance including manpower supply. He has been the managing Director of the company from its inception in 2000 to date.

Before establishing Swiz-tech Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ali was in the establishment of Liu-Salib first as General Manager and later on as the Managing Director of the company. Liu-Salib was into construction and marketing of building materials including light fittings. The five year sting in Liu-Salib Nigeria from 1995 to 2000 must have given him the initiative to establish his own outfit.

Prior to joining Liu-Salib, Nigeria Limited Mr. Ali was in the employment of Panabiz, International limited a division of Kewalrams, one of the foremost conglomerates and the only accredited supplier of Panasonic Office Equipment in the country. Mr. Ali joined Panabiz in 1992 and was there for three years.

Several times, he was named Staff of the Month and the dedication to duty with which he is renowned has been the reason for his achievements to date.

Born in Kaduna on the 2nd of September, 1971, Mr. Ali has his primary education in Lagos Nigeria at the Airforce primary school and his secondary education at Idah secondary commercial college in Kogi State, his home State. From there he proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic, Idah where he obtained his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) Certificate in 1992 with specialization in Electrical /Electronics and Higher National Diploma (HND) Certificate in 1998 with specialization in Electronic/ Telecommunications Engineering from prestigious Yaba College of Technology Yaba Lagos.

With an HND Certificate, the vista opened for Mr. Ali to put some of his ideas into practice and that informed his establishment of Swiz-tech in 2000 which has been a major provider of Copy Facilities for Ericsson operations throughout the country, IT and Telephone/Data cabling and network facilities for Ericsson’s Office and many others.

Mr. Ali is a member Nigeria institute of Engineering, Member institute of Director and member Nigeria institute of Management.

Mr. Ali is happily married with four children. This humble and enterprising engineer deserves to be honoured with this prestigious ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD.

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DR (MRS.) ROSEMARYALEWO ABDULLAHI

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

C

hief Dr. (Mrs.) R. A. Abdullahi was born on 3rd March 1949 in Egume, Dekina L.G.A. She went to Government Girls College Kano for her secondary education and proceeded to Gindiri secondary school where she earned her higher school certificate (H.S.C). She qualified as a Medical Doctor from Ahmadu Bello University in 1975. She got a diploma in Public Health from the Prestigious Makerere University, Uganda in 1979. She has attended several professional courses in Phillipines, USA, Britain, Thailand, Italy etc. She is happily married to Dr. Sam Abdullahi with 5 children. Dr. Abdullahi has served the Government of Nigeria in various capacities.

In 1983, Dr. Rosemary Abdullahi led the team that handled the notorious Oju Yello Fever epidemic as the State Chief Health Officer in Benue State.

As the principal of School of Health Technology Idah, she worked tirelessly to bring up the standard of the Paramedical staff trained in the school. During her tenure, the Local Government became a model of models.

As a result of her exemplary service, she was appointed the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Olamaboro L.G.A by the then Military Administrator of Benue State, Col. Fidelis Makka. Her achievement in the area of Water, Education, Health and other social amenities earned her the best performing Local Government Chairman out of the 19 Chairmen at that time.

In 1992, she was appointed as the Special Adviser on Water Resources and Rural Development by the Kogi State Governor, Chief Abubakar Audu.

Apart from her Services to Benue and Kogi States. She was engaged in extra-Ministerial Consultancy Services with several organizations (e.g. WHO, UNICEF, INTRAH and American Association of Nurse/ Midwives).

Dr. R. A. Abdullahi transferred her services from the State to Federal Service in 1995 and she continued to perform creditably well. As Director, Child Development She facilitated the passage of the Child Right Act (CRA) which has been domesticated in many states, worked with stakeholders in the development sector to develop National Plan of Action for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, conducted the National Assessment and Analysis of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria among others. Until her retirement in March 2009, She was Director Child Development at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

She got actively involved in working with Total Child Care Initiative (TCCI), a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) which she set up to reach out to vulnerable groups within Kogi State and the Federal Capital.

Between 2009 to date, she leads the organization to provide care and support to over 4000 children infected or affected with HIV/AIDS with the funding support of Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, provision of Vitamin A and albendazole to over 2500 children between the ages of 0-5years, empowered over 300 vulnerable households, conducted trainings for People living with HIV/AIDS among other services.

In view of the philanthropic activities of the organization, TCCI is partnering with other local and international organizations such as Institute of Human Virology Nigeria; AIDS Healthcare Foundation; TY Danjuma Foundation; Vitamin Angels; TB Network, the Global Fund; Kogi State Agency for the Control of AIDS among others.

As of September 2015, TCCI with funding from TY Danjuma Foundation is piloting a School Feeding Project in Dako, Gwagwalada Area Council.

It is also worthy of note that Dr. Rosemary Alewo Abdullahi is the first known female medical doctor of Igala origin on record. And, with contributions and platforms she deserves this honour, ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD.

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RECIPIENT

Ms. ACHENYO IDACHABA

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD

M

s. Achenyo Idachaba hails from Idah, Kogi State. She was born in Chicago, Illinois and spent her childhood in Ibadan where her parents, the late Prof. F.S. Idachaba & Dr. Mrs. E.A. Idachaba who were members of staff at the University of Ibadan.

She attended Staff School, University of Ibadan and International School Ibadan. After Secondary School she left Ibadan and attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where she obtained a B.Sc in Computer Science with Economics. Although her family never lived in Igala-land during her youth, her parents ensured she and her younger siblings made the annual pilgrimage from Ibadan to Idah to spend Christmas holidays with grandparents and extended family.

Professionally, she is a Computer Scientist/Business Analyst turned Social Entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Creative Director of MitiMeth. MitiMeth engages riverine communities and local artisans to create eco-friendly handcrafted home and personal accessories utilizing invasive aquatic weeds such as Water Hyacinth and Cattail, Agro-waste such as Banana and Maize. She also utilizes non-timber forest resources, specifically wild Bamboo which she believes has more aesthetic value than its current utilization as scaffolding material in Nigeria.

In 2015, Achenyo was nominated the Emerging Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria. In the same year she became a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme Awardee. She is a 2015 TED Speaker and is also the 2014 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Laureate for Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2013, MitiMeth received the Local Raw Materials Content Award from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) for her innovative use of local raw materials. Achenyo is also a 2013 YouWIN Awardee. Her work at MitiMeth has been featured on TED, CNBC Africa, CNN’s African StartUp, The Nation and Business Day Newspapers, Business Life Magazine, New African Woman and also on Business Africa TV. Her work has also been published in the Nigerian Field Journal. Prior to founding MitiMeth and Greennovative Chain Consulting, Achenyo spent 11 years with ExxonMobil in the United States where she held a variety of Regional and Global Advisor positions in Planning and Supply Chain operations. While in the Diaspora, she was an active member of the Igala Association U.S.A and Kogi State Organization. She has an M.S. in Applied Computer Science from Illinois State University and an M.B.A from Cornell University. She is a member of WIMBIZ, Zonta International and The Nigerian Field Society. She is on the Board of the Igala Education Foundation, Christ Foundation and Climate & Sustainable Development Network. She lives and works in the rustic Southwestern city of Ibadan.

Igalaland is proud of this young enterprising lady who is constantly projecting Nigeria to the world in good light through the works of her hand and so she deserves this prestigious ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD.

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ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Mr. & Mrs. Akubo Adegbe on Red Carpet

Makolo Thompon Jnr. (L) coodinating the Red Carpet and Nollywood’s Jummai Joseph

Pharm. Zakari Jiya (R) on Red Carpet

Dr. Moses Abu (L) on Red Carpet

Alh. Idris Musa (Oando) on Red Carpet

Alh. Yusuf Adama (L) on Red Carpet

L-R; Makolo Thompson Jnr and Sunny Atabo on Red Carpet

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ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Sheikh Shuaibu Sadiq (R) on Red Carpet

Guest Registering at the entrance

L-R: Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji and the Vice President, Igala Female Ambassador

Some guests on Red Carpet with Prof. Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir (3rd from left) , VC, Kogi and Alh. Idris Musa (1st from right)

Ibrahim Danjuma Alhassan aka Ibro Analyst coming through the Red Carpet

Alidu Bature aka B2 Clean Cash (R) and a friend on Red Carpet

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Some distinguished members of the Igala Leadership Forum on the Red Carpet

Pastor Oluwafemi, representative of Pastor Ayo Adun (Recipient of ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD 2016)

L-R; Wife of Adamawa State Governor, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa, Chief Arc. Gabriel Y. Aduku, Prof. Seidu O. Mohammed and Prince Halilu Sanni Shuaibu

Muslim opening prayer by Sheikh Shuaibu Sadiq after the national anthem

Elder Peter Ejiga conducting the Christian Prayer after the National anthem

L-R; Mrs. Rotimi Ameachi, Mrs. Maryam Bindow and Hajia Salamatu Baiwa

Vice President, Igala Female Ambassador

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ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma

Mrs. Rotimi Ameachi, wife of fmr. Governor of Rivers State Governor and current Minister of Transportation

Mrs. Maryam Bindow, wife of the Adamawa State Governor

Dr. Mrs. Rekiya Momoh Abaji

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Arise Igala-Issue 32

ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Nollywood stars led by Ajanigo Simeon (L), Baba JFO and Makolo Jnr. with some Kogi top entertainers making fundamental statement at the event

Dr. Usman Hassan, fmr. Director at Raw Materials Research & Development Council and Patron, Igala Female Ambassador

Baba JFO on stage performing the groundbreaking ‘Odu Igala’ on stage

One of the cultural performers during their special presentation

Some of the cultural troupe members during their performance

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ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji during his presentations, stressing the point on moving from the ‘Omawede Economy’ to the real issues confronting our people

Chief Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku driving his point home on the plan to give life to all the natural endowments in the region

Mr. Emmanuel , DG Protocol Per Excellence and Princess Salamatu Ogodo Sule on stage working out the awards presentation.

L-R; Abulu (AIT News), Onoja (ARISE IGALA Magazine) and Haruna (WorldEntourage Magazine) on the technical table at the event

L-R: Nollywood Act, Jummai Joseph Mrs. Jamila happily meeting on the Red Carpet.

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Arc. Gabriel Y. Aduku (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR to Hajia Salamatu Baiwa UmarEluma

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ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2016

Haj. Dr. Sa’adat Lami (L) presenting the SPIRIT OF IGALA AWARD to Hon. James Abiodun Faleke received for him

by Hon. Funsho Olumoko (R)

Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to Prince Halilu Sanni Shuaibu (R)

Mr. Akor Ojonugwa (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to Sheikh Shuaibu Sadiq (R)

Mr. Abraham Ahmed (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to Pastor Ayo Adun received for him by Pastor Oluwafemi (R)

Oche De King of WAZOBIA FM (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to Alhaji Idris Musa aka Oando (R)

The enterprising Achenyo Idachaba (L) receiving the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD being presented by Nollywood star, Jummai Joseph (R)

Prof. Yakubu Ochefu (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to Engr. Yusuf Ali (R)

Mr. Akubo Adegbe (L) presenting the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARD to Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Alewo Abdullahi received for he by one of her children (R)

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