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Buhari express commitment to end insecurity

Published

6 years ago

June 15, 2019

Agency Report

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his administration’s commitment to bringing an end to insecurity in the country.

The president gave the assurance in an address at the 35th convocation of Bayero University, Kano, on Saturday.

The president was represented on the occasion by the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rashid.

“We shall consolidate on the gains we have recorded in tackling insecurity and we intend to rise to the occasion by confronting other security challenges, such as banditry, kidnapping and other manifestations of insecurity in our peace-loving country,” he said.

The president urged Nigerian universities and other tertiary education institutions to supply skilled manpower that would run industries and public services.

“I challenge our universities to transform themselves into change agents by committing themselves to conducting research,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Muhammad Yahuza-Bello, said over 9,571 students graduated at the ceremony.

He said 6,174 of the graduates received first degrees, while 3,405 were awarded higher degrees and post-graduate diplomas.

The university conferred honorary doctoral degrees on three eminent Nigerians on the occasion.

They were Mr Tony Elumelu, awarded DBA (Doctor of Business Administration, Sen Bello Hayatu-Gwarzo, LLD, and Dr Folake Solanke, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, LLD.

Also, Prof. Abdulkadir Dangambo, who retired from the university, was awarded the rank of Emeritus Professor.

On behalf of the awardees, Elumelu thanked the University Senate and Governing Council for honoring them.

Elumelu said that Tony Elumelu Foundation had supported 7,250 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including 1,000 from Northern Nigeria, in the last five years.

According to him, the foundation aims to create direct job opportunities and businesses among young talented youths.

“The private sector is supporting the youth, I urge the Federal Government to provide enabling environment for education and health sector to be improved upon,’’ he said.

The Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, were among dignitaries who attended the ceremony. (NAN)

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Featured

Kudos to Nigeria’s First Lady, Customs, Others – CAVB Officials

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says Nigeria is safe for international tournaments

By Joel Ajayi
In defiance of longstanding international perceptions suggesting Nigeria is unsafe, the recently concluded African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja has rewritten the narrative. Officials from across the continent have hailed Nigeria as one of the safest places to host international tournaments.

The curtain has officially fallen on the competition, and once again, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have made history—clinching their third consecutive title with a thrilling 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Al-Ahly. The final, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium’s Indoor Arena on Sunday, April 13, 2025, was an electrifying encounter with set scores of 29-27, 22-25, 25-20, and 25-22.

In interviews conducted in Abuja, officials from the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) expressed immense satisfaction with the event and extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Nigeria Customs Service; the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF); and all Nigerians whose efforts ensured the success of the tournament.

They praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s causes and for her role as the grand patron of the competition. Commendation also went to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and NVBF President, Musa Nimrod, for organizing what was widely described as a world-class event.

CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, who also serves as the first Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was full of praise for the hosts. She lauded the organization and the facilities provided, particularly by the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that Nigeria—and Africa at large—is more than capable of hosting high-level international competitions.

“We had hundreds of countries from all continents following this event online. Nigeria has proven itself as a safe country, equipped with top-class infrastructure and facilities,” Hajij stated. “With 16 teams from across Africa, everything went smoothly. I hope in the coming years, Nigeria will host more African championships—whether indoor or beach volleyball.”

She also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the media for their vital roles in the success of the championship, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in growing the sport.

Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation and Deputy President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, also lauded the organizers. “With what we’ve seen from the NVBF and the Customs, this competition was held at the highest standard for women’s volleyball in Africa. The environment and organization were excellent,” he said. “Africa, especially black African countries, can now confidently compete at the global level.”

He called on the private sector to support volleyball in Nigeria and across Africa to ensure continued progress.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Volleyball Club Technical Director, Paul Bitok, revealed his club plans to host the competition in 2026 after drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s hosting. “This is the best tournament I’ve witnessed in over 20 years of attending. Customs have proven they can host major competitions beyond Africa,” Bitok said.

Medical delegate from Benin Republic, Boni Nadege, described the tournament as “a celebration of women,” thanking the First Lady and Nigeria Customs for a well-organized event. “This proves that black African countries can also host major competitions to promote volleyball. We may not have reached the finals, but we’ve learned a lot.”

A delegate from Malawi, Japier Mhango, expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian government and its people. “Our stay has been exceptional. We’ve been well taken care of, and this has been a well-organized tournament. The level of competition was impressive.”

As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria didn’t just host a volleyball championship—it hosted the continent, redefined perceptions, and reminded the world of its capability and hospitality.

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