BY Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the emir of Minna,His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, the parents of the deceased, and the family of the survivors.

According to a press statement signed by the National Public Relation Officer (NPROC) Babawale Afolabi ACC and made available to Journalists in Minna,the visit was aimed at having a direct interface with the bereaved family and the Minna Emirate under the Emir Dr. Umar Faruq Bahago.

The visit he further disclosed, was aimed at commiserating directly with the affected families during this period of grief. During the interaction, the CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasizing that justice and transparency will take precedence.

Addressing the broader steps being taken to uncover the truth, the CG noted that the Federal Government, under the directive of the Presidency, has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident. He assured the public that the NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel, noting that relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for transparent investigation.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the third and seventh-day prayers for the departed, the CG explained that his visit was also to join the Muslim faithful in offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, His Royal Highness expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the swift administrative actions taken, for cooperating with the Presidential committee, and for deeming it fit to personally visit and identify with the community in their moment of grief.

By our correspondent

The Ilorin Likeminds Foundation, ILMF, has described the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin as well-deserved and historic.

In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri, the Foundation said it joined thousands of admirers and illustrious indigenes of Ilorin to rejoice with the governor.

The turbaning ceremony was performed on Wednesday by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at a colourful event that attracted dignitaries from across the country.

According to the Foundation, the title is a fitting honour and recognition for AbdulRazaq’s distinguished transformational leadership and exceptional commitment to the peace, unity and progress of the people.

While wishing the new Sardauna a successful tour of duty in his new chieftaincy role, the President of the Foundation, Alhaji Lukman Atanda Abdullahi, expressed optimism that he would build on the achievements of his predecessor, the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Umaru Saro.

Atanda said he was confident Governor AbdulRazaq would also emulate the virtues of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

He prayed for God’s guidance and protection for the new Sardauna, noting that the revered traditional title comes with enormous responsibility.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” he said, wishing him a long, peaceful and progressive reign.

By David Owei
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has announced the appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam as Special Envoy on Africa Traditional Institutions and the African Diaspora.

Princess Dr. Bam is a Princess of the AmaMpondomise Kingdom, Founder & Global President of Afrikan Young Indigenous Leaders, and a globally respected advocate for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, education, and royal diplomacy.

She previously served as Lead Facilitator for the C20 Working Group on Cultural Diversity and is currently Coordinator of the Africa Celebrates Traditional Leaders Forum, scheduled for November 2026 in Ethiopia.

Announcing the appointment on Saturday, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener/CEO of ABER, described Princess Dr. Bam as “eminently fit for this continental assignment” due to her wisdom, ingenuity, and proven capacity to unite Africa’s royal institutions.

“As Special Envoy, Her Royal Highness will champion the role of traditional rulers in advancing the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) and Agenda 2063 by mobilizing traditional institutions across Africa for inclusive and sustainable ocean governance.

“Bridging Africa and the Diaspora to ensure cultural values, indigenous knowledge, and ancestral stewardship shape blue economy policy,
safeguarding marine and coastal heritage through community-led conservation while elevating the voices of women royal leaders and youth within ABER’s continental framework. In this capacity, Princess Dr. Bam will work closely with the ABER Coordinator for Africa’s Sixth Region, African Diaspora, based in Los Angeles, USA.

“ABER welcomes Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam. We look forward to working together to advance UNITY, TRADITION AND ROYAL HERITAGE in service of Africa’s ocean future,” said Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener/CEO of ABER.

About ABER
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable is a continental digital networking platform promoting inclusive and sustainable ocean governance in line with the African Union’s Africa Blue Economy Strategy and Agenda 2063. ABER works with governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, and communities to place people and culture at the center of Africa’s ocean economy.