FIFTY YEARS. FOUR TERMS. A LIFE OF ENTERPRISE, SCHOLARSHIP AND PUBLIC SERVICE.- By Abbas Tajudden

Today, I celebrate my colleague and friend, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, as he attains the golden milestone of 50.

Turning 50 is more than a birthday; it is a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate a journey already rich in accomplishment, service and impact.

Over four terms in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin has brought to our legislative enterprise a rare combination of intellectual depth, business experience, courage and an unmistakable independence of mind. From his leadership of key committees, including Finance, Appropriations, Land Transport, Foreign Affairs, and Housing and Habitat, his contributions have reflected a strong grasp of public finance and a broad understanding of national affairs.

He is, without doubt, one of the sharpest minds in our Parliament. His academic accomplishments, including two PhDs and an MBA, his experience in business and academia, his executive education at leading institutions, and his service at the Federal Housing Authority have all contributed to the distinctive perspective he brings to public service.

But beyond the degrees, positions and accomplishments is a man who has never been afraid to speak his mind.

Abdulmumin is forthright. He is courageous. He is independent-minded. And he is never one to hide his convictions.

In a Parliament, such voices matter. A healthy legislature must have room for principled disagreement, robust debate and legislators willing to speak for what they believe is right and in the interest of their constituents.

As you celebrate 50, dear Abdulmumin, I celebrate not only the milestones behind you but also the possibilities ahead.

On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of the House of Representatives, I wish you good health, renewed strength, greater accomplishments and many more years of impactful service to your constituents and our dear nation.

May the next chapter be even greater than the first five decades.

Happy 50th Birthday, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa.

FG Highlights Public Enlightenment as Key to Strengthening Accountability in Public Service

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that sustained public enlightenment is vital to advancing the mandate of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct across Nigeria’s public service.

According to the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabi'u Ibrahim,said this position was reiterated by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, and his delegation to the Ministry in Abuja.

The Minister stressed that awareness creation remains a critical tool in preventing corruption and fostering compliance with ethical standards. He observed that many public servants have limited knowledge of the Bureau’s broader responsibilities beyond asset declaration, underscoring the need for intensified sensitisation efforts.

According to him, the CCB’s mandate is fundamentally preventive, aimed at stopping violations before they occur rather than focusing solely on enforcement. He added that promoting awareness would significantly reduce unethical practices within the public sector.

Mohammed Idris also called for continuous collaboration between the Ministry and the Bureau, noting that sustained engagement is necessary to deepen institutional effectiveness and build a culture of integrity in governance.

He further emphasised that enforcement alone cannot achieve the desired results without adequate public awareness, stressing the need for a balanced approach that combines both strategies.

The Minister assured the Bureau of the Ministry’s full backing, pledging to leverage its agencies and communication platforms to enhance public understanding of the CCB’s activities and strengthen accountability mechanisms across government institutions.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, highlighted the importance of partnering with the Ministry to expand public sensitisation and reinforce ethical standards in governance.

He noted that the Bureau is committed not only to enforcement but also to preventive measures that discourage corrupt practices among public officials. He added that collaboration with the Ministry would support nationwide awareness campaigns, media engagement, and capacity-building initiatives for public servants.

Dr. Bello expressed confidence that utilising the Ministry’s communication channels would improve compliance with asset declaration requirements and promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah; Special Assistant Administration, Dr. Sunday Baba; Deputy Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Miss Sade Fatoke; Board Members of the CCB; and other dignitaries.