NAHCON Commissioner Elegushi Accused of Defying VP’s Directive, Retaining Retired Staff and Ex-Corper

A fresh wave of controversy is sweeping through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as mounting allegations implicate the Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, in what insiders describe as a brazen disregard for civil service rules, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s explicit directive, and growing tendencies of nepotism and impunity.

Multiple senior staff who spoke to this newspaper, fearing reprisals, disclosed that Mr. Elegushi has continued to retain a retired NAHCON official, Mr. Gaffar, who left the service in 2023. Despite having no legal standing within the commission, the retired officer allegedly maintains unrestricted access to official operations and enjoys privileges befitting a serving staff.

“He has no portfolio, no official role, yet he attends meetings, travels with the commissioner, and even maintains offices in both Abuja and Saudi Arabia,” one source lamented. “This is a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, and staff confidence in the system has been badly eroded.”

But the concerns do not end there.

Sources further accuse the Commissioner of quietly retaining a female youth corps member who completed her national service months ago. The ex-corper, allegedly related to Mr. Elegushi, continues to occupy a slot reserved for an incoming NYSC member and reportedly enjoys full staff privileges—an anomaly that has unsettled the commission’s workforce.

Vice President’s Directive Ignored

The controversy deepened after documents emerged showing that Vice-President Shettima had earlier rejected NAHCON’s request to engage retired personnel on contract. In a memo titled “RE: Request for Special Waiver to Appoint Three Retired Officers on Contract”, the VP expressly ordered the commission to halt such engagements:

“You are therefore advised to reverse any such engagements and instruct your Human Resources unit to conduct a proper mandate and capability assessment of your workforce,” the memo read.

Yet, in what staff describe as a deliberate act of defiance, Mr. Elegushi allegedly continues to accommodate the retired officer and the ex-corper within his operations unit.

Staff Union “Silenced by Fear”

Although the staff union reportedly complained in the past about outsiders being placed above legitimate personnel, workers say this particular case has remained untouched.

“People are afraid. The Commissioner is powerful, and even the officer responsible for enforcing the rules the commissioner PPMF has chosen to look away,” another insider disclosed.

Several staff members also allege that the commissioner, who is said to be positioning himself for the NAHCON chairmanship, has begun influencing strategic postings within the commission. One such move is the alleged redeployment of Halidu Shutti as Director of Human Resources an appointment insiders say fits into Mr. Elegushi’s broader plan to consolidate control and “advance an ethnic agenda” within the organisation.

Open Letter To President Bola Tinubu On Returning NAHCON To The Coordinating Authority of the SGF

His Excellency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

State House, Abuja

Your Excellency,

I write as a concerned citizen and Muslim who cares deeply about the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and the reputation of our country. I respectfully urge you to review the current supervisory arrangement of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and return its day to day supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), while keeping it firmly under the Presidency as required by law.

This request is about efficiency, productivity, accountability, and the long term stability of Hajj administration in Nigeria.

1. Brief history of Hajj management in Nigeria

1. In 1953, Alhaji Abubakar Imam moved a motion in the Northern House of Assembly for a Nigerian pilgrims office in Jeddah, to protect pilgrims who were facing hardship in Saudi Arabia. 

2. Regional Pilgrims Welfare Boards emerged from 1958 in Western Region and 1965 in Northern Region as pilgrim numbers grew. 

3. In 1975, the Federal Military Government created the Nigeria Pilgrims Board by Decree No. 16, vesting all aspects of Hajj management in a federal body, headed by Sheikh Mahmud Gumi. 

4. In 1989, the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission replaced the Board. It was later dissolved after the 1991 Jeddah air crash that killed 247 Nigerian pilgrims and 14 crew members. 

5. After that, Hajj affairs were handled by temporary structures and the Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This era saw serious administrative instability, including a temporary Saudi ban on Nigerian pilgrims in 1996 because of repeated operational failures. 

6. In response, the National Assembly passed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Establishment Act in 2006. The Act repealed the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission Act and created NAHCON as a permanent, professional body with clear statutory powers to license, regulate, and supervise all Hajj and Umrah activities. 

NAHCON started operation in 2007. Since then it has coordinated state pilgrims boards, supervised airlift and accommodation, enforced Saudi regulations, and improved welfare and medical services for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. 

2. What the NAHCON Act actually provides

The NAHCON Act 2006 does three important things.

1. It repeals the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission Act and establishes NAHCON with clear functions to:

a. license, regulate and supervise all organisations that move pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah

b. oversee accommodation, transportation and other services for pilgrims

c. perform oversight and supervisory functions over all agencies involved in Hajj matters. 

2. It creates the Hajj Savings Scheme under section 7, which is now a key tool for gradual savings and long term planning for pilgrims. 

3. It places supervision of NAHCON “under the Presidency”. Section 3 defines NAHCON as a federal commission. Section 20, as interpreted by multiple legal commentaries and media analyses, clearly states that supervision of the Commission lies with the Presidency. 

The Act does not say “Office of the Vice President”. It says “Presidency”.

In practice, the Presidency has historically carried out this supervision through the Office of the SGF. A 2017 article defending NAHCON’s structure noted that “every action taken by the Commission is approved by the Presidency under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation”. 

This shows two things.

a. NAHCON is meant to sit under a strong, neutral coordinating centre in the Presidency.

b. The Office of the SGF has already served in that role in a way that is consistent with the Act.

3. The 2023 decision that moved NAHCON to the VP’s office

On 20 June 2023, the Presidency announced that you had approved the return of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and NAHCON to the Office of the Vice President for supervision “in compliance with their various establishment Acts”. 

Respectfully, the NAHCON Act does not insist on the VP’s office. It insists on the Presidency. Supervision through the SGF is also supervision by the Presidency.

By placing NAHCON directly under the VP’s office, Nigeria has shifted from:

• a neutral, administrative coordinating structure under the SGF,

to

• a highly political, personality based structure under the Vice President.

This is a policy choice, not a legal obligation.

4. Evidence that SGF based supervision produces results

Hajj management under NAHCON has recorded major improvements when anchored within a strong coordinating structure of the Presidency and SGF. For example:

1. Saudi authorities and Nigerian stakeholders have publicly acknowledged that since NAHCON started in 2007, Nigeria moved from being “a recurring study case of Hajj mismanagement” to a country that “has turned around Hajj management”. 

2. NAHCON introduced reforms like dealing directly with landlords in Makkah and Madinah. This cut out multiple exploitative agents and saved millions of dollars and Saudi Riyals in accommodation costs for pilgrims. 

3. In recent years, NAHCON has:

• ferried all 95,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 2023 for the first time in nearly a decade and filled the full national slot restored by Saudi Arabia 

• managed more than 51,000 government quota pilgrims in 2024 under very difficult foreign exchange conditions 

• secured Mashair space for 52,000 projected pilgrims ahead of the 2025 deadline. 

These outcomes rely on heavy inter agency coordination with aviation, foreign affairs, interior, health, central bank, security agencies, and state governments. The SGF’s office is structurally designed to coordinate exactly this type of horizontal work.

5. Why the SGF is a better home than the VP’s office

You are trying to build a government of results, not noise. For Hajj management, SGF based supervision has at least five clear advantages over VP based supervision.

1. Stronger inter ministerial coordination

The SGF is the central coordinator of the federal bureaucracy. Most of the agencies NAHCON must work with already have lines of reporting and clearance that run through the SGF. Keeping NAHCON under the SGF reduces confusion, shortens clearance chains, and helps to resolve bottlenecks before they harm pilgrims.

2. Greater institutional stability and continuity

Nigeria has moved Hajj management through too many structures over the decades: regional boards, federal boards, commissions, temporary task forces, a directorate in Foreign Affairs, and now a commission in the Presidency. 

Frequent shifts in who supervises NAHCON create uncertainty for staff, state boards, service providers and Saudi counterparts. The SGF’s office offers a stable, rules based platform that is less exposed to political reshuffles than a portfolio tied to the personal office of the Vice President.

3. Clearer accountability lines

When NAHCON sits under the SGF:

• the Chairman/CEO reports through a known administrative chain

• Parliament and auditors can follow documents and approvals across a predictable path

• Nigerian and Saudi partners know who to engage on policy questions and dispute resolution

The 2017 analysis that described NAHCON as “one of the most supervised agencies of the federal government” stressed that the SGF, Senate and House committees jointly oversee its work, including on ground during Hajj. 

4. Better alignment with the NAHCON Act

The Act gives NAHCON regulatory, licensing, oversight, and savings scheme functions. These are administrative and regulatory duties, not political messaging duties. They fit naturally under the SGF’s coordinating and monitoring role. 

Moving supervision back to the SGF keeps NAHCON under the Presidency as section 20 requires, while locating daily oversight with the part of the Presidency formally tasked with coordination of ministries, departments and agencies. 

5. Reduced risk of politicisation

Placing NAHCON directly under the VP’s office makes it more likely that:

• key appointments and decisions will be viewed as partisan or regional

• inter party and intra party rivalries spill into Hajj administration

• future governments use the Commission in proxy political battles

Hajj should remain a national, non partisan service. Supervision through the SGF gives the Presidency control, while signalling neutrality and professionalism to all regions and sects.

6. Lessons from attempts to tamper with the NAHCON Act

The National Assembly has received at least one Bill that seeks to repeal and re enact the NAHCON Act. The fact that lawmakers now debate how to reshape the Commission proves two points.

1. NAHCON has become a significant institution in the federal architecture.

2. Any rash structural experiment can create serious risk for pilgrims and for Nigeria’s image in Saudi Arabia.

You have inherited a Commission that works, with known gaps that can be fixed. It is wiser to strengthen its original governance structure under the SGF than to push it into an office where political traffic is already heavy and priorities are constantly shifting.

7. What is at stake for pilgrims and for your government

Every year, tens of thousands of ordinary Nigerians save for years to go on Hajj. In 2023 about 95,000 Nigerians performed Hajj. In 2024 about 65,000 Nigerians participated. 

These pilgrims judge the federal government not by speeches but by:

• how early flights start and finish

• whether accommodation is close, safe and decent

• how refunds and complaints are handled

• how medical teams respond in crises

• how clearly information is communicated before, during and after Hajj

Weak coordination or slow approvals at the top hurt real people on the ground. Pilgrims do not care about which desk in Abuja signs the memo. They care about tents, buses, food, and medical care in Makkah, Madinah, Mina and Arafat.

Your Excellency, you have already shown willingness to intervene strongly on Hajj matters, including on fares, refunds and early preparations for subsequent years. Relocating NAHCON back to the SGF’s coordination will give your directives stronger administrative backing and faster execution.

8. Respectful request

On this basis, I respectfully request that you:

1. Order a formal review of NAHCON’s current supervisory arrangement, with clear terms of reference that include efficiency, coordination, and consistency with the NAHCON Act 2006.

2. Restore NAHCON’s supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while affirming its status as a Commission under the Presidency in line with section 20 of the Act. 

3. Direct that any future proposals to move NAHCON to a ministry or other political office must be subjected to full stakeholder consultation with state pilgrims boards, recognised Islamic organisations, licensed tour operators and civil society groups.

Your decision on this matter will shape Hajj administration for the next decade. It will also send a clear message that your government values stable institutions, respects the law, and listens to the voices of ordinary pilgrims whose life savings and spiritual aspirations are at stake.

With respect,

Concerned Nigerian Muslim and civic activist

Oyedeji Hails Lagos Legends' Historic Triumph, Champions A Vision for A Stronger Nigerian Basketball League

Former NBA star and one of the long-time pillars of of Nigerian basketball, Olumide Oyedeji, praised Lagos Legends for their dramatic 74–72 victory over Rivers Hoopers on Sunday.

A win that delivered the franchise its first-ever NBBF Premier League title and a prized ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Oyedeji, the proprietor of Hoops N’ Read and a respected NBBF board member, described the victory as “a new chapter” for the domestic league, insisting that Legends’ rise is proof that Nigerian clubs can hit continental standards with the right planning and discipline.

“Your victory is the result of hard work, and other teams should learn from the way Lagos Legends went about their business,” Oyedeji said, urging the champions to begin early preparation for the enormous challenge the BAL presents.

While his own Hoops N’ Read side did not reach the Final Four this season, bowing out in the Final Eight, Oyedeji remained fully invested in the league’s growth. 

His consistent presence, mentorship, and investment in player development have shaped him into one of the most influential voices pushing the Nigerian game forward.

Despite recently losing his beloved mother, Oyedeji has remained deeply committed to supporting the growth of the domestic game. His presence, leadership, and investment continue to shape the direction of Nigerian basketball even during this period.

He also applauded Rivers Hoopers, who hosted the Final Four for the third straight year, praising their organisation and hospitality.

“You did not just host, you were excellent hosts,” he noted.

Despite playing with the backing of their home fans, the KingsMen fell narrowly short in their bid to reclaim the crown. Oyedeji, a former D’Tigers captain, encouraged them: “You gave your best, but it wasn’t enough. Better luck next time.”

Beyond the result, Oyedeji’s message was clear, Nigerian basketball is moving, growing, and rising and the Legends’ triumph is another sign that the NBBF Premier League is becoming more competitive, more professional, and more exciting.

And as the league continues to evolve, Oyedeji’s steady influence, from club ownership to administration to grassroots nurturing, remains one of the driving forces shaping its future.

Signed 

Maxwell Kumoye 

For Hoops N' Read BBC

Rano Emir pledges to support Maryam Idris Umar College of Education

The Emir of Rano, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Isa Umaru has pledged to support Maryam Idris

 Umar College of Education aimed at boosting education in the emirate, and statewide.

The Emir made the pledge while receiving the management, staff and students of the college led by the proprietor and provost of the institution, Alhaji Sani Jogana and Hajiya Bilkisu Abdullahi Turaki who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace.

A statement signed by the college's head of public relations department , Ado Salisu, said the emir described education as a backbone of every development especially at this critical period.

Ambassador Dr Muhammad Isa Umaru assured the leadership of the college that the emirate will do everything possible to support it with a view to actualize it's objectives.

While expressing gratitude to the college management for the visit, he urged them to sustain the tempo for the overall development of education in the state and beyond.

Earlier, the college proprietor, Alhaji Sani Jogana gave a brief history of the institution which according to him, was established to augment the current deficit in educational system statewide.

Alhaji Sani Jogana further explained that the establishment of the college will go along way in supplementing the efforts of the present administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on education.

The proprietor however, solicited the support of the emirate to enable the management establish the collage Campus in Rano in order to achieve the desired objectives.

He therefore thanks the Emir for receiving them despite his tight schedules charging the students to be good ambassadors of the college at all times.

In her remarks, the school provost, Hajiya Bilkisu Abdullahi Turaki Highlighted the college activities and programmes in their Darmanawa, Hadejia road and Jogana campuses.

Meanwhile, the management utilized the opportunity and visited some of the historical sites of the Rano Emirate along side students of geography, history and social studies.

DELAY DEFEATS EQUITY: Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as a Case Study

When justice is delayed, it ceases to be justice. Equity demands that justice must not only be done, but done in good time. Time, in many respects, is the currency that gives justice its meaning.

The prolonged delay in the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) undermines these principles of natural justice and equity. Why? It has been more than four months since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Engr. Ramat. He has undergone screening by the Senate and, by every legal and professional standard, fulfilled the requirements of the position. Yet, vested interests have kept his confirmation in limbo.

The Senate Committee on Power—after a thorough, transparent, and bipartisan screening—unanimously cleared him. Their report, recommending his confirmation, was duly transmitted to the Senate leadership over a month ago. Accordingly, the Senate Order Paper of October 22 clearly listed his confirmation as an item for deliberation and adoption. For reasons known only to political bad behaviour, that item was abruptly stepped down.

Reasonable Nigerians are now asking essential questions:

1.⁠ ⁠Can the Senate leadership, by its singular discretion, refuse to present a committee’s report for adoption?

2.⁠ ⁠Should the personal grievances or political interests of a few individuals override the collective decision of a properly constituted Senate Committee?

Although the law does not specify a strict timeframe within which the Senate must conclude its confirmation process, the principles of fairness and administrative justice require that such processes be concluded within a reasonable period. It is therefore unjust—and indeed inequitable—for Engr. Ramat’s confirmation to be subjected to delay without explanation.

If there are new petitions or complaints, submitted after his screening, the Senate has every right to investigate them tho

Kano Intensifies Collaboration With the Dangote Foundation to boost Social Protection for Millions of Residents

The Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA) has expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to enhance social protection interventions targeting the poor and vulnerable across the state.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the Foundation’s office by the Director General of KASPA, Dr. Fatima Abubakar Abdullahi (Amneef), who led a high-level delegation comprising all directors of the agency.

In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Agency, Rabi'u Khalil Kura, said the Director General reaffirmed KASPA’s mandate as the coordinating authority responsible for harmonizing, implementing, and monitoring all social protection activities in Kano State. 

She emphasized that the agency’s core mission is to reduce poverty, improve social inclusion, and strengthen the livelihoods of citizens across all 44 local government areas.

Dr. Fatima conveyed the appreciation of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the numerous humanitarian and development interventions delivered by the Dangote Foundation in Kano over the years.

 She highlighted the Foundation’s impactful contributions, noting that its ongoing programmes perfectly align with the State’s vision for a robust and inclusive social protection system.

She further appealed for enhanced collaboration and the inclusion of KASPA in the Foundation’s intervention framework, stating:

“Given the size and population of Kano, a strengthened partnership between KASPA and the Dangote Foundation will produce far-reaching benefits for vulnerable households. 

Dangote Foundation has a lot to offer in the area of social protection, and working together will multiply the impact for our people.”

Responding, the representative of the Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Sunusi Abdullahi Abdulkadir, commended the establishment of KASPA and the clarity of its mandate. 

He stated that the Foundation’s core activities — including microgrant programmes across 17 states, annual social palliatives, and timely humanitarian interventions in partnership with other organizations — are closely aligned with KASPA’s objectives.

He assured the delegation of the Foundation’s readiness to collaborate with KASPA and affirmed that future programmes and initiatives will accommodate and support the agency’s involvement.

The visit marks a significant step toward building a stronger institutional partnership aimed at improving access to social protection services for millions of Kano residents, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

NUGA Games fallout: BUK Gold Medal Winning V/ball Female team dedicates victory to VC, coach Abdallah

The Gold Medal Winning Volleyball Female team, Bayero University Kano BUK players have dedicated their medal at the just concluded NUGA Games to the institution's Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa and coach Usman Abdullah.

The BUK volleyball team who among the 91 universities competed in this year's Nigerian University Games Association NUGA held at University of Jos has described their victory to the commitment and support from institution's management and the technical bench led by ex international, Usman Abdullah.

The university's captain Faith Baba Kenzie said despite the challenges in the prelims, the players played as a team to emerge victory at the end of the tournament.

''This remarkable achievement is the first-ever gold medal in the history of team sports for our university, and the athletes have unanimously dedicated this historic victory to you, Professor Haruna Musa in appreciation of your fatherly support, guidance, and exceptional commitment to the welfare of all BUK students who participated in this year's NUGA.

Your unwavering encouragement and the conducive environment you have continued to provide for sports development played a major role in motivating the team towards this outstanding performance,'' Faith Baba explained.

She also expressed appreciation to the entire university community for their unflinching support, pledging that the team will continue to do everything possible to ensure the success of the institution in future championship within and outside the country.

Nigerian Tennis Federation NTF approves date for Dala Hard Courts Tennis championship in Kano

The Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) has approved the dates for the 38th edition of Dala Hard Courts Tennis championship, as over 200 players across the country are expected to compete in the seven days tournament .

The tournament Director, Alhaji Yusuf Datti stated this while briefing Newsmen on the preparations ahead of the competition.

Alhaji Yusuf Datti who doubles as Vice President of Nigerian Tennis Federation said that the championship will take place from 20th to 29th November, 2025 at the Kano Club tennis section

The Director added that the preliminary rounds will be held from 21st to 23rd November while the main draw commencing on Monday 24th November and final will hold on 29th.

Alhaji Yusuf Datti who is also a registrar of Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu University KHAIRUN pointed out that the organisers have requested the NTF to invite the top 30 ranked men and the top 10 ranked ladies to participate in the main draw of the event.

''This year's budget is projected to be higher than last year due to general use in prices. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic about receiving positive support from our principal sponsors -TGI, First bank PLC. Fidelity Bank as well as from other corporate organizations and individuals. The organizing committee will provide accommodation and feeding for national officials and participating players,'' he said.

While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other top government officials for their support and cooperation, he assured that the leadership of Dala Hard Courts Tennis will continue to promote and development of the game in the state and the country at large.

Utopia Secures Trademark Status in Nigeria, Marks a New Era of British Craftsmanship and Global Growth

Utopia Bath & Kitchen, a renowned British bathroom manufacturer, has officially registered its trademark in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing global expansion strategy.

Founded in 1989, Utopia is celebrated as one of the United Kingdom’s most established and respected bathroom manufacturers. For more than three decades, the company has embodied the finest traditions of British craftsmanship, innovation, and design excellence — values that continue to define its products and partnerships worldwide.

All Utopia products are designed and made to the highest standards of quality and precision engineering. The company’s comprehensive range includes complete bathroom solutions such as furniture, vanities, basins, sanitaryware, mirrors, storage, and accessories — each created with meticulous attention to detail and durability.

Through a consistent commitment to excellence, Utopia has earned multiple industry awards and continues to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best Bathroom Furniture Brands. Its reputation for contemporary British design, durability, and dependable supply has made it the preferred choice for homes, hotels, and residential developments across the UK and Europe.

Driven by its heritage and commitment to quality, Utopia is now extending its footprint beyond Europe into emerging markets across Africa, beginning with Nigeria. The trademark registration in Nigeria represents a strategic move that strengthens the company’s presence in one of the continent’s most dynamic economies.

The registration not only protects Utopia’s intellectual property but also reinforces its long-term investment in the Nigerian market. It signals a confident step toward building relationships with partners who share its values of quality, integrity, and long-lasting design.

Aftab Ahmed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Utopia, expressed his enthusiasm about the development, describing it as a key step in the company’s international journey.

> “I’m thrilled to see Utopia officially recognised and protected here in Nigeria. This milestone marks a pivotal moment, not just for our brand, but for the local market we aim to serve. We are excited about the development, and we look forward to bringing our vision of luxury, innovation, and design to Nigerian homes and communities.”

For Nigerian consumers, the registration ensures access to authentic Utopia products made to exacting British standards. It also establishes a foundation for local partnerships, enhanced service delivery, and future product lines tailored to the needs of African consumers.

For distributors and developers, Utopia’s presence offers the assurance of working with an award-winning brand known for reliability, consistency, and manufacturing excellence.

The company’s expansion into Nigeria marks the beginning of a wider African growth strategy that aligns with its vision of bringing premium British craftsmanship to new markets. With the trademark now officially secured, Utopia is positioned to build long-term relationships and deliver enduring value to consumers and business partners alike.

Under the leadership of Mr Ahmed, Utopia Bath & Kitchen continues to stand as a symbol of timeless design, superior quality, and trusted British manufacturing — now with a proud new chapter unfolding in Nigeria.

Brig Gen Samaila Uba FNIPR Takes Over as Director Defence Information

Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) and an experienced strategic communication specialist, has assumed office as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI). 

A seasoned military officer with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK), his appointment signals a renewed focus on strategic communication within the military.

The handover took place during a brief ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), following a recent reorganization within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Brig. Gen. Uba took over from Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, whom he appreciated for his achievements during his tour of duty.

In his inaugural address, Brig Gen Uba pledged to steer the Directorate under four strategic priorities: unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration. He commended his predecessor for his contributions and wished him success in future endeavours.

Born on July 1, 1968, in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Brig Gen Uba began his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of Short Service Combatant Course 30. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 13, 1993, and initially served in the Directorate of Army Public Relations before transitioning to the Infantry Corps.

His academic journey includes Tudun Wada Primary School and Saint Thomas Secondary School in Kano, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate in 1981 and 1986 respectively. He later graduated from Bayero University Kano in 1990 with a degree in Mass Communication. He also obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 2009 and a Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies from Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2019.

Throughout his career, Brig Gen Uba has completed all relevant military courses, including the Senior Staff Course at Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College in Bangladesh. He has held numerous command, staff, and instructional roles, including Officer in Charge of Administration at the Infantry Centre and School, Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Borno State, and Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Contingent to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda. He also served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff, where he played a key role in projecting a positive image of the Nigerian Army.

Brig Gen Uba was a distinguished member of the Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He was seconded to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada as the DHQ Training Team Leader, training customs officers in command and staff responsibilities. He also served as Deputy Director Peacekeeping Operations and Director Personnel Services at Army Headquarters. Until his recent appointment, he was the Director of the Department of Joint Studies at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, Passed Staff Course double dagger (++), National Defence College (Bangladesh), Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award Medal.

Brig Gen Uba is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nigerian Institute of Management, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and the Nigerian Society of International Affairs. He is happily married with children and enjoys playing squash and reading in his leisure time.

PRNigeria