By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima, on his 60th birthday, describing him as a humble, courageous and committed public servant.

In a goodwill message to the VP, Gen. Buratai praised Sen. Shettima’s simplicity and accessibility, saying his leadership has been defined by service to Nigerians rather than the privileges of public office.

“Your Excellency walks among the people, not above them,” Gen. Buratai said. “In doing so, you have earned a place in our hearts that no title can confer.”

Gen. Buratai also commended the VP for his courage in confronting national challenges and his consistent support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He described the partnership between President Tinubu and the VP as important to national stability and progress, while praising Sen. Shettima’s resourcefulness and statesmanship in responding to difficult national issues.

The former Army Chief also highlighted the VP’s concern for vulnerable and marginalised Nigerians, saying his outreach to disadvantaged communities reflects genuine compassion.

According to Gen. Buratai, Sen. Shettima has demonstrated an ability to turn challenges into opportunities while remaining focused on the broader interests of Nigeria.

Gen. Buratai also aligned himself with the VP’s call for prayers and charitable acts instead of elaborate birthday celebrations, urging Nigerians to use the occasion to support the less privileged and pray for the peace and progress of the country.

“As you celebrate this significant milestone, my family, friends and associates join me in praying that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with robust health, boundless wisdom and the strength to serve our great nation for many more years,” Gen. Buratai said.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency. May this new decade bring you greater fulfilment and the enduring satisfaction of a life well-lived in service to humanity.”

Dikwa Mourns Dr Adamu Fika, Describes Him as Distinguished Elder Statesman

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Dr Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dr Adamu Mohammed Fika, describing the late elder statesman as a man whose integrity, wisdom and dedication to national service would remain etched in the memories of Nigerians.

Dikwa conveyed his condolences in a statement issued on August 7, 2026, addressed to the deceased’s wife, Hajiya Hannatu Fika, the children and the wider Fika family.

He said he received the news of Dr Fika’s death with profound sadness, noting that his family and the entire Al-Ansar family shared a long-standing relationship with the Fika family.

According to him, the relationship dates back to 2003 when he joined the Federal Service and met Hajiya Hannatu Fika, who was then serving as Director of Human Resource Management.

“Our families have maintained a close and cherished relationship over the years, particularly since I joined the Federal Service in 2003 and met you as Director of Human Resource Management. We therefore feel this loss very deeply,” Dikwa said.

He described the deceased as “a distinguished elder statesman” whose integrity, wisdom, humility and commitment to the service of Nigeria would continue to be remembered.

Dikwa, who said he and his family were currently outside the country, regretted their inability to personally attend to the bereaved family at the difficult moment.

“Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you and the entire family,” he said.

Quoting the Qur’an, Dikwa reminded the family of the Islamic injunction that, “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed for divine strength, patience and fortitude for Hajiya Hannatu Fika, the children and the entire Fika family to bear the loss.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” Dikwa said, extending his deepest sympathy to the family.

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Dr Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, Funder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation and former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, has expressed heartfelt condolences to Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, following the death of her husband.

In a condolence message, Dr Dikwa sympathised with Mrs Adeosun and her family, praying that God grants them the strength and courage to endure the painful loss.

He said he recognised the depth of grief the former minister was experiencing and prayed that God would surround her and her family with divine comfort, peace and the fortitude to navigate the difficult period.

“As you pass through this season of grief, may God Almighty surround you and your entire family with His divine comfort, strength and peace. May He grant you the courage to bear this irreplaceable loss and sustain you through the difficult days ahead,” he said.

Dr Dikwa,  also prayed that the cherished memories Mrs Adeosun shared with her late husband would remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration.

He noted that the deceased’s legacy would continue to live on through his family and the many lives he positively impacted.

The former permanent secretary assured Mrs Adeosun that she and her family remained in his thoughts and prayers during the period of mourning.

He further prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

“May God grant the soul of your beloved husband eternal rest, and may His everlasting light shine upon him. May He comfort you, your children and the entire family, and grant you the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.

Dr Dikwa retired as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and currently serves as the Founder and President of the Al-Ansar Foundation.