By Dr MS Abubakar

I used to be a dullard, one of the most unserious pupils at Wulari 1 Primary School, Maiduguri. I was always the proud owner of the last position in class. I did not know how to read in Primary Four, and I did not care. I was simply an indolent and unserious pupil.

The only thing I was good at was drawing.

Then, one day, my mother, who had only a primary school education but was highly intelligent and fluent in Shuwa, Kanuri, Sara, French, English and Sango, decided to put an end to my nonsensical nonsense.

My father met her in Maiduguri and married her. He could barely read. My mother, however, decided that my education would not be left entirely to the school and the teachers because, from the look of things, if she allowed that to happen, I would become a future buffoon.

So, she took over my lessons.

Using the Longman English textbook, she taught me how to read. I will never forget the words: **“Hello, hello Titi, where are you going?”**

That was the first line I ever read in my life.

I still remember how she taught me arithmetic—hundredths, tenths, units and so on. I still remember the first time I raised my hand in class to show that I was ready to read.

She also taught me how to read French.

My mother was a strong woman, and from her, I learned self-reliance, resilience and perseverance.

She is gone.

Gone!

May God’s rahama continue to be with her.

The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,  has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman, former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur (Tafidan Adamawa).

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur passed away in Abuja on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

In a condolence message on behalf of his colleagues in the NNGF, Governor Inuwa Yahaya made available to newmen in Gombe by  Alhaji Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General, Press Affairs Government House Gombe described the death of the elder statesman as a profound loss to the North and the nation, saying Nigeria had lost one of its most experienced public servants, political leaders and champions of economic development.

He noted that the late Bamanga Tukur’s public service spanned more than six decades, during which he served the country in several critical capacities, including as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also acknowledged his contributions to Africa’s economic development through the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group, as well as his leadership of the PDP as National Chairman from 2012 to 2014.

According to the NNGF Chairman, Alhaji Tukur’s vast experience in public administration, politics, business and continental affairs established him as one of the prominent figures of his generation whose contributions will remain part of Nigeria’s history.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a long and impactful life, serving Nigeria in several critical capacities and contributing significantly to the growth of our economy, institutions and political development.

“His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service will be greatly missed. His death is a great loss to the North and the entire nation,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya said.

The Governor commiserated with the government and people of Adamawa State, the Bamanga Tukur family, friends and associates of the deceased, praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his lifetime of service to humanity and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, has congratulated Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima,  on his 60th birthday.

In a statement issued to mark the occasion, Dr. Dikwa described the birthday as a significant milestone and thanked Almighty Allah (SWT) for granting the Vice President six decades of life and service to humanity and Nigeria.

He commended Senator Shettima for his years of public service and his contributions to the development of Borno State and Nigeria, saying his career had taken him from state-level leadership to the office of Vice President.

“Dr. Dikwa joins the Vice President’s family, friends and well-wishers in celebrating this important milestone and acknowledging his longstanding commitment to public service,” the statement said.

The Al-Ansar Foundation president prayed that Almighty Allah would grant Senator Shettima wisdom, sound health and strength to continue discharging the responsibilities of his office.

He also prayed for divine protection and guidance for the Vice President and his family, expressing hope that his new decade would be marked by Rahmah, Barakah and greater opportunities to serve humanity and the nation.

“Happy 60th birthday, Your Excellency. May Almighty Allah continue to honour, guide and preserve you. Ameen Ya Rabbal ‘Alameen,” Dr. Dikwa said.