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PAUL MUMEH @ 60: CELEBRATING A NATURAL HUMANIST, QUINTESSENTIAL PROFESSIONAL

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4 months ago

May 7, 2026

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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

But for the piece written by Richard Ihediwa, the milestone birthday of a true compatriot whose love, fecundity to friendship; commitment to relationship; passion for the personal growth of people, and the deepening of his profession remains unequivocal would have passed “just like that.” Paul Mumeh, a well-rounded journalist, strategist, public analyst, and communicator is an unusual personality. He invest quality time, resources in celebrating other people but politely turn down the same treatment for himself. Despite his lofty achievements and recognitions, he remains self-effacing and focused. In a society where many – who have not attained half his status pull unimaginable stunts towards attracting public visibility, Mumeh prefers anonymity. For Mumeh, there are no pretences, make-believe, at any time – he remains constant. An extremely resourceful and hard working professional, Mumeh’s life and service are anchored on selflessness, sacrifice, humility, altruism, and contentment.

Though the writer cannot claim to be one of his numerous besties, but, having known him for a while, one can say a few things about him. We first met in 2001, through Prof. Tunde Olusunle; who was a senior aide to former president Olusegun Obasanjo. As a new staff member of the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency, the writer was working on an article, “From Sawdust To The Skies.” Olusunle, who by the way was Mumeh’s senior colleague whilst at the legendary Daily Times Newspapers structured a meeting between the writer and Mumeh, “to get other perspectives to the work” he advised. It was very useful as Mumeh did not only surpass expectations but surprised the writer with his humility, gentle, and kind personality. Yet again, while gathering materials for a global event to be hosted in Abuja, the writer had to meet Mumeh, at the instance of another great alumni of the Daily Times; late Mr. Femi Olatunde. He did not disappoint.

After a few years hiatus, Mumeh and the writer reconnected when he was the chief press secretary to the Senate President, David Mark. All through his time with the head of Nigeria’s legislative arm of government, Mumeh did not allow the office and its perks, influence, and power to “contaminate” his person and personality. In June 2015, at the public presentation of the writer’s first book – “Rethinking Nigeria: Musings On Democracy, Leadership, And Development (2000 – 2009)” Mumeh was one of the early arrivals, and stayed till the end of the over three hours event. This validates his sacrifices to the personal development of people. According to the testimonies of many people, he is ever willing, prepared to give his all towards ensuring the success of any programme and initiative by friends, colleagues, and associates.

Over the years, in all our interactions, his humility and humanity remains unmistakable. Though, my senior in age, he will always – despite consistent disapprovals – call me “my Oga.” Though a repertoire of knowledge and unending capacity, he carries no airs. Described as an exemplar of good conduct, probity, and forthrightness, he lives a non-complicated and well-cultured life anchored on hard work, moderation. Over time, he has proven to be reliable and dependable to the realization of every noble cause, particularly one that is geared towards the advancement of journalism, media practice, and national development.

For many who have shared trials and triumphs with Mumeh from Daily Times to Daily Independent, and across some other organizations, he has one unique, enviable attribute. Loyalty! For Mumeh, there are no short cuts or short ends. Loyalty must be one hundred percent or more. That he is still with Mark, more than a decade after the Idoma-born politician exited the National Assembly aptly confirms his loyalty-credental. A mutual friend confessed that, “not minding my years of disconnection with him, largely due to occupational exigencies, Mumeh, swiftly published an article I sent to him. When I called thereafter, he said: no matter the distance or situation, we remain friends, and brothers.”

On the Diamond Birthday of a de-tribalized Nigerian; a diligent, dedicated, and devoted personality; a natural bridge-builder, the writer (and numerous others) pray that the life and service of Mumeh will continue to impact and inspire people. As he climbs the 6th floor, he will continue to make indelible marks in every facet of his career, endeavours, and family.

Congratulations, our dear Pauloooo!!!!!!

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.

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US Federal agents nab Podcaster Azariah over alleged threats to Kill Trump

Published

12 minutes ago

September 3, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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United States federal agents have nabbed a podcaster, Azariah Southworth, in Los Angeles over allegations that he threatened to kill US President Donald Trump.

According to New York Post on Thursday, Southworth was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles following an investigation into the alleged threats against Trump.

Southworth is known for hosting the Yass, Jesus podcast and previously hosted the Christian television programme, The Remix. His arrest has brought federal authorities’ attention to statements allegedly made by him concerning the president.

The allegations against Southworth have not been established in court, and details of any criminal charges filed against him were not immediately available in the report. Federal authorities typically investigate threats against the president as potential federal offences.

US law prohibits knowingly and willfully threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict bodily harm on the president. Such cases can result in federal prosecution if investigators determine that a statement meets the legal threshold for a criminal threat.

Federal authorities have pursued similar cases involving alleged threats against Trump in recent years.

The US Department of Justice has previously announced charges and convictions involving people accused of making threats against the president online and through other forms of communication.

Authorities have also stressed in previous cases that an arrest or criminal charge does not establish guilt. Prosecutors are required to prove the allegations in court, while defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.

Southworth’s arrest comes amid continued security concerns surrounding threats against Trump and other US public officials. Further details about the allegations, possible charges and Southworth’s next court appearance are expected to emerge as the federal case proceeds.

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Flooding: FCTA begins desilting of drains, warns against vandalism, illegal structures

Published

2 hours ago

September 3, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a city-wide desilting of drainage channels following heavy torrential rainfalls that triggered flash floods across parts of the nation’s capital.

Inspecting the ongoing clearance operations along the Airport Expressway on Thursday, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said the exercise was directed by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

The directive followed a flash flood that flooded the Airport Expressway on Tuesday.

According to Dauda, the effort is to mitigate flood risks during the peak of the rainy season.

Dauda noted that while recent downpours align with earlier meteorological warnings and climate change trends, the Abuja Master Plan inherently recognises certain areas, including the Airport Expressway axis as flood plains.

He assured residents that while resilient infrastructure was originally built to handle high water volumes, human activities have severely compromised its efficiency.

“Some of these drainage facilities over time have been silted. Part of the cause is residents dumping refuse into drainage channels.

“When rain falls, it washes down polythene bags, waste, and even large objects that block the outlets,” he said.

Dauda highlighted two major human factors aggravating the flash floods: illegal development and widespread infrastructure vandalism.

Exposing a major choke point along the expressway, Dauda pointed to a triple-cell box culvert meant to discharge a powerful stream flowing from the Galadima Roundabout.

He explained that a private developer had illegally constricted the waterway further downstream by constructing retaining walls to expand a personal plot.

“What that causes is that the volume of water that ought to pass no longer passes, causing detention, backflow, and eventual flooding.

“To restore adequate discharge capacity, we must remove the structures built by this developer,” he said.

Dauda also decried the theft of metal gully inlet covers by vandals, which allows large debris to flow directly into underground drains instead of being sieved at the surface.

“When vandals steal these covers, it’s like stealing from yourself as a taxpayer,” he remarked.

To permanently curb the theft, he revealed that the FCDA is exploring replacement materials made from non-recyclable compounds rather than steel or cast iron.

The FCDA boss confirmed that workers were already desilting trapezoidal drains, U-channels, and culvert outlets along the Airport Expressway, with plans to reconstruct damaged points where necessary.

Dauda urged Abuja residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways, warning that government infrastructure can only protect the city if public cooperation is guaranteed.