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IRUKERA: HOW NOT TO REWARD ALTRUISM

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

ADMIN

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*By Tunde Olusunle*

Monday January 8, 2024, Nigerians woke up to the news of the suspension of Betta Edu, who was formerly the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. On the same day, Babatunde Ayokunle Irukera who was for six years Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC), was relieved of his appointment. Both developments compelled an essay which I titled “On Betta Edu and Tunde Irukera.” The article was generously ventilated by the media even as I attempted to draw comparisons between two public offices with different pedigrees and also different “misdemeanours.” Evidence in the public domain attested to blatant disregard for public service rules and mammoth thievery by one of the two people I wrote about. The other public servant was uncharacteristically innovative, transparent and altruistic in his approach to work. He literally excavated a government agency in the throes of asphyxiation and obliteration, to a world class organisation, to local and international aplomb.

Much unlike me, I had, just weeks before, written about Irukera following the recognition of the agency he superintended over as “Government Agency of the Year.” This was evidence to how very closely I followed the good works of Irukera. The honour in question came from *Leadership* newspapers one of Nigeria’s most reputable tabloids. FCCPC was selected for the acclamation for “promoting fairness, regulatory stability and consumer protection within the marketplace.” My piece alluded to the uncommon-ness of Irukera’s attitude to public service which is construed by many office holders as licence for the wholesale looting and holistic decimation of departments assigned to them. Haven’t we just been told that nine officers in the Nigerian Customs Services, (NCS) were recently fingered in a N12 Billion scam?

In pronouncing the FCCPC under Irukera as an authentic public service exemplar, *Leadership* noted that since his appointment in 2017, the organisation had pursued “a transformative journey reshaping and rebranding the erstwhile Consumer Protection Council, (CPC).” Further, the newspaper noted that the organisation had been refocused as a “proactive and consumer-centric FCCPC.” Irukera’s oversight of the commission’s transformation and operationalisation beginning from January 30, 2019, *Leadership* noted had been a game-changer. Further still, the awarding newspaper said: “Following the enactment of the FCCPC Act, Irukera has demonstrated “unwavering dedication to fostering a dynamic and responsive regulatory environment.” The FCCPC under Irukera it was observed “has recorded numerous milestones across diverse sectors including healthcare, digital finance and electricity.”

According to *Leadership,* “one of the standout accomplishments of Irukera’s FCCPC is the strategic development and implementation of the Patient’s Bill of Rights.” That initiative establishes a comprehensive framework empowering patients with essential rights such as informed consent, confidentiality and unrestricted access to their medical records.” The Patient Bill of Rights, *Leadership* observed, “serves as a charter of principles delineating the rights and responsibilities of patients, healthcare providers and the regulatory body.” This is “an approach which fosters a culture of transparency, accountability and patient-centric care.”

Irukera’s leadership at the FCCPC witnessed other strategic initiatives and impactful interventions in other sectors, notably in digital finance, the power sector and in the nation’s bureaucracy. FCCPC was also catalytic in shaping Nigeria’s business environment which became more cognisant of the emplacement of fairness, consumer protection and regulatory stability. Local and foreign investors have continued to experience the transformative impact of standardised practices instituted by the FCCPC. This congruence between national and international standards, in combination with rigorous process auditing and the development of guidelines and standard operating procedures, serves as an imprimatur of quality assurance in the Nigerian marketplace. These are identified perspectives about Irukera’s exertions in public service as dispassionately enunciated by one of Nigeria’s more serious newspapers.

Confident of his transparent governance approach, Irukera was never shy of media engagement. On the eve of the last yuletide therefore, Irukera hosted the media where he noted that the FCCPC under him, had become a wholly self-sustaining department. According to him, the FCCPC made history in 2023 by generating N56 Billion. The feat was achieved by the simple enforcement of compliance to existing laws vis-a-vis the payment of penalties by defaulting companies. This was a novelty by any standards in a milieu where many government funded establishments overdraw their allocations, expend their internally generated revenues, (IGR) and still prospect for supplementation. Irukera noted at that media interface that the organisation hired new staff in strict adherence to service procedures. This assisted the federal government in taking off young, qualified, unemployed people from the streets.
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Perhaps if every ministry, department or agency under the thoroughly dysfunctional Muhammadu Buhari regime had transparently recruited qualified youths across board, the national despondency levels will be mitigated albeit marginally. Much of what we picked up in the media space was hush-hush recruitments into “A-grade” MDAs like the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) and so on. After addressing staff emoluments, overhead costs and capital requirements, the FCCPC, Irukera noted gifted the federal government N22 Billion by way of remittances! This was a most un-envisaged precedence by a government agency which was picked up from the backwoods and transformed into a national model, even bride.

On Wednesday February 28, 2024, the Senate of the Federal Republic under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, rubber-stamped the request of President Tinubu to sack Irukera. He was deemed inefficient! For those who have followed the quiet yet impactful revolution which Tunde Irukera has pursued in the past six years, nothing can be more preposterous. There wouldn’t be a joke more cruel, more malevolent, more unfeeling than such a testimonial to a man who has invested so much in service to nation at testy times such as we have been in the past decade. Irukera demonstrated that government concerns can be effectively and productively run. What do we make of an organisation like the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, (NBAIS), which was in September 2022 reprimanded by the legislature for unjustified spending? The Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation queried NBAIS for spending N8.5 Billion annually, on 6000 employees to administer examinations to 500 students. No heads have rolled ever since in the Professor Muhammad Abdullahi-led organisation.

The spiteful removal of Babatunde Ayokunle Irukera from office the way it has been done is gross injustice and colossal disservice to patriotism and sacrifice. There have been unfounded suggestions to the effect that Irukera was blackmailed as one of those who “substantially” supported former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo’s bid to contest the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in 2022. This is most farfetched for a technocrat like Irukera whose gaze is almost permanently fixed to his desk treating official correspondences, receiving briefs, holding meetings. In other climes, Irukera should by now have in the bag recognitions like the “National Productivity Order of Merit,” (NPOM) as well as a minimum investiture with a national honour in the category of “Officer of the Order of the Niger,” (OON). He chose, however, not to hunt for titular aggrandisement preferring to immerse himself wholly and completely in service to fatherland.

Irukera’s mistreatment echoes the manner Damilola Ogunbiyi who was Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency under the Buhari government, was unjustly treated in 2019. She has since moved on to the global heights of the “Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All.” She is also Co-Chair of UN Energy. Irukera always had a flourishing law practice in the United States before heeding the call to avail his country of his multiplex competencies and experiences. He is not a jobber like many whose only CV is “being abroad.” For as long as he remained in his job in Nigeria, he ran his family by telephone, virtually. The manner he has been treated will be a major disincentive to Nigerians out there who would otherwise be glad to come contribute their quotas to national development. In Irukera, Nigeria has a brand ambassador who should be engaged to hoist the nation’s banner across the world. He deserves to be genuinely apologised to, pacified and given his flowers.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, poet, journalist, scholar and author is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA)

News

Reps Pledge to Protect Nigerians’ Digital Rights, Strengthen Public Communication

Published

2 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the digital rights of Nigerians through fair and well-considered digital legislation.

It also restated its dedication to accurate and innovative public communication as a way of strengthening institutional trust and improving service delivery across the country.

The House Spokesperson and Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, stated this during a joint capacity-building retreat of Legislative Aides and the House of Representatives Press Corps on digital governance and legislative reporting, organised by the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs with support from Paradigm Initiative in Abuja on Monday.

In his opening remarks, the House Spokesperson stressed that democracy works best when citizens are properly informed, noting that access to clear and reliable information is essential for meaningful public engagement and accountability.

He said “Our vision is clear: to position the 10th Assembly as The People’s House, a Parliament that is trusted, responsive, and results-driven. Our mission is equally clear: to deliver timely, factual, and innovative public communication that strengthens institutional credibility and supports effective service delivery.

“This retreat reflects a deliberate commitment by the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs to invest in professionalism, ethics, competence, and institutional coherence in legislative communication.

“It reflects a broader reform journey guiding the work of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs. Democracy functions best when citizens are well informed, when institutions communicate responsibly and when the media ecosystem upholds professionalism and public interest”.

Rep. Rotimi noted that “As the volume of digital-related legislation before the National Assembly continues to grow, the responsibility to report such matters with insight,
balance, and technical understanding also grows.

“This gathering is timely and strategic. The legislative environment now operates within complex questions of digital governance, data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, online safety, and digital rights.

“The responsibility to interpret these issues accurately and present them clearly to the Nigerian people rests on two key groups represented here today: the accredited Press Corps covering the National Assembly and the media teams that support members and House leadership”.

In his goodwill message, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan sad Nigeria’s desire to achieve a trillion dollar economy cannot be attained without digital security.

According to him, the media and youths in Nigeria can make digital communication an emergency issue.

While speaking on mapping digital legislation in Nigeria, Sesan took an overview of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, AI and Innovation Bills, Digital Rights and Freedoms Bills, National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, Cybercrimes Acts amendments and the Child Online Access Protection Bill.

He explained that child protection laws affect adult access as they lead to “Over protection of documents/information in the guide of child protection”.

Earlier, welcoming participants, Chairman House Press Corps, Comrade Gboyega Onadiran commended the praised the organisers for the Initiative of putting together the event.

He noted that journalism has moved beyond headlines as the media.

“Now work in a digital ecosystem shaped by data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and online rights.

“How we understand these issues and how we explain them to the Nigerian public matters deeply.

“As members of the Press Corps, our duty is not just to report what happens in the House, but to make the work of Parliament understandable, credible, and relevant to citizens. This, we have been doing patriotically and ethically“, he stated.

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Chief Imam Of Ilorin Is Dead, As Emir of Ilorin Announces Burial Rites

Published

7 hours ago

January 19, 2026

ADMIN

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Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara Council of Ulama, Sheikh Bashir Solihu, is dead.

He died at the age of 75.

The Chairman of the Islamic Missionaries Association (IMAN), Sheikh Abdullahi Nurudeen-Adana, confirmed the demise of the Chief Imam in Ilorin on Monday.

Nurudeen-Adana, who spoke with NAN at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin, said the late Chief Imam died during an undisclosed illness.

According to him, Solihu rose through years of dedicated Islamic scholarship and service to become one of the most influential religious leaders in Kwara.

He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for over four decades, following his appointment in 1983.

“Throughout his long tenure, the late Chief Imam was widely known for his deep understanding of Islamic teachings, firm leadership in religious affairs, and consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society,” he said.

The IMAN chairman described the death of the Chief Imam as shocking and an unmitigated disaster.

He condoled the Emir of Ilorin, members of the Kwara Council of Ulama, and citizens of the Ilorin Emirate.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih.

The monarch conveyed his condolences in a statement on Monday by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, describing the cleric’s death as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large.

Reacting to the sad development, the Emir said the news was received with total submission to the will of Allah.

“Inna lillahi waina ilaehi roji’un, it is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida OON,” he stated.

He further paid tribute to the late religious leader, highlighting his exceptional character and lifelong service to Islam and society.

“He was a cleric with unique features, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication and tolerance. His demise has caused us in Ilorin Emirate great sadness of no particular measure. We reflect on his lifetime as a man of great of honour and piety,” the Emir said.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also praised the late Chief Imam for his unifying role among Islamic scholars and his commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“Late Imam Solih was full of wisdom, and he was notable for unifying the entire Muslim clerics as well as promoting inter-religious harmony in the state,” he added.

The Emir announced that funeral prayers for the deceased would be held later on Monday.

“The Janazah will hold at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin by 4 pm today, Monday 19th January 2026,” the statement said.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late cleric, accept his good deeds, and grant him eternal rest.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Ilorin community, urging all to take solace in the exemplary life lived by the late Chief Imam.

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FG Opens Applications For 2026 Overseas Scholarships (Portal here)

Published

8 hours ago

January 19, 2026

ADMIN

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The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, providing opportunities for Nigerian postgraduate students to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

This was confirmed in a post shared via X( Formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, on Monday.

“FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post said.

According to the statement on scholarship board website, the scheme targets MSc and PhD candidates in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas sector, offering benefits such as tuition, return flight tickets, accommodation and living allowances, health insurance, and bench fees where applicable.

The PTDF statement said, “The 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships provide access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise, while developing indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

For PhD applicants in the United Kingdom, scholarships will follow a split-site arrangement, allowing research to be conducted between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and selected UK partner universities including Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde, and University of Portsmouth.

The agency emphasised that the scholarships are highly competitive. “Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding merit and suitability will be considered,” the statement said, adding that applicants will be evaluated based on academic credentials, research proposals, membership in professional bodies, and the relevance of their studies to the oil and gas industry.

Requirements for MSc applicants include a minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in a first degree (or 2.1), completion of the NYSC programme, computer literacy, and five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. PhD applicants must also submit a research proposal of up to five pages outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection approaches.

“All applicants must ensure their National Identity Number (NIN) is verified prior to application, and multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification,” the PTDF statement added.

Interested candidates are advised to apply online at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for approved programmes at PTDF partner institutions. The closing date for applications is 27th February.