Abdulkabir Aliu at 50: A Golden Journey of Vision, Excellence, and Service
-Kayode Alfred

Today, as Abdulkabir Aliu, the visionary founder and CEO of Matrix Energy Group, marks his 50th birthday, a wave of celebration sweeps across Nigeria and beyond. From the corridors of power to the hearts of communities he has touched, Aliu’s journey is hailed as a testament to brilliance, resilience, and boundless generosity. It is a moment not just to honor a man but to reflect on a legacy of transformation that has shaped industries and uplifted lives.

Born into a Nigeria striving for greatness, Aliu has become one of its brightest beacons. At 50, he embodies the golden age—a point where wisdom meets vigor, where achievements inspire and the horizon stretches toward even greater heights. Under his leadership, Matrix Energy Group has emerged as a colossus in Nigeria’s energy landscape. From oil and gas logistics to LPG distribution, shipping, and fertilizer blending, the breadth of his enterprise reflects a mind unbound by limits and a heart committed to national growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tribute captures the essence of Aliu’s impact: a transformative force not only in energy but in the social fabric of the nation. “Abdulkabir Aliu exemplifies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and service that elevates communities and strengthens our nation,” the President remarked, lauding his extraordinary contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social progress.

But Abdulkabir Aliu’s achievements go beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. His philanthropic endeavors speak of a man who understands the deeper purpose of success. In Maiduguri, his vision gave rise to a state-of-the-art Kidney Complex, a beacon of hope in a region often in need. At the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, his generosity has restored dignity and life through the renovation of healthcare facilities. Over 4,000 scholarships bear his name, a lifeline to students whose dreams might otherwise have withered. Women empowered through his skills training and financial support carry forward his legacy of compassion and opportunity.

In a nation too often plagued by fleeting promises, Aliu stands as a pillar of integrity and vision. At 50, he is not merely celebrating years but the culmination of dreams fulfilled and the promise of dreams yet to come. Abdulkabir Aliu is a living testament to what it means to be a leader, a benefactor, and above all, a patriot. As Nigeria raises its glass to toast his golden jubilee, one thing is clear: his legacy is only just beginning.

Atiku Urges Immediate and Unconditional Release of Dele Farotimi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and human rights activist.

Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos on charges of criminal libel, as disclosed by fellow human rights lawyer, Femi Falana.

In a statement issued personally on Wednesday in Abuja, Atiku condemned the arrest, describing it as both unacceptable and unjust. He expressed concern over the nature of the charges, noting that defamation, in most cases, does not warrant the involvement of law enforcement. “The police’s intervention in such matters is nothing more than using a sledgehammer to kill a fly—an overreach of immense proportions,” he stated.

Atiku further condemned the arrest as part of a broader agenda to suppress fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to free expression, which he argued is a direct affront to democratic principles. “The objective is clear: to intimidate and silence dissent, particularly from citizens and the media, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state,” he said.

The former presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emphasized that freedom of speech and association are constitutional rights, not privileges. He added that if someone feels defamed, they should seek redress through the courts, not through state power.

Atiku pointed to his own experience in 2019, when he was defamed but chose to take the matter to court instead of involving law enforcement. “It is an appalling abuse of power to use the police for personal vendettas,” he said. “Therefore, I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi.”