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Examining Mustapha Habib Ahmed’s Scorecard at NEMA – Toni Kan
Published
7 months agoon
Examining Mustapha Habib Ahmed’s Scorecard at NEMA – Toni Kan
Sahara Weekly Reports That Those who are appointed at the pleasure of the President, to sensitive and critical Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are offered a unique opportunity to make a mark in the polity by impacting positively on the citizenry and populace.
But public service is increasingly becoming a thankless job in Nigeria where it has now become the norm for political appointees to be hounded and demonized when they leave office.
This happens many times because there is always scant proof of performance. Nigerians are often confounded by what political appointees do or achieve while in office. The question that roils their minds, to borrow a leaf from the annual lawyer fest convened years ago by the late Efere Ozako, is – wetin government appointees dey do sef?
That is, however, one question very few would ask of Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the immediate past Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Appointed to head the emergency agency on May 31st, 2021, Habib Ahmed sat in the saddle up until his handover to the incumbent Director General, Mrs. Zubaidah Umar who was appointed on March 15, 2024.
At the hand over-over ceremony on March 20, 2024, Mustapha Habib Ahmed displayed the same uncommon traits that have defined his tenure at NEMA with a proper and precise hand-over session to his successor.
‘Proper’ and ‘precise’ are two words that come to mind when you think of Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the multi-lingual business administration graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Born in Kaugama, Jigawa state in 1970, Ahmed studied at Federal Government College, Kaduna and Focus Tutorial College, Lagos before proceeding to ABU for his undergraduate degree.
An astute and successful businessman, his professional career saw him excel in communication, supply chain in engineering purchasing and supplies as well as bulk handling before rising to the position of Director of Finance and Administration at the Sealag Alliance Nigeria Ltd. He would later become the Managing Director of Rapid Engineering Company Limited both in Lagos.
His political sojourn was no less stellar with stints as Member Board of Trustees (BOT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Member, Directorate of Logistics, APC Presidential Campaign Council, National Chairman of the Buhari Support Group, member of the Presidential Campaign Council in 2019 etc.
His appointment as the DG of NEMA was loudly applauded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) which noted that his appointment was more than a reward for party loyalty but a “recognition of selfless service to the country, attributes which clearly describe your persona. We trust in your capacity to acquit yourself creditably well in your new assignment.”
Skeptics may well have seen those words as mere platitudes issued by political colleagues but a consideration of Mustapha Habib Ahmed’s stewardship will show clearly that the businessman, technocrat and politician acquitted himself creditably over the course of his almost three year stint at NEMA.
Immediately after the hand-over, Habib Ahmed was joined by his successor and members of staff of NEMA for group photographs and farewell outside the brand new premises of NEMA. It was a telling moment because the building, which was hitherto abandoned for six years, was brought to completion by Habib Ahmed thus bringing all departments and units under the same roof for the first time. (please confirm this)
But he did not just deliver a building; he delivered a world class disaster management facility boasting the very best amenities – Emergency Situation Room, GIS Laboratory, Nigeria Mission Control Centre (MCC) for tracking of distressed aircrafts and ships, Emergency Call Centre, Staff Clinic, and Library.
Speaker after speaker showered encomiums on the outgoing DG and from their tributes what came across was a man who led from the front with a leadership style that can easily be encapsulated under four broad themes: Co-ordination, Collaboration, Capacity building and Communication.
Coordination: Disaster management is about proactive co-ordination of disparate strands. During his time at NEMA, Habib Ahmed ensured that focus was placed on ensuring that the tools which facilitate co-ordination and the discharge of their mandate were available, fully maintained and in tip-top shape.
The Hytera modern communication system was deployed to enable real time communication and live streaming of events from incident sites both in Nigeria and abroad for a better coordinated disaster response; Medical Intensive Care Units (MICU) Ambulances, Search and Rescue Boats, extrication equipment and operational vehicles were procured to strengthen the capacity of NEMA Search and Rescue teams in all the six zones’ while the NEMA Air Wing comprised of the Fixed Wing Cessna Citation Air Ambulance and Bell 22 Helicopter which had been grounded for five years were revived to enhance capacity for Search and Rescue and medical evacuation.
Coordination also went beyond hardware to include processes. The launch of the NEMA Service Charter in 2023 was to help institutionalise and operationalise processes with a formal document that encapsulates and articulates NEMA’s obligations to its service users in terms of benchmarks and information dissemination.
During his tenure, NEMA also developed a comprehensive national Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2024-2030) and Action Plan (2024 – 2027) that addresses and puts in context the evolving landscape of risks and challenges facing Nigeria
The Special National Economic Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) was a special intervention aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of the nation through the distribution of relief materials such as food and non-food items like water pumps, mattresses, and agricultural supplies.
Proper and precise coordination were key to the successes recorded in the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from various hotspots; Sudan, Libya, Ukraine, India, Dubai and Turkey and it was a delighted Mustapha Habib Ahmed who announced at the conclusion of evacuations from Sudan on 28 July, 2023 that “we have not lost one Nigerian life, which is most important to us.”
Collaboration: Mustapha Habib Ahmed’s savvy, urbane and national outlook as a politician, businessman and student who lived and studied in different parts of the country was obvious in his uncanny ability to forge partnerships and facilitate collaborations during his time at NEMA.
On Thursday August 10, 2023 NEMA reconvened the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF), a meeting of multi-sectoral stakeholders comprising agencies of Government, international organisations and the United Nations systems was predicated upon the recognition of coordination and collaboration as vital components of disaster management.
Under his leadership, NEMA emphasised Nigeria’s triple response structure and aligning NEMA to that structure ushered in a hitherto unseen level of collaboration between NEMA and national, state and sub-national level actors. NEMA and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) were for once, true partners in progress.
But collaboration wasn’t limited to emergency agencies. NEMA under Ahmed prioritised engagement with national-level agencies like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) by paying attention to their annual predictions and forecasts especially the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) respectively. This led to the comprehensive mitigation of the effects of flooding in 2023.
That collaboration also extended to bilateral and multilateral cooperation and partnerships with participation at various global fora in fulfillment of Nigeria’s commitment to international protocols. NEMA participated and represented Nigeria in the midterm review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015 -2030 held between 18th and 19th May, 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA and fostered collaborative partnerships with the United States, Madagascar and others.
Capacity building: A veritable sponge for knowledge, Mustapha Habib Ahmed placed a premium on capacity building and knowledge sharing during his tenure and he was sector, nationality and structure agnostic. Doctors, soldiers, students, community volunteers, journalists, nurses, voluntary organisations, all received emergency response and disaster management especially as first responders.
Under his leadership, NEMA facilitated a training program on Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the US Forestry Service.
A ground-breaking collaboration with the Disaster Management Centre of Bournemouth University saw NEMA hosting an Executive Disaster Management Course which focused on finding ways to enhance the capacity of disaster responders.
Communication: There is a common saying attributed to Stuart Britt and it goes like this: Doing business without advertising is like winking at someone in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.
During his tenure at NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed showed, without equivocation, that he is not one to wink in the dark. He was a master of communicating plans, processes, initiatives, knowledge and impact.
Under his watch, NEMA’s website was unarguably the most vibrant website of any MDA in Nigeria. Reports on the agencies activities and initiatives were shared copiously and timeously keeping stakeholders informed while the DG’s X (formerly Twitter) handle provided a weekly run-down of his itinerary and activities something not commonly seen in these climes.
The communication of NiMEt and NIHSA’s predictions and forecasts captured as “the downscaling of disaster early warning measures to grassroots for effective live-saving early actions” ensured that the devastation from the floods of 2022 did not repeat itself in 2023.
After his formal handover, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, presented a comprehensive, precise and proper scorecard on March 25, 2024, highlighting how his activities at NEMA impacted the nation in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his scorecard published on social media, Ahmed thanked his colleagues and collaborators at NEMA while emphasising the agency’s “significant transformation, elevating itself to the forefront of disaster management not only within Nigeria but across the entire West African sub-region.”
He noted that even though “Nigeria’s disaster risk profile and the resulting humanitarian outcomes, stemming from both natural and human-induced disasters, have experienced a notable upward trajectory” the effects have been meditated, moderated and minimised considerably because of NEMA’s proactivity under his leadership.
Mustapha Habib Ahmed’s example is not just a humble invitation for scrutiny and corroboration, it is also an example of the standard all public officials and political appointees should aspire and be held accountable to.
**Toni Kan, a PR and developmental expert writes from London.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
Politics
‘I Did Not Sign $45.21m Flyover Deal with China’, Okpebholo Replies PDP
Published
7 days agoon
October 27, 2024‘I Did Not Sign $45.21m Flyover Deal with China’, Okpebholo Replies PDP
Sahara Weekly Reports That Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has denied ever signing any deal with the Chinese government to the tune of $45.21m for flyover bridges.
He, therefore assured the people of the state that he would not be another memorandum of understanding (MoU) governor like Godwin Obaseki.
Okpebholo gave the assurance weekend while reacting to an allegation by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that he had signed a $45.21m deal with China Exim Bank.
The senator, who gave the assurance in a statement by his media aide, Godswill Inegbe, said he would not be distracted by the outbursts of those who are ‘still licking their wounds after losing the September 21 governorship election in the state.’
Putting a lie to the write-up, Okpebholo explained that as a governor-elect, he was not in any official capacity to obtain any loan on behalf of the State.
He said: “I am rather working on how to offset the numerous loans obtained by the outgoing Gov Godwin Obaseki administration without any correlating
development.
Full text of the statement…
Re: Ahead of Inauguration: Akpakomiza signs a $45.21m MoU with a Chinese Bank to build flyovers in Benin City.
Their lies and mischief have no end!
We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the mischievous publication, which speculates that the winner of the 21st November governorship election in Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was in talks with a Chinese agency to obtain a loan of $45.21 million to execute the construction of three flyovers in Benin city.
Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to react to such distractions but since our investigation has revealed that the report was orchestrated by those still licking their wounds from the recent defeat, we are constrained to put the record straight.
The Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on invitation, was in the office of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria in Abuja when the photograph they are now sharing on the internet was taken.
The Governor-elect was not on a mission to sign any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Exim Bank for a loan, as dubiously claimed in the said publication.
Understandably, as Governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo is not in any official capacity to obtain any loan on behalf of the State; rather, he is working on how to offset the numerous loans obtained by the outgoing administration without any correlating development.
The Governor-elect, being a realist, will not build his administration on MoUs, and neither will he become another MoU Governor of Edo State.
The agents of the outgoing administration and members of the defeated PDP who are spreading false rumors about the Governor-elect should focus on the transition process, which, in any case, they are working tirelessly to truncate.
The Governor-elect will not take advice from those who have failed and mortgaged the future of the Edo people over the past seven years.
The Governor-elect will not be a looter of public funds as Governor of Edo state; rather, he will judiciously manage the resources that belong to Edo people to develop Edo State.
Instead of resorting to the promotion of lies and falsehoods, we expect the mischief-makers to apologize to the good people of the State while undergoing penance for their atrocities.
We expect them to confess their sins and seek forgiveness from the people of Edo State, whom they have traumatized financially, mentally, and otherwise in the past seven years!
E-Signed:
Godswill Inegbe,
S.A Media to Senator Monday Okpebholo,
October 27, 2024.
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The Power of Accepting Your Past – Prudent Ludidi
Today, I want to address something that holds many of us back: our struggle to accept our past. We’ve all found ourselves trapped in cycles of regret, shame, and guilt, replaying mistakes and wishing we could go back. But the reality is, we can’t change what’s already happened. The past, with all its challenges, is a part of us and has shaped who we are today. Refusing to accept it only leads us to reject parts of ourselves.
Accepting our past doesn’t mean dwelling on it. It means acknowledging it, learning from it, and then moving forward with clarity and strength. When we do this, we free ourselves from shame and guilt, forgive both ourselves and others, gain closure, and open doors to peace and confidence.
However, without acceptance, we risk remaining stuck in a cycle of regret and anger, missing out on present moments, and continuing patterns of self-destructive behavior. We may even find ourselves struggling with anxiety and depression, weighed down by what we haven’t come to terms with.
How Do We Begin to Accept Our Past?
1. Practice Self-Compassion – Be kind to yourself, as you would with a friend.
2. Acknowledge Your Feelings – Allow yourself to feel. Don’t suppress or ignore.
3. Reframe Negative Experiences – See them as part of your growth, not just mistakes.
4. Focus on the Present – Let today be your priority, not yesterday.
5. Take Small Steps Toward Healing – Acceptance is a journey. Begin one step at a time.
Remember, your past is a chapter of your story, not the entire book. You are more than your mistakes and regrets. You are unique, talented, and worthy, capable of growth, learning, and change. Accepting your past takes courage, but it’s worth every effort.
When you recognize and honor your experiences, you open yourself up to healing and peace. You’ll start to see your past not as a burden, but as a foundation for a brighter future.
Embrace Your Story
Don’t shy away from your past. Confront it, allow yourself to feel, and learn. You are not alone in carrying scars from your past. Many of us do, but what truly matters is how we choose to live with them. We can let them hold us back, or we can use them as fuel for growth.
Choosing to accept your past makes the present more vibrant and meaningful, filling it with purpose and life. With acceptance, you’ll find a renewed sense of freedom and peace, empowering you to live fully in the present and look forward to the future.
You are strong, resilient, and capable of growth. Let’s commit today to accept our pasts, embrace our scars, and celebrate our imperfections. Let’s start living fully, with our eyes fixed on a brighter future.
Thank you.
As you read this, take a moment to reflect on your journey. What lessons have you learned from your past? Feel free to share your story and inspire others to embrace theirs. Together, we can move forward with strength and hope.
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news
Hardship at Its Peak, Lives at Stake: Ajanaku Urges Politicians to Suspend Politics and Support the Peoples
Published
1 week agoon
October 26, 2024
In a fervent appeal to Nigeria’s political class, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, prominent businessman, socialite, and Chief Executive of Ajanaku Holdings, has voiced deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation. He urged politicians to suspend their political ambitions and refocus on the immediate needs of the Nigerian people, who are grappling with escalating hardship and insecurity.
Speaking candidly to journalists on Friday, Ajanaku attributed the deteriorating situation to misdirection, misplaced priorities and lack of trust in leaders. He emphasized that the solution lies not solely with President Bola Tinubu, but through collective responsibility and support for the government.
He underscored that this hardship, which affects millions across Nigeria, cannot be ignored or brushed aside, as it threatens the very fabric of society.
“Our economic situation is dire,” he said. “Millions of Nigerians are suffering terribly, including the youth and children. The hardship has reached a critical point, and we must act now to save lives and prevent further deterioration of our nation.”
Ajanaku highlighted that the current economic distress cannot be alleviated solely through the actions of President Bola Tinubu, as some have been led to believe. Although he expressed faith in Tinubu’s leadership, he clarified that real change requires collaboration at all levels of government and commitment from state and local leaders who are closer to the people. He pointed out that many federal government policies, though well-intentioned, are designed for long-term impact and thus are insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of those in vulnerable communities.
“While I trust President Tinubu’s capacity to lead Nigeria towards a better future, the immediate needs of our people demand collective action now,” Ajanaku stated. “Local governments must step up and address the suffering in their communities. This isn’t solely the President’s responsibility—it’s a shared duty that requires compassion and urgency.”
He urged politicians to prioritize humanitarian initiatives over political agendas, calling the continued focus on the upcoming 2027 elections “unconscionable” given the current plight of the people. According to Ajanaku, many politicians are preoccupied with campaigns and media appearances, often publicizing token acts of charity that fail to address the depth of the crisis.
“It’s shocking to see politicians rushing to campaign for 2027 when citizens are suffering daily from hunger,” Ajanaku remarked. “Why parade your generosity on social media when people are dying from lack of basic necessities? Genuine giving should be discreet and meaningful, aiming to ease the community’s suffering—not for publicity.”
In his impassioned plea, Ajanaku urged political figures, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders to put aside at least 20 percent of their resources to support those in need within their communities. He expressed confidence that such coordinated efforts would alleviate immediate pressures and enable the federal government to create lasting solutions without being weighed down by widespread poverty and unrest.
Ajanaku also pointed out that despite increased monthly allocations from the federal government to states and local councils, there has been little improvement in the welfare of the masses. He challenged leaders across all tiers of government to be accountable and utilize their resources to bring immediate relief to the people.
“Federal allocations continue to be distributed, and in many cases, they’ve increased,” Ajanaku noted. “There is no excuse for our elected officials and government agencies to stand idle while our people suffer. It’s time for them to act, to wipe the tears from our people’s faces.”
Ajanaku concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and collective resolve to confront Nigeria’s numerous challenges, from poverty and insurgency to kidnapping and other social vices. He called on all Nigerians, regardless of status, to rise to the occasion, standing together to help the country regain its footing.
“While we trust in President Tinubu’s leadership to steer Nigeria towards a brighter future, let us also unite in a shared mission: to liberate our people from poverty, eradicate social vices, and restore peace in our beloved nation. Long live Nigeria,” Ajanaku said.
As hardship reaches unprecedented levels, Ajanaku’s words resonate as a call to action, urging those in positions of influence to look beyond personal gain and political power, and to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people above all else.
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