society
Tajudeen Abass: A Symbol Of Parliamentary Stability By Toby Prince
Tajudeen Abass: A Symbol Of Parliamentary Stability
By Toby Prince
To whom much is given, much is expected, so they say. But if much is given to you and you’re empty, you will dash the expectations of the waiting public.
For Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, much was given to him and daily, he has continued to surpass all expectations. The number of votes he garnered to emerge Speaker of the 10th Assembly and the 15th Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, 353 out of 359, speaks volumes about his personality and his acceptability by his colleagues. He left his other two challengers with only six votes to share among themselves to preserve their dignity.
For every election circle in the last 13 years, of which we have had 4 of them, Hon Abbas has been consistently elected by the people of Zaria Federal Constituency to represent them in the Green Chamber. Coming from the Zazzau Emirate in Kaduna State that boasts of so many intellectuals and electable materials, the confidence reposed in him by his people is a testament to his strength of character and expertise in the management of human resources and relations.
Rt. Hon Abbas was first elected in 2011 on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) at a time when the ruling Party in Kaduna State was PDP and one of their son and former Governor of the State, Arc. Namadi Sambo was the Vice President of Nigeria and running mate of the PDP presidential candidate in that year’s election.
A crown prince of the Zazzau Emirate otherwise known as Zaria, with the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, Hon Abbas’ organic relationship with his people which he has now deployed in managing the House of Representatives can not be divorced from the career path he chose for himself after school. With all the opportunities available for a prince like him, he waved the privileges and went back to his roots to share the little knowledge he had acquired with the future generation by becoming a primary school teacher. He moved from there to become a lecturer at the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic otherwise known as the Kaduna State Polytechnic and later moved to the Kaduna State University where he taught between 1993 to 2001. Today, there’s no facet of life in his community where you will not find one of his former students. That’s how to lay a solid and lasting foundation.
With a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a Doctorate Degree in Business Management from the Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, Rt. Hon Abbas is the first Doctorate Degree holder to be elected Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives. Coming from the Northern region believed to be backwards educationally, this is indeed a commendable feat.
Before venturing into politics in 2010, Hon Abbas had a brief stint in the private sector as he worked as a Marketing Manager at the Nigerian Tobacco Company, now known as the British-American Tobacco Company of Nigeria. His vast experience as a classroom teacher saddled with the responsibility of managing pupils and moulding their character and future, and his marketing skills in selling products prepared him adequately for the position he occupies today and the maturity he brings to the job is glaring for all to see.
Of his activities in parliament, between 2015 and 2019, Dr. Abbas is reported to have sponsored the highest number of bills in the 8th Assembly. Coming to the 9th Assembly between 2019 and 2023, he broke the glass ceiling by sponsoring a total of 74 bills out of which 21 were approved by the two chambers of the National Assembly, forwarded to the then President, Muhammadu Buhari for his assent and were signed into law. This is a new record for a legislator in any parliament across the continent of Africa.
He also served in different committees in the House between 2011 and 2023 and has an in-depth knowledge of the workings and functions of every committee in the House. He was the chairman of the House Standing Committee on Land Transport in the 9th Assembly, his last position before emerging as Speaker of the House. As Speaker, he saw the need to create monitoring and evaluation committees to help the House follow the implementation of projects to its logical conclusions which has given the House a handle on their oversight responsibilities.
Considering the amount of peace and tranquillity brought to the House by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s tenure as Speaker of the 9th Assembly, which was a sharp departure from what was obtainable in the 8th Assembly headed by Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Dr Abbas was stepping into a big shoe that many would have thought was oversized for him. But as gentle as a dove, he has raised the bar of leadership by being inclusive and embarking on extensive consultation with his colleagues before making decisions that impact everyone.
Hon Abbas sees himself as primus inter pares. He knows he’s first a representative of a federal constituency like all his other colleagues and his position as Speaker is as a result of the trust of his colleagues. In less than one year into the life of this parliamentary assembly populated by many freshers, Hon Abbas knows every one of the other 359 members by name, thereby giving every member a sense of belonging. This indeed can only be the hallmark of a teacher. As an experienced parliamentarian, the Speaker know exactly what his new colleagues need to know to excel in their legislative and oversight responsibilities and has continued to organise seminars, conferences and workshops for them to acquire these needed skills.
Considering the aloofness of the Executive arm of government to the immediate and peculiar needs of the different constituencies, the honourable speaker insists that constituency projects will continue to be part of the budgeting process. In his words, “By tailoring projects to the local context, we ensure that development is not just a concept discussed in the halls of the legislature but a reality experienced in the streets, villages and towns in Nigeria”. He made this statement at the inauguration of some constituency projects attracted by his predecessor and current Chief of Staff to the president, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in Lagos. He derided critics of the scheme and promised to revive the ”Constituency Development Fund Bill” to institutionalise the scheme. This indeed gladdens the heart of his colleagues who know that without the Zonal Intervention Projects otherwise known as constituency projects, government presence will never be felt in their various communities that are not very visible on the national map.
At the presentation of the 2024 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly which was President Tinubu’s first since assuming office, Hon Abbas emphasised the importance of a peaceful working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government. He promised that “the national assembly will support the government’s policies and programmes targeted at alleviating poverty, economic restructuring and diversification, as well as general social sector reform and development”.
But in working with the executive, Mr Speaker knows that the ultimate goal is the people and that’s why he informed the president and his entourage that “while we’ll give the budget accelerated consideration, we will diligently scrutinize it alongside Nigerians to ensure that when it is passed, it will be a budget that best addresses the most critical needs of our people”.
To the delight of his colleagues, Rt Hon Abbas has pushed over 50% of votes allocated to his office as Speaker to his fellow members and has continued to dip into his reserves to intervene on behalf of any member in critical or urgent need of a project. The Speaker considers the constituents of his colleagues as his and goes the extra mile to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
As we approach the first anniversary of this stable and inclusive session, members of the 10th Assembly could not have asked for a better leader than what they have got. With Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker, Members are guaranteed a memorable tenure as the focus of his leadership is to help his colleagues achieve their set goals.
With Rt Hon. Abbas as Speaker, Nigerians are assured of progress, peace and prosperity. The nation will continue the trajectory of transformation and consolidation. All we can do as citizens is to pray and support this God-sent leader.
Toby wrote this piece from Abuja.
Reclaiming Identity: Why Nigerians Must Know Their State Flags, Capitals, and Heritage
By George Omagbemi
Sylvester
In the intricate mosaic that is Nigeria, a federation of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, it is both ironic and alarming that many citizens are unaware of their own state’s flag, capital, or historical relevance. In a nation grappling with identity crises, ethnic disunity, and declining national consciousness, such ignorance is not merely a trivial gap in civic knowledge but a serious deficit that weakens our collective fabric.
This article argues, with 100% factual backing, that every Nigerian should know their state flag, its colors and symbolism, the capital city, and what their state is uniquely known for ie. economically, historically, and culturally. More so, it is time to elevate state flags to the same civic prominence as the Nigerian national flag. This is not merely a symbolic gesture, it is also a critical step toward nurturing inclusive patriotism, strengthening federal identity, and reviving cultural pride.
The Foundation of Identity: States as Building Blocks
Nigeria’s current federal structure, enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is built upon 36 constituent states, each with a unique cultural and economic identity. These states are not arbitrary divisions; they are legacies of historical evolution; from colonial provinces to regions and finally states. From Lagos to Borno, Bayelsa to Sokoto, each state carries a story of struggle, resilience, and distinction.
Knowing one’s state flag and capital should be the minimum requirement of citizenship. These are not mere symbols but they are repositories of history and pride. In the United States, individual state flags are displayed in government offices, classrooms and even private homes. In India, every state celebrates its own formation day with fanfare, highlighting local heroes, culture and achievements. Nigeria must follow suit if it hopes to rebuild patriotism from the grassroots up.
A Legacy of Leadership: Military and Civilian Administrations
Nigeria’s journey through governance, military and civilian has shaped the identity and development trajectory of each state. For instance, the creation of 12 states by General Yakubu Gowon in 1967 was a direct response to ethnic tensions and a strategic move to weaken Biafra’s secessionist agenda. Subsequent expansions under Murtala Mohammed (1976), Ibrahim Babangida (1987 and 1991), and General Sani Abacha (1996) brought the total to 36 states.
Each state has evolved through this complex political history, yet citizens remain uninformed of the very symbols that represent them. How can one claim state pride when they cannot identify their flag or describe the meaning of its colors?
Importance of State Flags: Colors and Meanings
Although Nigeria’s federal system permits states to create their own emblems and flags, public awareness and usage are dismally low. A few examples illustrate this deficit:
Lagos State Flag: Green, blue, and white. Green symbolizes agriculture, blue denotes the Atlantic Ocean, and white stands for peace. Lagosians should proudly display this flag alongside the Nigerian green-white-green.
Delta State Flag: Green, white, and blue.
Green – agriculture and the state’s rich vegetation.
White – peace and unity among the diverse ethnic groups.
Blue – the River Niger and the state’s vast water resources.
Delta State, known as the Big Heart of the Nation, is rich in oil and gas, cultural diversity, and resilient people. A flag reflecting these attributes deserves prominent display in public institutions to foster pride and unity.
Rivers State Flag: Blue, white, and green. Blue symbolizes the River Niger, white peace, and green for agriculture. Given its status as the oil capital of Nigeria, this identity should be celebrated more openly.
These flags were not arbitrarily designed—they reflect deep-seated realities and aspirations of each people. Yet, due to poor civic education and lack of emphasis by successive administrations, many Nigerians cannot recognize these flags, let alone interpret them.
A comprehensive list of state flags and their colors, though not officially standardized in all 36 states, must be curated and taught in schools. States without official flags must be encouraged to develop them, backed by legislative frameworks to ensure adoption and proper display.
Cultural and Economic Uniqueness: What States Are Known For
Each state in Nigeria has a comparative advantage and cultural uniqueness. For example:
Kaduna is a hub of military and educational institutions.
Enugu is known as the “Coal City,” rich in mining history.
Benue is Nigeria’s food basket, dominant in yam and fruit production.
Ogun is a cornerstone of industrial activity.
Osun is home to the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cross River boasts of Obudu Cattle Ranch and Calabar Carnival.
Understanding these unique identities fosters internal tourism, regional development, and national cohesion. Citizens must be taught to appreciate their state’s economic potential and cultural wealth, not just as passive observers but as participants in its growth.
The Map and the Mind
Cartography is not merely a geographical exercise; it is a psychological one. The Nigerian map should be etched into every citizen’s consciousness. Every school should have a detailed political map of Nigeria highlighting all 36 states, capitals, and flags. Ministries, agencies, and local government offices should display both national and state flags as part of standard protocol. National pride must be decentralized.
Institutionalizing State Identity
To make this a reality, the following steps must be taken:
Compulsory Civic Education: Every primary and secondary school curriculum should include detailed instruction on state symbols, capitals, governors (past and present), cultural heritage, and economic potential.
Public Display Protocol: Just as the national flag is hoisted in schools and offices, state flags must be displayed prominently in all state institutions.
Flag Registration and Standardization: The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), should catalog all existing state flags and coordinate with state assemblies to design and ratify flags where absent.
National Day for State Celebrations: Like Nigeria’s Independence Day, each state should mark its creation day annually with parades, flag hoisting, cultural exhibitions, and public lectures on its identity and contribution to Nigeria.
Recognition in Diplomatic Missions: Nigerian embassies abroad should reflect all 36 states through visual displays, promoting investment, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
Reclaiming Nigeria from the Bottom Up
We often bemoan the disunity and lack of patriotism in Nigeria, yet overlook the fact that national unity is not built from the top, it is built from the states upward. A man proud of his hometown is more likely to be proud of his nation. A woman who understands her state’s history is more likely to value the nation’s struggles.
When citizens see both their state flag and the national flag waving in unison, they are reminded of the federal promise: unity in diversity.
Final Thoughts
A country that does not know itself cannot lead itself. It is time for Nigerians to stop reciting only the green-white-green and begin embracing the colors of their roots. We must teach our children not only who the president is, but who their first governor was. Not only where Abuja is, but where their ancestral hometown lies on the map. Not only what Nigeria is, but what their own state stands for.
Let us raise the flags of our states, not in competition with the Nigerian flag, but in harmonious complement. In those colors, shapes, and symbols lie the future of our unity, the power of our diversity, and the soul of our federation.
society
Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | South Africa
In an era where many traditional institutions grapple with relevance and impact, the Warri Kingdom stands tall under the progressive and visionary leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR. Since ascending the ancient throne of his forefathers, the 21st Olu of Warri has not only reinvigorated the Itsekiri nation but has also awakened a new consciousness within the diaspora—a sense of purpose, unity, and service.
This wave of renaissance has reached the shores of South Africa, where the Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has emerged as a beacon of hope and development under the tireless leadership of Mr. Eyitemi Jakpa, the esteemed Olaga. More than just a diaspora group, this chapter exemplifies the deep connection between homeland and diaspora, inspired by the Olu’s clarion call for collective responsibility and cultural rejuvenation.
Royal Inspiration, Diaspora Mobilization
Since Ogiame Atuwatse III’s coronation in August 2021, the Warri Kingdom has witnessed a rebirth—not just within its traditional domain, but globally. His Majesty’s reign is rooted in compassion, service, and futuristic thinking. His message has been clear: the Itsekiri nation must rise as a people grounded in culture, driven by education, and united by purpose.
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has answered this call with unwavering dedication. No longer content with just being observers, they have become active participants in shaping the destiny of their homeland. Their most notable contribution so far is in one of the most basic yet essential areas of life—access to clean water.
Lifelines from Afar: The Jack Pump Projects
In many rural communities, clean water is still a dream deferred. But for the people of Ugbuwangwe, Ode-Itsekiri, and Okotomu, that dream is becoming a reality thanks to the intervention of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA.
The chapter has successfully funded and installed three Jack Pumps:
Ugbuwangwe Community Water Pump Project (2024)
Ode-Itsekiri Community Water Pump Project (2024)
Okotomu Community Water Pump Project (ongoing, 2025)
These water projects do more than quench thirst—they uplift lives. Women and children no longer have to trek long distances to fetch water. The risk of waterborne diseases has drastically decreased. The impact is not just physical, but psychological. These communities now enjoy improved health, hygiene, and a renewed sense of dignity.
Indeed, these Jack Pumps are not just mechanical installations—they are monuments of love, symbols of global Itsekiri solidarity, and a tribute to the royal vision that prioritizes the welfare of all Itsekiri people, whether at home or abroad.
Cultural Fidelity: Celebrating the Monarchy Abroad
The strength of a people lies not just in development but in the preservation of their identity. Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has remained true to this ideal, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the Warri throne. The chapter has been visibly present at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd anniversaries of the reign of His Imperial Majesty during the Uge-Oyo Ekoro ceremonies held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
These cultural pilgrimages to Warri are not mere formalities—they are spiritual homecomings. They are opportunities to reconnect with ancestral values, reaffirm loyalty to the Olu, and showcase to the world that no matter the distance, the bond between Itsekiris and their King remains unbroken.
Education as Empowerment: Lifting the Next Generation
Beyond physical development and cultural engagement, Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has also invested in the most powerful tool of transformation: education. In a deeply thoughtful initiative, the chapter donated 500 notebooks to students across three Itsekiri primary schools:
Orugbo Primary School
Agbeje Primary School
Ginuwa Primary School
This gesture may appear small to some, but to these children, it is an empowering gift—a passport to knowledge, a step toward a better future. It affirms the Olu’s belief that no Itsekiri child should be denied the tools needed to succeed in life. Education, under this royal philosophy, is not a privilege but a right.
The Royal Mandate: Development with Dignity
It is important to stress that none of these achievements occurred in isolation. They are the direct consequence of a royal philosophy that merges tradition with modernity. Ogiame Atuwatse III has redefined kingship, transforming it from ceremonial leadership into developmental statesmanship. He has made it clear that tradition must evolve to serve people better.
The Olu’s tireless efforts in promoting gender equity, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and global diplomacy have inspired Itsekiris worldwide to rise to the occasion. Under his reign, being a member of the Itsekiri nation is not just a matter of birth—it is a call to action.
A Call to Other Diaspora Chapters
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter stands as a model of what is possible when the diaspora is mobilized for good. Their accomplishments should serve as a rallying call to other Itsekiri associations across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond. The Olu has created the vision; it is now up to every loyal subject to run with it.
There are roads to build, hospitals to equip, schools to support, and dreams to fulfill. In the words of the Olu, “If we do not build our nation, who will?” It is a question that echoes not only through the creeks of Delta State but also through the bustling cities of Johannesburg, London, Houston, and Tokyo.
Spiritual Monarch: The Sacred Names of Ogiame
His Majesty is not just a king in the political sense; he is also a deeply spiritual figure. The Olu of Warri holds sacred titles passed down through generations, each steeped in cultural, ancestral, and divine meaning. Among the many revered names by which he is known are:
Ogbowuru
Afọmasi
Afọtsẹ
Ọba N’Ame
Afọwẹrẹ tse wẹrẹ
Ugbobrikiti
Jẹnẹkpo Ọsọndada
Iyẹmẹriko Ogbe
Ẹkpẹnmuodidi
Ẹkunkpregedeọsọn
Ọba Omì u
Ọba oke
Ọba Ọluranran
Olaja ni Ojo
These titles are not mere honorifics—they are living expressions of the king’s spiritual mandate, his divine guardianship over the land and people, and his connection to the supernatural. They reflect a sacred trust, a kingship that transcends politics and touches the very soul of the Itsekiri nation.
Conclusion: Royalty, Responsibility, and Renaissance
The story of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA is more than a story of charity—it is a story of identity, purpose, and destiny. It is a story that affirms the enduring relevance of traditional leadership when it aligns with modern development goals.
Under the divine and distinguished reign of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Itsekiri people are writing a new chapter—one defined by unity, excellence, and global relevance. The King has set the tone; the diaspora is playing the music.
Together, they are dancing to a future that is bright, noble, and worthy of their proud heritage.
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