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NSA, British High Commission Condole with Governor Yahaya over Death of Internal Security Commissioner

NSA, British High Commission Condole with Governor Yahaya over Death of Internal Security Commissioner

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe 

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has commiserated with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the Government of Gombe State over the tragic death of the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), who died in a motor accident alongside his police orderly and driver.

Delivering the NSA’s condolence message in Gombe yesterday, a delegation from the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Dr. Agrih Dauda Sukukum, Assistant Director, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), described the late commissioner as a disciplined officer, an astute administrator and a patriot who devoted his life to the service of his country.

Sukukum recalled that Col. Bello’s last official engagement was during the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Framework held in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he made far-reaching contributions to the national security discourse.

“The late commissioner was an upright gentleman, highly knowledgeable in security matters and an invaluable ally to our counterterrorism unit in advancing the National Action Plan on Security. He shared insightful perspectives, including the role of the Deradicalisation Camp in Malam Sidi Gombe State, which he described as a model for peacebuilding and rehabilitation in the region. His demise is a great loss not only to Gombe State but to the entire national security community,” Sukukum said.

Similarly, the British High Commission in Nigeria has extended its condolences to the Government and people of Gombe State over the tragic loss. 

The message, delivered by Dr. Okoha Ukiwo, Team Lead for the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme, expressed the Commission’s sympathy with Governor Yahaya and his administration at this difficult time.

Ukiwo noted that the late Col. Bello played a significant role in enhancing regional peace and counterinsurgency collaboration, particularly during the North-East Regional Consultation for the Harmonisation of the National Framework on Disarmament, organised by the ONSA.

“We were privileged to benefit from his deep knowledge, wide experience, and consummate passion for peacebuilding,” he said.

In his response, Governor Yahaya described the late commissioner as a gallant soldier, a patriotic officer, and an outstanding public servant who gave his all to the service of the state and the nation.

“I met him after his retirement from the Nigerian Army, and he proved to be a man of integrity, courage and competence. And in our effort to strengthen internal security and coordination, we found in him the right person to lead that important ministry; and he never disappointed. His passing is a personal loss to me, to the Government, and to all peace-loving people of Gombe State. But we take solace in the will of God, who gives and takes as He pleases.”

Yahaya expressed gratitude to the NSA and the British High Commission for their solidarity and words of comfort, assuring that the state will continue to uphold the ideals of peace, professionalism and commitment that the late Col. Bello stood for.

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Segun Awofadeji in Gombe  The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has commiserated with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the Government of Gombe State over the tragic death of the

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World Leaders, Education Ministers to Converge on Abu Dhabi over Learning Crisis

World Leaders, Education Ministers to Converge on Abu Dhabi over Learning Crisis

Omolabake Fasogbon

Amid deepening learning challenges, education ministers, innovators and leaders across the globe are set to converge in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to chart reforms at the World Schools Summit.

The summit holding in November at Yasmina British Academy will unite more than 1,000 education leaders, policymakers and technology partners to reshape learning strategies for 21st-century’s relevance and on harnessing education to build leadership for a better world.  

Organisers of the summit, T4 Education, Aldar Education and the Emirates Foundation, with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) stated that the initiative comes amid growing concern that millions of children particularly in Africa and low-income regions risk being left behind by outdated curricula and weak digital infrastructure. 

In recent World Bank assessments, over 70 per cent of 10-year-olds in developing nations cannot read and comprehend a simple story, a situation said to be worsened  by COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on the summit, Founder of T4 Education and the World Schools Summit, Vikas Pota, warned that the world stands at a critical crossroads, where failure to act on education could further fuel global instability.

He said, “We must take urgent action to halt runaway climate change, adapt as AI revolutionises our economies, promote peace in the face of destructive conflicts, and tackle the most enduring inequalities. 

“A better world is possible, but only if leaders from across the planet, from governments to businesses, NGOs, academia and tech, recognise that at the heart of all these crucial questions lies education. I am proud to be bringing these leaders together at the summit, as I invite participants from Nigeria and around the world to join us.”

Among leaders expected at the summit include Chief Technologist for Learning and Sustainability at Google, Ben Gomes; CEO of CAMFED and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Angeline Murimirwa and Director at the Brookings Institution, Rebecca Winthrop amongst others. 

Also to dominate discussions at the summit is employing technology and AI in reshaping classrooms, with insights from global giants like Microsoft, Google, and HP. 

Director at Microsoft Elevate, Caroline Mutepfa said, “AI-driven tools and personalised learning pathways are key to empowering educators and students, building confidence and career readiness. We’re excited to explore responsible AI integration in classrooms and learn from global education leaders.” 

A highlight of the event is the unveiling of The Global EdTech Prize meant to recognise and reward tech solutions in education. Finalists, comprising start-ups and non-profits, will pitch innovations live, with educators determining the winner through voting.

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Omolabake Fasogbon Amid deepening learning challenges, education ministers, innovators and leaders across the globe are set to converge in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to chart reforms at the World

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Kola Karim Urges Nigeria to Target 5m Barrels Daily

Kola Karim Urges Nigeria to Target 5m Barrels Daily

At the just-concluded ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mr. Kola Karim, Chairman of Shoreline Group, delivered a powerful reflection on leadership, energy, and Africa’s development future.

Speaking with Arise Business Correspondent, Karim emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition in the oil and gas sector must be bolder, urging the nation to raise its target production to five million barrels per day by 2030, not three million.

Karim, who leads an industrial conglomerate focused on energy and infrastructure investments across Sub-Saharan Africa, described leadership as “the very core of globalisation,” stressing that both public and private sectors must share responsibility for societal progress.

 “We often assume that leadership should concern itself solely with the public sector,” he said. “In reality, the social contract must be upheld by both public and private sectors, because true leadership is defined by the extent to which one is willing to serve—regardless of the arena.”

He explained that the relationship between business and community, what he calls the “social contract”, is essential to peace and progress. Drawing from his company’s experience, he cited the Niger Delta as a model for how engagement and mutual respect can sustain long-term business operations.

“Our social contract with the communities we engaged in is what helps us build and run a successful, safe, secure business,” he noted.

Karim contrasted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable infrastructure transformation with the sluggish pace in Nigeria and much of Africa.

He lauded the Kingdom’s disciplined approach, crediting its progress to long-term planning and consistent execution.

“It’s not that Nigeria and other African nations lack plans,” he said. “The real challenge lies in consistent execution and follow-through. What Saudi Arabia has achieved in recent years is remarkable—you can see visible progress every quarter.”

 “It’s not like in Nigeria and African states we don’t have plans,” he said. “The problem is execution and sticking with the plan. What Saudi Arabia has done over the years is phenomenal, you see tangible differences every quarter.”

He underscored that Africa, despite holding over 26 per cent of the world’s natural resources and boasting the youngest population on earth, continues to lag because “we focus more on who, rather than the construct of getting it done.”

Turning to Nigeria’s domestic reforms, Karim commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for introducing an executive order that increased the spending limit for operators in the oil and gas sector from $2 million to $10 million.

 “Before now, $2 million wouldn’t even buy a compressor, which is essential to operate in oil and gas,” he explained. “The problem of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry isn’t about reserves—we have 47 billion barrels of oil and 210 trillion cubic feet of gas—it’s about aging infrastructure.”

According to him, the order has already begun to yield results, allowing companies to import and install much-needed equipment, boosting production and drilling activity.

“This production growth is not by accident. The executive order has made it easier for operators to invest and get things done. We’re now at about 1.7 million barrels per day, and with the renewed drilling activity, we’ll surpass the 3 million targets.”

But Karim believes Nigeria must be more ambitious.

“For me, the focus shouldn’t be three million. By 2030, Nigeria should target five million barrels per day,” he insisted, comparing Nigeria’s potential to global leaders. “The U.S. is producing 12.5 million barrels and targeting 15; Saudi Arabia is at 11.5. Ten years ago, the UAE was producing what Nigeria was, 2.5 million barrels, but today, they’re at 4.2.”

Karim called for accelerated investment in Nigeria’s gas value chain, emphasising that the nation’s 210 TCF gas reserves are grossly underutilised.

 “We’re only on our seventh LNG train, while countries with smaller reserves are on their fifteenth,” he said. “To grow oil production, we must also grow gas production. They go hand in hand.”

He supported the government’s push for compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel but cautioned that logistics and safety infrastructure must be strengthened.

 “CNG is gas, you have to transport it safely and dispense it with specialised equipment. Without effective distribution, it won’t yield the intended benefits,” he said.

On the global debate around energy transition and renewables, Karim echoed the sentiments of industrialist Aliko Dangote, asserting that Africa cannot be held to the same standards as advanced economies.

“Africa contributes under 3 per cent of global emissions,” he stated. “It’s unfair to benchmark us at the same level as OECD countries who are already on their fourth industrial revolution. Africa hasn’t had its first.”

He highlighted that Africa’s mix of hydro potential, abundant sunshine, and youthful population positions it well for a balanced, sustainable energy future, if pursued at its own pace.

 “It’s not about abandoning oil and gas. It’s about building the infrastructure to transition responsibly. We can’t just stop producing oil and gas—90 per cent of our foreign exchange comes from it,” he argued. “We must develop a strategy at our own pace to support our growth.”

Karim warned that Africa’s youthful demographic, 65 per cent under age 30, represents both a promise and a risk. Without leadership that delivers prosperity, he cautioned, the continent could face instability and mass migration.

“If you have 65 per cent of a continent under 30 and they’re poor, you have a problem—they will search for prosperity elsewhere,” he said. “When I go to the West seeking funds to build power plants, railroads, and schools, I’m helping to save you. Because if Africa fails, the world will feel it.”

Closing on a visionary note, Karim called for a unified yet diverse global order that values humanity over dominance.

“We cannot live in a unipolar world; we must live in a unified world with different ideals, but we must execute for humanity,” he declared. “It doesn’t matter if I’m successful and surrounded by poverty, your wealth has no value if others have nothing. Shared prosperity is the path to peace and stability.”

From energy reform to social leadership, Karim’s insights at FII 2025 echoed one timeless principle: execution, equity, and vision are the real currencies of leadership.

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At the just-concluded ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mr. Kola Karim, Chairman of Shoreline Group, delivered a powerful reflection on leadership, energy, and