***Say appointee a true Nigerian, global citizen fit for the role

A coalition of civil society groups in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Good Governance Advocacy Network (NGGAN) and 360 other organisations, have thrown their weight behind the appointment of Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The groups made the declaration at a world press conference in Abuja, describing the appointee as a true Nigerian and global citizen well-suited for the demanding diplomatic role.

It described Dr. Ibrahim’s selection as a strategic decision that reflects competence and aligns with Nigeria’s aspirations for stronger global engagement.

Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, Convener of the Coalition, stated that the gathering was convened “to affirm our confidence in his capacity to represent our country with distinction.”

He emphasised that the address was “not a rebuttal driven by sentiment, but a statement grounded in facts, perspective, and national interest.”

The Convener added: “The position of Permanent Representative to the United Nations is one of immense responsibility. It demands more than presence. It requires intellect, experience, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of global systems.”

He noted that in Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria has a figure who embodies these qualities through his blend of enterprise, intellectual depth, and public service.

The statement added: “Dr. Ibrahim has built institutions across various sectors as a businessman, contributing to economic development and creating opportunities for Nigerians. His legislative experience includes serving as Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, where he actively participated in national policy discourse.

“He served on key Senate committees such as Appropriations, Finance, Gas, Education, NDDC, Capital Market, Diaspora and NGOs, Trade and Investment, Housing, and Niger Delta.

“Beyond national politics, Dr. Ibrahim served as Nigeria’s Representative in the ECOWAS Parliament and as an Executive Member of the Pan-African Parliament. These roles provided him with direct exposure to regional diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and continental policy coordination.”

The coalition highlighted his academic pursuits and intellectual contributions, describing him as a leader who combines practice with thought and experience with reflection.

The groups stressed that such experience equips Dr. Ibrahim with the insight required to operate effectively within the United Nations system, where diplomacy relies on negotiation, consensus building, and strategic engagement.

They affirmed that Nigeria requires representatives who can engage, interpret, and influence global discourse, and that Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim fits that profile.

Accoding to them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Ibrahim reflects a commitment to selecting individuals based on competence, experience, and strategic value.

The coalition noted that the administration has prioritised reforms, institutional strengthening, and global repositioning, objectives that demand capable hands and informed minds.

Dr. Emmanuel Agabi stated: “Leadership is defined not only by policies but by the quality of individuals entrusted with responsibility.”

He added that the appointment “is a decision rooted in judgment. It is informed by an understanding of the demands of global representation. It is aligned with Nigeria’s aspiration to engage more effectively on the international stage.”

The coalition urged Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions that undermine institutional authority and called for a national discourse guided by balance, scrutiny, fairness, and recognition of merit.

It emphasised that strong democracies encourage criticism but also protect fairness and support decisions that serve long-term national interests.

The groups expressed confidence that Dr. Ibrahim’s experience, exposure, and intellectual depth position him to contribute meaningfully in the role.

They called for a culture that supports capable individuals and promotes national progress, while reaffirming the important role of civil society in providing responsible and objective scrutiny.

The civil society coalition urged all stakeholders to support leadership decisions that strengthen Nigeria’s voice in the international community and called on Nigerians to remain focused on unity, progress, and collective national development.

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) has commended the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, for providing strategic leadership that is consolidating reforms and repositioning the agency for greater efficiency and national impact.

In a statement issued in Kaduna by its Director of Media and Stakeholder Engagement, Mahmud Bello, CWAI said the current FFS leadership has demonstrated strong commitment to sustaining developmental programmes while improving institutional performance.

The group highlighted key achievements under Adeyemi’s leadership to include personnel promotions, enhanced public awareness campaigns, improved firefighting sensitisation nationwide, strengthened fire safety policies, and boosted staff morale.

It also noted the expansion of public-private partnerships and increased collaboration with disaster management agencies as critical steps toward safeguarding lives and property.

CWAI observed that since Adeyemi assumed office, the Federal Fire Service has witnessed improved productivity, accountability, and policy direction, leading to what it described as a “remarkable transformation” within a short period.

According to the statement, the service has recorded milestones such as prompt payment of salaries and allowances, upgraded training facilities, and expanded capacity-building initiatives.

It added that officers now participate in local and international courses, with recent cadet graduates from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) training school identified as part of efforts to groom future leaders.

The organisation further praised the FFS for strengthening strategic partnerships with key institutions, including NEXIM Bank, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Atomic Energy Commission, and Transcorp PLC. These collaborations, it said, are aimed at improving fire prevention systems, emergency preparedness, and national safety standards.

CWAI also cited the service’s push for integrating fire safety frameworks into critical sectors and its advocacy for specialised emergency response systems in sensitive environments such as nuclear facilities.

In the private sector, the group acknowledged joint emergency drills conducted with Transcorp PLC, which led to the company receiving fire safety certification, as well as ongoing engagements with the BUA Group under the Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Africa initiative to address gaps in Nigeria’s fire emergency infrastructure.

The statement quoted Adeyemi as emphasising the urgency of improving response time, expanding fire station networks, and strengthening emergency medical services, describing them as essential priorities for saving lives.

CWAI further commended the service’s rapid response to emergencies, including a recent fire outbreak at Singa Market in Kano State, noting that such actions reflect operational diligence and proactive leadership.

It also lauded the collaboration between the FFS and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on postgraduate programmes in disaster and risk management, describing it as a significant step toward professionalising the service.

While applauding the agency’s progress, CWAI called for increased budgetary allocation to enable the Federal Fire Service to address challenges such as inadequate fire station coverage, limited equipment, and insufficient emergency response capacity.

The organisation reaffirmed its vote of confidence in Adeyemi’s leadership, citing his discipline, transparency, anti-corruption stance, and engagement with stakeholders as key drivers of the agency’s ongoing transformation.

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.