Personality in Focus
Betta is Bettering Humanity
By Nnanna Morgan
Love or hate her, Betta is bettering humanity. She is using her platform to advance common good. She is not new to service. Young, energetic and passionate, she is full of dreams. She is creative and innovative. And she has proven these times without number. She is a go-getter. Anything she touches, turns to gold. She is one with Midas touch.
Appointing her to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as Minister by the Tinubu administration is therefore a right decision. She is a round peg in a round hole. Her experience and exposure qualify her thus. As former Commissioner of Health in Cross River State, Betta proved her mettle. She showed capacity. When in the role as National Woman Leader of the APC, she exhibited resilience. On the two aforementioned positions, she discharged her jobs creditably and professionally. Today, she is a leading light to womanhood. She is an everyday example of brain and beauty.
With her, realising the fundamental objective principle of State policy which states that ensuring the welfare and security of citizens will be the objective of government is achievable. At her Ministry, Betta has continued to show uncommon determination, zeal and obligation to the wellbeing, welfare and security of Nigerians. She loves Nigeria. She thinks her country. This is why in less than 3 months after being appointed minister, she has not only hit the ground running; she has already left indelible marks for which history will be kind to her.
As Dr. Betta Edu takes charge of the Ministry, Nigerians are upbeat. This is more so that her successes are already being widely felt. Is anyone surprised? Her journey from a young Student Leader to National Party Leader and a Federal Minister sparks hope. Her story is truly inspirational. Her appointment has generated optimism and enthusiasm among Nigerians. She is evidently regarded as a blessing to Nigerian youths and the hundreds of thousands of N-Power beneficiaries who are looking to her for strengthening the social investment scheme and restoring their hopes. And she has not failed.
Not only has she revamped the Social Investment Programme (SIP), she has renamed it the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, thus connecting it to the President’s agenda. The main objective is to provide monthly stipends to 15 million vulnerable households to improve their standard of living and alleviate the effect of economic challenges, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. In order to enhance transparency and prevent the previously identified issues of fraud associated with the programme, she has completely restructured it to exclusively admit individuals with biometric identification. This stringent condition ensures a precise focus on those who are authentically less privileged. Her determination to reach the disadvantaged knows no limits. Betta is making an impact on the nation whilst giving her citizens profound confidence. Not only is she using her platform to advance common good, she is proving herself to be a keystone for growth and development in the country with distinct accomplishments.
It, therefore, comes as no surprise that her outstanding performance in the Ministry is leaving a lasting impression. Even the naysayers cannot deny the significant strides she has made. Her training and exposure have been nothing short of impressive. The various degrees she has obtained in Medicine and Public Health from distinguished international institutions like the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine among others undoubtedly played a crucial role in her achievements. Her journey exemplifies the concept of preparedness meeting opportunity, as she defies conventional expectations to lead alongside seasoned men and women.
The Igbo adage which says that a child that washes his/her hands clean will sure dine with the Kings has Betta in mind. She has washed clean. She is foresighted. A super visionary! Who else would believe a woman born in 1986 could become such a personality of influence, charting a unique course for her generation; and has emerged as a leader in her own right. While many of her peers are searching for employment, she has taken on the role of gatekeeper and protector for them, advocating for the vulnerable in many ways. As a champion of equality, equity, economic justice and political stability, Betta stands for the vulnerable-children, youths, women, poor and the aged. Betta is good, BETTER and Best.
Nigeria is proud of Betta’s contributions. She is indeed a rising star and her prominence is undeniable. As she marks another year in her life journey, we say 37 HEARTY CHEERS to her. At the end, she will be remembered and honoured as an indisputable icon. She will be remembered as a distinguished woman known for her unyielding determination, courage and unwavering resilience. History will record her as one with a heart of gold-who came, saw and conquered. May the sun continue to shine brightly on her path as she, alongside President Tinubu, reshape history and rekindle hope among Nigerians and global populace.
Kudos to a great woman of inspiration. Ride on Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic. March on. Accomplish more for us.
Nnanna Morgan is a Public Affairs Analyst and resides in Lagos
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has officially wed Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The announcement was made public on Friday by a facebook user and member of the Dajoh family, Abraham Double-d Dajoh, via a celebratory social media post.
He confirmed the union between the high-ranking government official and the former Olori of the Ife Kingdom.
The Dajoh family described the union as “beautiful” and “uncommon,” as they formally welcomed her into their fold in Benue State.
In a statement that quickly went viral, the Dajoh family expressed their collective joy, signalling a significant chapter for the SGF’s household.
“We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary To The Government Of The Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family,” the post read.
The family further extended their appreciation to the political associates and supporters of the SGF, urging them to remain steadfast in their loyalty to him as he embarks on this personal journey.
“We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab,” the post further read.
Queen Zaynab, who was previously known as Olori Wuraola during her 17-month marriage to the Ooni of Ife (which ended in 2017), was ushered into her new home with deep cultural reverence.
The Dajoh family emphasised the importance of their ancestral roots in Mbakor and the wider Benue State.
“Welcome to Benue State, the Food Basket of the Nation, welcome to Mbakor, the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation and welcome to the Dajoh family, the home of your darling husband. Welcome home, Queen Zaynab,” the statement concluded.
The announcement coincided with the festive period, as the family used the opportunity to wish Nigerians a happy holiday season.
“We wish you all a happy Christmas Celebration and a Prosperous New Year,” the post read.
Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and a politician, currently serves as a key figure in the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The news of his marriage to Queen Zaynab—a prominent humanitarian and former royal—has become a major talking point across the country’s social and political circles.
When contacted on the telephone on Friday, Akume’s spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage.
He, however, said contrary to reports that the wedding was held on December 24, the marriage is over a year old.
“I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumour that the marriage was concretised in Gboko on Christmas eve when the couple appeared together at an event to celebrate Christmas, it was actually a marriage that is over a year old,” Odunuga said.
Source: The Punch
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has appointed a renowned novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, isiting professor as part of the drive to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.
Also appointed visiting professors are African Development Bank (AfDB) executive, Prof Kevin Urama, and Prof James Robinson of the University of Chicago.
The appointments were announced through official letters dated December 18, 2025 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya.
Among the roles expected of the trio, according to the letters, included teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.
Adichie, it was gathered, was appointed based on her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.
According to the university, Adichie’s visiting professorial would enrich the arts and humanities of the institution through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.
Prof Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed because of his “versatile expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking”.
“His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines,” UNN said.
On Prof James Robinson, a political economist at the University of Chicago, UNN said his appointment was intended to deepen academic collaboration, advance research, and expose students and lecturers “to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies”.
The acting Public Relations Officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, said that the appointments align with the commitment of “the vice-chancellor to attracting eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers”.
He said: “The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution; the latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance.”
Inya said the visiting professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages, and bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice, adding that the latest appointments “bring the number to four visiting professors appointed by the vice-chancellor in December 2025”.
Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, the former lawmaker who represented Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has passed away. He was 68.
Reports said that Nwaoboshi died on Friday in Abuja following a brief illness.
His demise was confirmed in a condolence statement issued by the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Expressing sorrow, the governor described Nwaoboshi’s passing as a monumental loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation, and the Nigerian federation.
In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori hailed the late Senator as a “fearless advocate” of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building remain indelible.
The governor recalled Nwaoboshi’s impactful tenure in the Red Chamber, particularly his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.
He noted that Nwaoboshi’s consistent advocacy for the development of the oil-rich region distinguished him as a passionate and committed leader.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,” the governor said.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all those whose lives he touched. I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest.”
Before his elevation to the Senate in 2015, he served meritoriously as a two-term Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, where he was instrumental in consolidating the party’s grip on the State.
