Personality in Focus
Nigeria Mourns As Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Who Sheltered Multiple Christians, Dies at 90
By Eric Elezuo
Nigerians are mourning celebrated Muslim cleric, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who is reputed for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State.
Abubakar, who held the post of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 92
Confirming his death, one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, said his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, 10 days after he was admitted.
Imam Abubakar, who was also a herder, left behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.
The late Islamic cleric rose to prominence following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead.
Following the announcement of his death, Nigerians from all walks of life including Christians, have risen stoutly to eulogise his life and times, crediting greatness, humanity and purposeful living to the nonagenarian.
Leading the long list of mourners, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State just as Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have also expressed sadness over his death, describing him as a true hero of humanity.
Tinubu, in a condolence message shared on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose life was a powerful testament to faith, courage, and the sanctity of human life.
“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence, and conscience,” the President said.
He noted that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.
“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred, and embrace rather than rejection. His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late Imam’s example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Atiku, in his message which was also shared on X, said the cleric lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity. The former vice president urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to recommit to the ideals the late cleric embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life.
On his part, Obi described the late Imam as a beacon of light, “reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.” He called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in honour of the late Islamic cleric, adding that what Imam Abubakar did was exactly the expectations of citizens from their leaders; protect life and property.
In a condolence message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.
Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”
Also expressing heartfelt sympathies, Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Yusuf Babayo, described the death of Imam Abdullahi as painful and a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah.
“It is difficult to get a leader like Imam Abdullahi. He was an elder statesman whose valuable contribution to peace in the state will be greatly missed,” Babayo said.
“He did not discriminate and treated everybody as his own, irrespective of religious differences. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled by anyone in the state.”
In his reaction on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Secretary Rev. Simon Julius, described the late Imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.
“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late Imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” Rev. Julius said. He also sympathised with the Muslim Ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter also expressed shock at his passing, while submitting to the will of Allah SWT. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, JNI described the late Imam as an exceptional leader who demonstrated compassion during a trying period for his community.
“He was credited with hiding over 200 Christians in his mosque during one of the most devastating ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State, the statement read.
“On behalf of the chairman and Emir of Wase, JNI extends its condolences to his family, Plateau State, and Nigeria. No doubt, we have lost a rare gem. Humanity will never forget his sacrifices, and history will remember him positively.”
Late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi has since been buried in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi LGA, the Jumma’at Prayer in his honour.
IMAM ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR IN BRIEF
The Imam was able to save the lives of 262 people, predominantly Christians from the Birom tribe, by sheltering them in his mosque as attackers roamed the villages.
In July 2019, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government, which is granted to supporters of religious freedom, together with four other religious leaders from Sudan, Iraq, Brazil, and Cyprus.
In August 2019, President Buhari authorized the inclusion of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar in the membership of the national Ulama committee and was part of an 80-man Ulama committee charged with the responsibility of educating Nigerian pilgrims in Mina during the 2019 Hajj.
Imam Abubakar received many other awards during his lifetime, including US International Religious Freedom Award (2019), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and an Award of Excellence.
He died on January 15, 2026 after a brief illness.
Personality in Focus
June 12: Tinubu Confers National Honours on Kolade-Otitoju, Dasuki, Okei-Odumakin, Others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several prominent pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and retired military officers in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the historic June 12 movement.
The announcement was made during the President’s nationwide Democracy Day broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
According to President Tinubu, the awards are intended to immortalize the sacrifices of individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, solitary confinement, harassment, and exile during the fight against military dictatorship and the struggle to actualize the June 12, 1993 presidential election mandate.
Tinubu Honours Democracy Heroes
The President emphasized that the honourees played critical roles in defending democratic values and laying the foundation for the civilian rule Nigeria enjoys today.
Among those recognized are veteran journalists, media executives, civil rights advocates, and leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), whose resistance to military rule helped shape the nation’s democratic journey.
Media and Civil Society Leaders Recognised
Notable recipients in the media and civil society category include:
* Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ)
* Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Director of News at TVC News and veteran journalist
* Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, renowned human rights campaigner
* Chief Ayo Opadokun, NADECO chieftain
* Sam Omatseye
* Oladele Alake
* Olatunji Bello
* Louis Odion
* Tunde Fagbenle
* Richard Akinnola
* Debo Adeniran
The recognition highlights the pivotal role played by the media and civil society organizations in resisting authoritarian rule and advocating for democratic governance.
Retired Military Officers Honoured for Opposing Dictatorship
In what observers have described as a historic and groundbreaking move, President Tinubu also created a special category to honour military officers who worked from within the armed forces to challenge authoritarian rule and support democratic ideals.
The honoured retired officers include:
* Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd)
* Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (retd)
* Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe
* Major General Ishola Williams (retd)
* Major General M.A. Garba
* Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
The President noted that these officers risked their careers, personal freedom, and lives in pursuit of democratic governance during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods.
Celebrating 27 Years of Democracy
The national honours ceremony forms part of activities marking Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving democratic institutions, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring that the sacrifices of June 12 heroes remain permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory.
The honours have been widely viewed as a significant step toward acknowledging the contributions of individuals and groups whose courage and resilience helped restore democratic rule and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Personality in Focus
Prof Favour Ayodele (OFA): The Carpenter of a New Nigeria and the 2027 Political Reset Agenda
By Theresa Moses
As Nigeria gradually builds momentum toward the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is once again filled with familiar uncertainties; rising public frustration, economic strain, insecurity, and a growing demand for leaders who can move beyond promises into measurable national repair.
In the middle of this unfolding national conversation is Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele (OFA), popularly known as “The Carpenter”, a presidential aspirant who has declared his intention to run for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
His emergence is not framed as a routine political ambition. Instead, OFA positions himself as a system disruptor: someone who believes Nigeria is not merely in need of policy adjustment, but of structural reconstruction.
In his framing, Nigeria is a nation battling deep institutional fatigue: a struggling power sector, widening inequality, youth unemployment, insecurity, and a trust deficit between citizens and the state. His campaign narrative insists that these issues are not isolated problems, but interconnected failures requiring coordinated national rebuilding.
A POLITICAL IDENTITY BUILT AROUND RECONSTRUCTION
Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s branding as “The Carpenter” is symbolic. It reflects his central argument that Nigeria’s governance system has suffered structural damage over time and must be rebuilt from the foundation rather than patched at the surface.
Rather than positioning himself within traditional political alignments, he presents himself as an alternative voice driven by urgency, reform, and what he describes as a moral responsibility to restore national dignity.
His declaration statement emphasizes accountability, anti-corruption, youth inclusion, and national renewal; framed around the belief that leadership must directly reflect the lived realities of citizens.
WHY SUPPORTERS BELIEVE OFA REPRESENTS A DIFFERENT PATH
Supporters of Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s candidacy argue that his emergence is significant not because he fits into the political establishment, but because he challenges its assumptions. They point to several reasons they believe he offers a credible alternative direction for Nigeria:
1. A Direct Focus on Nigeria’s Core Failure: Power
At the center of his Governance, Electricity and Transformation (GET) agenda is electricity reform. OFA argues that Nigeria’s development stagnation is fundamentally tied to unreliable power supply. Without stable electricity, he insists, industrial growth, education reform, healthcare improvement, and job creation remain structurally constrained.
For supporters, this focus is important because it identifies one of Nigeria’s most persistent national bottlenecks as a central governance priority rather than a secondary concern.
2. Crisis-Responsive Leadership Framing
Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s political messaging is rooted in Nigeria’s lived realities:poverty, insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and declining public trust.
His supporters argue that his appeal lies in consistently connecting governance to everyday survival challenges, rather than abstract political promises. In their view, he frames leadership as an urgent response mechanism to national distress.
3. Anti-Establishment Positioning
A defining feature of his political identity is his outsider stance. He positions himself outside entrenched political networks, arguing that Nigeria’s long-standing governance challenges are partly sustained by recycled leadership structures.
Supporters see this as an advantage in a system where political continuity has often been criticized for limiting innovation, accountability, and reform momentum.
4. Youth and Grassroots Mobilization Strategy
With Nigeria’s population dominated by young people, Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s movement structure; through platforms such as the Carpenter Movement Worldwide and allied civic initiatives, emphasizes youth engagement, participation, and political consciousness.
Supporters argue that this approach is critical in a country where young citizens form the majority but often feel excluded from decision-making processes.
5. Moral and Accountability-Based Leadership Narrative
Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele consistently frames governance as a moral responsibility. His messaging emphasizes transparency, equality before the law, and leadership accountability.
In a political environment where public trust in institutions has weakened, his supporters argue that moral clarity in leadership is itself a necessary political correction.
THE BROADER NATIONAL CONTEXT
Nigeria today stands at a crossroads defined by economic pressure, insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and rising public dissatisfaction. These realities are shaping a political climate where citizens are increasingly evaluating candidates not only by party affiliation, but by perceived authenticity, clarity of vision, and responsiveness to national realities.
In this environment, Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s emergence reflects a broader shift in political expectations; where movement-driven narratives, rather than traditional party structures, are gaining attention.
A CANDIDACY DEFINED BY DISRUPTION
What distinguishes Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s political identity is not just his promises, but his positioning: as a builder entering a broken system, not to preserve it, but to reconstruct it.
His rhetoric leans heavily on urgency, reform, and national rebirth. Whether this translates into broad electoral success remains uncertain, but his presence adds a new layer to Nigeria’s evolving political conversation.
As 2027 approaches, one reality is already clear: Prof. Favour Ayodele has positioned himself as a candidate determined to disrupt conventional politics and push a narrative of accountability, reform, and national rebirth.
And in a nation searching for direction, challengers often reshape the debate itself.
Personality in Focus
Prophet Isaiah Macwealth @45: A Tribute to a Visionary Leader, Kingdom Reformer, and Father to Nations
The Africa Division, Gospel Pillars Ministry on behalf of its leadership, partners, sons, daughters, and well-wishers across the African continent, has felicitated with its spiritual leader, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth, as he turns 45.
In a statement signed by management of the Africa Division, the group recognized Prophet Macwealth’s spiritual leadership and acts of humanity for over two decades.
The statement reads in full:
Africa Division joins countless sons, daughters, partners, and well-wishers around the world in celebrating the 45th birthday of our esteemed father, mentor, and spiritual leader, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth.
As he marks this significant milestone, we pause to reflect with profound gratitude on a life dedicated to the advancement of God’s Kingdom, the transformation of lives, and the raising of men and women who are impacting their generation with purpose and excellence.
For over two decades, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth has stood as a beacon of divine wisdom, prophetic accuracy, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to God’s assignment. Through his ministry, countless lives have been restored, destinies redirected, leaders raised, and communities transformed across continents.
His influence extends beyond the pulpit, reaching into the spheres of leadership development, nation-building, mentorship, education, and humanitarian impact. Through his teachings and personal example, he has inspired a generation to pursue God wholeheartedly while excelling in every area of life.
Africa Division expresses its deepest appreciation for his sacrifices, tireless labor, fatherly guidance, and steadfast commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and kingdom excellence across the African continent. We remain eternally grateful for the wisdom, grace, and covering that we continue to enjoy through his leadership.
As we celebrate this remarkable occasion, we honor not only a prophet but a statesman of the Kingdom, a trailblazer of faith, and a father whose life continues to illuminate pathways for many around the world.
We pray that the Almighty God grants him renewed strength, greater grace, increased influence, divine health, and many more years of fruitful service. May the coming years surpass all previous seasons in impact, relevance, and manifestation of God’s purpose for his life.
Happy 45th Birthday, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth.
Your life is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and your legacy continues to shape generations.
