Personality in Focus
Security Stakeholders, Others Laud Sulaiman-Ibrahim As Agent of Change, Capacity Builder, Fit for Public Service
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0123-1000x600.jpg&description=Security Stakeholders, Others Laud Sulaiman-Ibrahim As Agent of Change, Capacity Builder, Fit for Public Service', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG-20241009-WA0123-1000x600.jpg&description=Security Stakeholders, Others Laud Sulaiman-Ibrahim As Agent of Change, Capacity Builder, Fit for Public Service', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has received accolades from security agencies across board as well as stakeholders in the Nigerian security business, who acknowledged her undisputed legacy of thorough policing, initiatives and landmark achievements in the little over one year as an appointee of President Bola Tinubu.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed that Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in the discharge of her constitutional duties, has exceeded expectations of the observers, analysts, employees and employers as she continually dishes out one great innovation after another.
These recommendations were showered on the Minister at the 2024 Security Conference and Awards of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), which was held at the Oriental Hotel, in Lagos with notable dignitaries from the security agencies and beyond, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, who was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal Adeoye Irelewuyi; Superintendent of Customs Theophilus Duniya, representing the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Supt of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ishola, Representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, delegates from Trace, Ogun State and a host of other stakeholders, in attendance.
In his speech as one of the keynote speakers at the Conference, with the theme, CONNECTING THE DOT BETWEEN IDENTITY TRACKING AND NATIONAL SECURITY, AIG Adegoke Fayoade lauded the Minister as one deserving of accolades, having steadfastly adjusted the Nigerian Police in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, ensuring that the Police receive the right equipment, training and remote as well as immediate paraphernalia to execute the job of policing. He noted that the Nigerian Police of today has implemented several identity tracking systems to enhance national security.
“Nigeria has implemented several identity tracking systems to enhance national security, improve governance, and reduce fraud over the years. These initiatives focus on creating a robust identity management framework that integrates multiple sectors, ranging from finance to telecommunications, immigration, and law enforcement,” the AIG noted.
Also speaking, Chief Momodu appreciated the fact that a woman of Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s capacity was on hand to present his award to him, stressing that he couldn’t have asked for a greater honour.
In the same vein, other speakers and respondents, including a former Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, found spaces in their lines, to laud the intelligence of the Minister, citing that President Tinubu needs her likes to bring to fruition the promised Eldorado to Nigerians.
Speaking earlier as the Distinguished Guest Speaker, Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim, had highlighted the grace she brought to Police Affairs Ministry, which has seen to both the initiation and execution manifold projects, and their attendant testimonies, including identity tracking for national security.
“As someone deeply invested in the safety and security of our nation, I have spent considerable time reflecting on how best to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. The more I engage with experts, our police force, and other stakeholders, the clearer it becomes that identity tracking is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. It is not just about knowing who is in our country; it is about building a system where every identity is securely accounted for, and reducing opportunities for crime,” she said.
Appointed in August 2023 as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, a distinguished international professional with over two decades of expertise spanning the public, private, and development sectors, has a wealth of experience in conflict management, human capital development, peace building, and national security. She has no doubt established herself as an administrator par excellence.
Well read and well learned, Sulaiman-Ibrahim obtained is a B.Sc in Sociology holder from the University of Abuja. She is reputed have earned two Master’s degrees; an MBA and an MA in Management – both from Webster University, St. Louis (London Campus) at the yiung age of 21.
Reflecting her dedication to continuous professional growth and barefaced love for education, the honorable minister is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigeria Defence Academy.
In addition to her academic achievements, she co-founded and serves as the President of the BumbleeBee Civic Initiative (formerly The Beehive Initiative), a platform dedicated to mentoring politically inclined women and promoting grassroots civic awareness.
Her public service record is equally impressive and worthy of emulation. As Special Assistant on Strategic Communication and Partnerships to the Minister of State for Education (August 2019 to December 2020), she led the development of the innovative Alternate School Programme, securing Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for its implementation. She later served as Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), where she significantly improved national efforts to combat human trafficking and address irregular migration.
She has also served as Federal Commissioner and CEO of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). In this role, she launched the “Project 5s” initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
As a politician, strategist, and award-winning leader, Imaan has garnered recognition for her work in national security, conflict resolution, and human capital development. On July 27, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed her as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, making her the first female to hold this position.
Her glorious stewardship so far is summed in the below lines, which she self-delivered;
“Over the past year, we have made strategic investments in surveillance technologies, drones, and communication systems to boost real-time information gathering and response capabilities. We have also introduced ICT applications such as the RescueMe App and e-CMR (electronic Central Motor Registry) to enhance our epolicing strategy. These platforms have improved efficiency and productivity across our operations.
“Our efforts extend beyond technology; we are committed to community engagement as a fundamental aspect of our security strategy. We have held numerous townhall meetings nationwide to foster grassroots understanding of security dynamics and develop community-specific solutions. We have also strengthened our partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), resulting in better intelligence sharing and collaboration.
“In addition, we are developing a National Policing Policy to enhance the operational capabilities of the NPF and ensure more responsive and responsible policing. We have also launched the NPF Gender Policy to improve the gender balance within the force, and I am proud to announce that our advocacy has led to the inclusion of a female officer in the force’s leadership team.”
Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is indeed a force to reckon with in administration.
By Eric Elezuo
Premier commercial bank, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) has announced the retirement of its chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu after 12 years of meritorious service. The retirement notice will take effect from August 21, 2026.
The announcement was made on Monday after a meeting of the Board of Directors, according to a statement titled NOTIFICATION OF RETIREMENT OF GROUP CHAIRMAN OF UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA AND APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR, and made available to Pointblank.ng.
Elumelu will be replaced by Non-Executive Director of the bank, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom, chartered accountant with over forty years’ experience in banking, finance and audit.
Expressing his appreciation for the privilege of serving the bank for 12 years as Chairman, Elumelu noted: that “Serving United Bank for Africa has been one of the great privileges of my career. UBA has established a unique competitive position, across Africa and globally, and I leave the Board with great confidence in UBA’s future. Emmanuel Nnorom is a leader of integrity, experience and sound judgement, and I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Chairman, Emmanuel Nnorom remarked that “I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me and deeply conscious of the legacy I inherit. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, Management and our staff across all our markets to sustain UBA’s momentum and continue delivering long-term value to our shareholders, customers and stakeholders.”
The statement quoted the Board as placing on record “its profound appreciation to Mr. Elumelu for his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the strategic vision and institutional strength of the UBA Group.”
It added that “Mr. Elumelu’s tenure has been a defining chapter in the Group’s history. Under his stewardship, UBA was transformed into a pan African institution, operating in 20 African countries and 4 global financial centres and serving over 50 million customers.”
Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.
The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.
The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.
An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.
Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.
Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.
Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.
More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.
On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.
Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am
Personality in Focus
Double Honours for PLWD: Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation Opens Applications for Scholarship
The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF) has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 OSF Scholarship Programme and the Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Fellowship, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities, and developing future leaders within the disability community.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has worked to remove barriers to higher education by providing financial assistance, recognizing academic excellence, and investing in students whose determination and leadership have the potential to create lasting change in their communities.
Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa
Founder, Sotonwa Opeoluwa Foundation
The OSF Scholarship Program is open exclusively to Deaf and hard of hearing students enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The scholarship recognizes academic merit, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to pay it forward.
The Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Fellowship is open to law students with disabilities pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at an accredited Nigerian institution. Named in honor of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished legal practitioners, the fellowship promotes greater representation of persons with disabilities within the legal profession while supporting the next generation of advocates,
scholars, and public leaders.
Mrs Cassandra Sotonwa,
Chief Operating Officer, Sotonwa Opeoluwa Foundation
“Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for generations to come,” said Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Founder of the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation.
”Through these programs, we continue our commitment to investing in talented students whose perseverance, engagement, and character will help shape a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. We encourage every eligible student to apply and take advantage of these opportunities.
Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process based on academic achievement, leadership potential, community engagement, and the overall quality of each application. Priority consideration may be given to applicants who have not previously received an OSF Scholarship or a Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN Fellowship.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the application instructions carefully. Only fully completed applications submitted with all required supporting documents by the published deadline of July 30, 2026 will be considered. Incomplete applications or those missing required documentation will not be reviewed.
The Foundation maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward fraud. Any applicant found to have submitted forged or altered transcripts, falsified documents, plagiarized personal statements, or other fraudulent materials will be disqualified and permanently barred from future scholarship and fellowship opportunities offered by the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation.
Application forms, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions are now open and available at opeoluwasotonwafoundation.org.
Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their materials.
About the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation
The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational access, leadership development, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Through scholarships, fellowships, mentorship, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, the Foundation empowers students to achieve academic excellence, professional success, and meaningful
leadership.
