Former Nigerian ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu passes away at 92

One of the nation's exemplary diplomats, Amb. Hamzat Ahmadu, died yesterday at a private hospital in Lagos.

It was learnt from family sources that prayers for the deceased and interment would be performed this morning by 10:00 a.m. at the Sultan's Palace, in Sokoto, according to Islamic rites.

Reacting to the news of the death, the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, described Ahmadu as an accomplished diplomat and technocrat.

Tambuwal also described him as peace-loving and committed family man who gave invaluable contributions to the unity and development of Nigeria.

"As an elder statesman, his wise counsel served both the older and younger generation of leaders not only in Sokoto, but in Nigeria as a whole," a statement from the Governor's Office by Malam Imam Imam, quoted Tambuwal as saying.

Ahmadu, who until his death was a consultant to the Editorial Board of The Guardian , started his working career with the Nigerian Secretariat, Kaduna Provincial Office, Kano and Lugard Hall, Northern Nigerian Legislature Kaduna, before he proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies.

Ahmadu rejoined the Colonial Administrative Service at the end of his studies in 1958 and served as Private Secretary to the Premier of Northern Nigerian Foreign Service.

It is of note that besides his diplomatic postings, Ahmadu had the distinction of serving as Principal Secretary to three of Nigeria's Heads of State, Major Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Murtala Muhammed (1966-1975).

On July 20, 1987, he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the United States of America. As one of Nigeria's most senior Foreign Service Officers, Ahmadu had a most distinguished diplomatic career of serving as Ambassador to the then USSR (Soviet Union) and the then German Democratic Republic (1975-1978); Ambassador to the Kingdom of Netherlands (1978-1981); and Ambassador to the Republic of the Cameroun (1982-1984), and High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He also had diplomatic postings to London and Bonn.

He played a major role in formulating, managing and implementing Nigeria's foreign policy, having served as Permanent Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service (1986-1987); Director-General of African Affairs (1984-1985); Director-General of Protocol (1981-1982); Director, Asia Division (1965-1966); and Director of Africa, Consular and Treaties Division (1964-1966).

Amb. Ahmadu was married and had children. His hobbies included reading .He spoke English and Arabic and was conversant with German and French.

The Guardian

Harry Redknapp might be Nigeria's new Super Eagles coach

The Super Eagles appointed Salisu Yusuf as interim manager this week to take charge of two upcoming friendlies against Mali in Paris on May 27 and Luxembourg on June 1.

But former Tottenham boss Redknapp has been approached to take over the national side full time.

A source close to the team revealed he could be named as the next permanent manager within a few days.

The role is widely seen as the biggest job in African football.

Redknapp is largely untested at international level after narrowly missing out on the England job to Roy Hodgson.

Last month Redknapp, 69, finished a two-game deal managing Jordan – reportedly a favour for the country's FA president Prince Ali bin al-Hussein.

Now Redknapp is free to prepare for Nigeria's opening African Cup of Nations qualifier in September.

Derby appointed Redknapp as an adviser earlier this year – but the ex-West Ham and QPR boss has said he did not want the job full time.

Daily Star

Video - Nigerian sportswear entrepreneur competing with imported labels

A Nigerian entrepreneur is challenging traditional but imported sports apparel labels. Owu Sportswear is an indigenous Nigerian brand that creates apparel for local teams. The company is fast becoming the preferred sportswear brand amongst professional football clubs providing a cheaper, more affordable alternative to brands like Nike and Adidas.

Former Nigerian Minister of Education kidnapped

A former Minister of State for Education, Iyabo Anisulowo, has been kidnapped.

Mrs. Anisulowo was abducted late Wednesday in Ilaro in Yewa South local government area of Ogun State, police said.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES at about 10pm Wednesday.

He said the police commissioner had deployed five teams to rescue the former minister.

Mrs. Ashimolowo was minister of state for education during the regime of late Sani Abacha. She later became a senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District. She is also a former governorship candidate in Ogun State.

”The Ogun State police command is aware of the kidnapping of Senator Iyabo Anisulowo in Ilaro area today around 6pm. The Commissioner of Police Ogun State CP Abdulmajid Ali has detailed five teams to the area to rescue her unhurt,” Mr. Adejobi said in a statement.

“The special Anti-Robbery Squad SARS, and Anti-Kidnapping Squad Commanders have been sent to the area by the CP to rescue the senator and apprehend the perpetrators. We have also embarked on scientific investigation of the matter,” he said.

The command, however, gave assurance that the kidnapped top politician would be rescued, with a call on residents of the state to give adequate support to the authority.

“We therefore assure the general public particularly the good people and Government of Ogun State that the kidnapped victim will be rescued very soon unhurt. We appeal to Nigerians and people of Ogun State to support the police command with useful information to assist the police,” Mr. Adejobi said.

Premium Times

President Buhari orders crackdown on cattle raiders

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the security forces to crack down on cattle raiders accused of killing hundreds of people this year.

Soldiers and police would "go after the groups terrorising innocent people all over the country", he said.

The raids are seen as the biggest security threat facing Nigeria after the Islamist-led insurgency.

Nomadic herders from the Fulani ethnic group and farming communities often clash for control of land and water.

The announcement comes after national outrage over the killing of at least 20 people on Monday in a raid on the Ukpabi Nimbo community in south-eastern Enugu State.

In a statement, Mr Buhari said he deeply sympathised with those who had lost their lives.

He had ordered Nigeria's army and police chiefs to "secure all communities under attack by herdsmen", Mr Buhari added.

"This government will not allow these attacks to continue," the president said.

In February, about 300 people were killed and tens of thousands left homeless in a tit-for-tat raid in central Benue state, local media reported.

Homes, food stores and churches were also destroyed, reports said.

More than 1, 200 people were killed in 2014 by different groups of Fulani herders, according to the Global Terrorism Index.

The Fulanis are believed to be largest semi-nomadic group in the world and are mainly based in West and Central Africa.

In Nigeria, there are two types: The semi-nomadic herders and those who live in the city.

Unlike the more integrated city dwellers, the nomadic groups spend most of their lives in the bush and are the ones largely involved in these clashes.

They herd their animals across vast dry hinterlands, something that often puts them at odds with many communities, especially farmers who accuse them of damaging their crops.

However, the Fulanis have sometimes been attacked and have their animals stolen by bandits, prompting reprisal attacks.

The conflict has been going on for about two decades, but following the upsurge in attacks this year the government is under increasing pressure to take steps to curb it.

BBC