Setting the Record Straight: A Note to My Fellow Unilorites on Service, Stewardship and Our Shared Reality.
MODEL and EFFICIENT Colleagues,
In the last couple of hours, my attention has been drawn to viral comments circulating regarding the video projected at the auditorium during the press night involving myself, my friend, Senator Adeoye, and my secondary school and University class mate, Honorable Simple, featuring the students’ union vehicle.
I am aware of the allegations of insensitivity being circulated even to the extent of alleging that I made the post on my WhatsApp status which was clearly addressed as untrue.
And as someone who believes in transparent leadership, I find it imperative to address this directly and set the record straight.
1. The Context of the Video
First, let me be clear: I am not insensitive to the collective plight of our colleagues, rather, I am wholly and directly concerned and affected. The transportation challenge is not just a policy issue; it is a lived, daily struggle that I have experienced since my 100-level days. I know exactly how draining it is to commute between campus and off-campus under these circumstances and never will I water down its effects on us.
The video in question was recorded while I was on an official, time-sensitive assignment. I had been instructed by the Executive President to urgently check on freshers signing into their hostels last November. I utilized the students’ union vehicle precisely because speed was necessary to ensure our new colleagues were settled.
When I encountered Senator Adeoye and my friend on the road, I picked them up as a simple act of courtesy, a standard practice among colleagues, similar gestures being extended to every other Unilorites from time to time.
My focus was on driving, as I prioritize safety at all times. The laughter captured in the video was not a reaction to our suffering as students; it was a human response to a lighthearted comment from my secondary school classmate who noticed me driving and was shocked because him and thousands other Unilorites have never seen me behind that or any other wheel. I immediately stopped smiling the moment he made that statement however, I could not humanly have left the wheel and start immediate sensitization for someone who has sworn an oath to diligently serve Unilorites and UNILAWRITES specifically and the evidently short video could not have captured my comments. The smile reflected in the video was a response to the statement made by my friend and classmate and not that made by Senator ADEOYE, never will I take with levity, a critical matter that takes away blood, sweat and rigor from the administration which I was wholly invested in.
In fact, the journey was intra-campus specifically to Lagos Male Hostel, Abuja Hostel, Needs Hostel and Zamfara Hostel and not out of campus to warrant any queues.
My record speaks louder than a few seconds of footage: even after my formal resignation as PRO, I was at the parks after the Press Night, working alongside colleagues to ensure students got off campus safely and timely, even walking back to campus from the Dam where I went to coordinate buses to the pack to ensure no one was left behind.
I find it disheartening that numerous vile and incorrect opinions have been intentionally couched and spread in a bid to take Unilorites away from the truth which was clearly set out and laid bare before everyone in the auditorium when this allegation was first raised.
2. My Stewardship as PRO: A Commitment to Results
Regarding claims of underperformance, I stand by my record. The Office of the PRO is a conduit, not an independent source of policy. Its effectiveness depends on the collaboration of the entire executive council. Despite these systemic constraints, I diligently fulfilled my constitutional duties while pushing for innovation.
This is great news.
For me, one of the greatest joys of leadership is watching young people like you grow in capacity. It takes intention to commit to professional excellence, and that mindset will take you far.
Well done, Bashir.
Obayi is a registered NGO working to improve education access for children in underserved communities across Nigeria. Recently, we visited Nagora Primary School in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, where we donated 100 school bags to a school of over 200 students.
The need we saw was overwhelming. Many children still lack basic school supplies, uniforms, and even a proper learning environment—some classrooms have no chairs or tables, and the roofs are leaking.
With your help, we want to go back and do more. Our goal is to raise €4,500 to:
• Fix the leaking roofs
• Provide chairs and tables
• Donate school uniforms to students in need
Photos and videos on this page show the real situation. Your support, no matter how small, will help us give these children the dignity and opportunity they deserve.
Please donate and share. Together, we can make a difference.
https://t.co/PbdG6ChLSt
The passing away of a legend, the former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, May Allah have mercy on his soul, brought me to tears!
He was an upright man, who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability. His name was synonymous with integrity.
He was definitely one of those who made me develop a much better perception of Nigerians as a people.
May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah. Aameen.
May Allah Almighty make it easy for his family, friends and the nation of Nigeria.
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIRRAJIUUN.
The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, this afternoon in a clinic in London.
May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.
The Yar’Adua and Saraki families have shared a close bond for many years.
This is why, today, it was a great privilege to join the Yar’Adua family for the wedding Fatiha of Musa Umar Yar’Adua and Maryam Ayuba Shuaibu at the National Mosque, Abuja.
As the newlyweds begin their lives together, may Almighty Allah (SWT) fill their home with love, light and laughter.
Ameen.
Today marks one year since our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Saraki, passed away.
Mama, we miss you every single day.
We pray that you continue to rest peacefully with the angels, in the bosom of your Lord and Creator.
This is the text of the remarks I would have delivered at today’s NASS joint session, as indicated in my letter of invitation. However, due to time constraints, the programme of events had to be abridged. Nonetheless, I still believe it is important to share my thoughts on this platform.
BRIEF REMARK BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT, DR. ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, ON THE TOPIC: “THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY IN THE LAST 26 YEARS” AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON DEMOCRACY DAY, THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH, 2025 HELD INSIDE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CHAMBERS, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA.
1. I have been given just three minutes to talk on the important topic of the impact of the National Assembly in the last 26 years of democracy in our dear country. Let me therefore quickly acknowledge the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, their deputies, other principal officers, other former presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly here present, and members of the 10th National Assembly. Furthermore, I adopt the protocol already established by the previous speakers.
2. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to quickly make five points before the time allotted to me expires. First, I congratulate all Nigerians at home and abroad on the 26th anniversary of democracy. This achievement is a result of the sacrifice and perseverance by all of us and as such we deserve a pat on the back for this.
3. Second, let me join all of us in remembering and celebrating our heroes and heroines of democracy who paid different types of prices and those who made various sacrifices to end military rule and return our country to democracy. Without their sacrifice, we will not be here today. From the known political leaders to the unsung and unknown protesters on the streets who lost their lives, limbs, and livelihoods during the fight against military rule. May Almighty God bless all their souls. As we praise those who helped us to achieve this democracy, we also need to commend those who have worked hard to sustain it.
4. Third, I want to commend President Tinubu for choosing to join the National Assembly here in this chamber to celebrate Democracy Day. This symbolic action speaks volumes. This is an acknowledgment of the fact that among the three arms of government, the one that best symbolizes, represents, and exemplifies democracy, is the parliament. Today, the Nigerian leadership did not gather in Aso Rock Villa, or the foyer of the Supreme Court, or the covered seats of Eagle Square to celebrate democracy. We are here in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly to celebrate representative government. Today’s gathering indicates clearly that the legislature is the bedrock of democracy.
I’ve just completed my Kwara PDP registration at Ajikobi Central Ward. The process was smooth and took only a few minutes — quick, but meaningful.
With the level of enthusiasm the registration has drawn over the past few weeks, it’s clear that many of us still care deeply about where our dear state is headed.
But we can’t shape important decisions from the sidelines. Participation is the first step.
So if you believe, as I and many others do, that Kwara’s best days are still ahead, take a moment to register with the Kwara PDP. It’s how you make your voice count and have a say in the future of our state.
According to tradition, upon arrival, the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
On this Day of Arafah, as millions of Hajj pilgrims gather in supplication to Almighty Allah (SWT) on the plains of Arafah, let us, as Muslims, whether on pilgrimage or in our homes, seize this day to seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness, extend compassion to others, and renew our commitment to the values and teachings of Islam.
May Allah (SWT) heal and prosper our land. Ameen.
#Hajj1446
Governor Douye Diri has shown, time and again, what it means to lead with calm, strength, and a deep sense of purpose. Even in the toughest moments, he remains steady—putting Bayelsa State first, always with heart and conviction.
As he celebrates his birthday today, I pray the Almighty grants him the wisdom to navigate the complexities of leadership, the strength to continue serving with integrity, and the grace to remain a unifying figure for the good people of Bayelsa.
Happy birthday, Your Excellency.