Beyond the Arewa Media Summit: How Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (@Abdulfagge) Is Redefining Public Communication in Northern Nigeria
By Musa Abdullahi Sufi
History is often remembered not only by great speeches but by bold ideas that reshape institutions and influence people. The maiden Arewa Media Summit, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, stands out as one of those defining moments in Nigeria’s communication landscape.
Bringing together participants from the nineteen Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, the initiative went beyond the traditional conference model. It combined intensive capacity-building workshops, strategic policy conversations, ethical social media training, practical media engagement, and field visits to major federal development projects in Kano, Kaduna and Abuja.
This multidimensional approach transformed the programme from a conventional summit into a practical learning experience. Its uniqueness lies not merely in its scale but in its philosophy: communication should not only inform, it should build trust, strengthen democracy and encourage accountability.
A New Standard for Political Communication
Public communication has too often been reduced to political messaging. The Arewa Media Summit challenged that perception by placing professionalism, ethical responsibility and public enlightenment at the centre of government communication.
Reports indicate that more than one hundred APC social media communicators received specialised training before the summit, focusing on responsible digital engagement, fact verification, strategic communication and combating misinformation. Rather than encouraging propaganda, the emphasis was on accuracy, credibility and responsible online conduct.
In an era where false information spreads within minutes, this investment in ethical communication represents one of the most important long-term interventions in Nigeria’s digital space.
From Online Narratives to Evidence-Based Communication
One remarkable innovation introduced during the programme was the regional project inspection initiative, designed to expose media practitioners and digital influencers directly to ongoing development projects.
Instead of relying solely on official press releases, participants visited projects to observe implementation firsthand. This simple but powerful idea encourages a shift from assumptions to evidence, from speculation to verification, and from politically motivated narratives to fact-based reporting.
Such an approach strengthens journalism because credible reporting begins with direct observation.
Ethical Social Media: A Timely Intervention
Nigeria’s digital ecosystem has become one of Africa’s most influential public spaces. Unfortunately, it has also become vulnerable to misinformation, hate speech and manipulated narratives.
Throughout the summit, speakers consistently emphasized that every smartphone has effectively become a broadcasting station, making ethical responsibility no longer optional but essential. Participants were encouraged to verify information before publication, avoid divisive content and recognise their influence in shaping public opinion.
This message resonated strongly with thousands of physical attendees and an even larger online audience who followed the event across television, radio and digital platforms.
Leadership That Convened Diverse Voices
One of the strongest indicators of the summit’s significance was the calibre and diversity of participants.
The event attracted senior government officials, ministers, governors, media executives, veteran journalists, academics, filmmakers, broadcasters, content creators, communication professionals and policymakers.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved free CAC registration for 250,000 MSMEs across Nigeria, through a partnership between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Before: ₦21,000.
Now: FREE.
No registration fee. Just an opportunity to formalise your business, build credibility and open new doors to finance, grants, partnerships and markets.
If you know a young entrepreneur, trader, creator, artisan or small business owner who needs this, please share it with them.
Register through SMEDAN today. Don’t sleep on this opportunity.
https://t.co/pcJA44GFVR
#PresidentialVillaUpdates
STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU EXPRESSES JOY OVER THE RESCUE OF ORIIRE ABDUCTED CHILDREN AND TEACHERS, COMMENDS SECURITY AGENCIES
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound joy at the successful rescue of the children and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, by the security forces.
President Tinubu praised the heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the DSS and the police, for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.
President Tinubu regretted the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.
For cooperating with the Federal Government in all rescue efforts, President Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.
"I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.
"This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.
"My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.
"I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end," the President said.
President Tinubu has also directed that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
July 10, 2026
Breaking: All the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.
One more good news in the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.
Indeed, this is the good News of the day, even though I know some people don't want to hear it.
Thank you President Tinubu.
Work Continues Despite the rainy season on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway Project.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (@Abdulfagge), visited the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna-Kano Highway as part of the Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour.
Despite the rainy season, work on the project has continued without interruption. Contractors remain on site, working tirelessly day and night to ensure the project is delivered within the scheduled timeframe.
The impressive pace of construction reflects the Federal Government's commitment to restoring one of Nigeria's most strategic highways, improving road safety, enhancing the movement of people and goods, and boosting economic activities along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.
The Abuja–Kaduna-Kano Highway is a critical transport link connecting the Federal Capital Territory to Northern Nigeria, and its completion will significantly ease travel, reduce journey time, and stimulate trade and investment across the region.
Kudos to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing critical infrastructure projects that are transforming lives and driving national development.
Earlier Today, Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT), alongside his National Security Adviser, Mallam @NuhuRibadu watched the live inauguration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement for 2027 at the State House.
2027 it's Tinubu or Northing.
Abuja Independent Power Plant Set to Transform Electricity Supply Across Northern Nigeria.
Northern Nigeria will not forget this landmark project. Construction commenced in 2024, and today it is approaching completion, bringing renewed hope for improved electricity supply, industrial growth, and economic development.
In continuation of the ongoing Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour under the leadership of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, our team visited the Abuja Independent Power Plant (AIPP), one of Nigeria's most strategic energy infrastructure projects.
The Abuja Independent Power Plant, with a planned nameplate capacity of 1,600 megawatts (MW), is a critical component of the integrated power infrastructure being developed alongside the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project. Together, these projects are designed to strengthen Nigeria's energy security, improve electricity generation, and power industries, businesses, and millions of homes across the country.
With the AKK Gas Pipeline now about 95% completed, complementary projects like the Abuja Independent Power Plant are essential to unlocking the full economic and industrial benefits of this massive investment.
The first phase of the power plant, with a generation capacity of 265MW, is expected to be completed and connected to the National Grid before the end of the year, alongside the commissioning of Phase I of the AKK Pipeline (Ajaokuta–Abuja). This milestone will significantly increase power availability, reduce pressure on the national electricity supply, and support Nigeria's drive toward sustainable economic growth.
The level of progress at the project site is truly impressive. Major civil works including the administrative complex, warehouses, storage facilities, fuel gas intake station, water treatment plants, and other supporting infrastructure have been completed. In addition, major equipment such as gas and steam turbines, generators, transformers, transmission towers, and other critical systems has already been installed, demonstrating the project's advanced stage of execution.
The project is being delivered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), through its Gas and Power Investment arm, with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
Beyond improving electricity generation, the Abuja Independent Power Plant is creating employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled and unskilled workers, while stimulating economic activities in surrounding communities. Upon completion, it will provide reliable power for industries, attract new investments, support manufacturing, and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
The addition of 265MW to the National Grid in the first phase marks another significant milestone in Nigeria's journey toward achieving energy sufficiency and sustainable national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
May God continue to bless the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it delivers transformative infrastructure projects that will benefit both present and future generations of Nigerians.
Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour: President Tinubu's CNG Initiative Is Transforming Transportation and Improving Lives In the North.
In continuation of the Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour, led by Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (@Abdulfagge), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, our team visited GreenVille LNG in Kaduna to witness firsthand the remarkable impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative.
The visit provided us with a clear picture of how the initiative is gaining widespread acceptance among transport operators, businesses, and ordinary Nigerians. With the rising adoption of CNG-powered vehicles, many commuters and commercial drivers are now enjoying significantly lower transportation and operating costs compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.
President Tinubu's CNG Initiative is one of the flagship programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to provide Nigerians with a cleaner, safer, and more affordable alternative source of energy for transportation. Beyond reducing the cost of mobility, the initiative is creating new investment opportunities, generating employment across the CNG value chain, and encouraging private sector participation in energy infrastructure development.
At GreenVille LNG, we observed the growing demand for CNG conversion services and fueling facilities, demonstrating the confidence Nigerians have in the programme. The initiative is not only easing the financial burden on motorists but is also contributing to environmental sustainability by promoting cleaner energy and reducing carbon emissions.
The success of the Presidential CNG Initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to implementing practical and people-centered policies that cushion the effects of economic reforms while laying the foundation for long-term energy security and sustainable national development.
The Renewed Hope Agenda is steadily delivering results, and the Presidential CNG Initiative stands as one of the clearest examples of how bold reforms are improving the lives of Nigerians and driving economic growth across the country.
Day 4 of Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour: Kaduna Western Bypass Takes Shape Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Day 4 of the Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour continues under the leadership of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (@Abdulfagge).
Today, our first stop is the Kaduna Western Bypass Project, one of the key road infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing economic activities in Kaduna State and the wider Northern region.
Although the project received approval in 2021, it was unable to commence due to several challenges. However, following the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, the project gained renewed momentum, with construction work now progressing steadily under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the Kaduna Western Bypass will significantly reduce travel time for motorists, divert heavy-duty vehicles away from the city centre, improve road safety, and facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods. The project is also creating employment opportunities for engineers, artisans, drivers, suppliers, and other workers directly involved in its construction, while stimulating economic activities in surrounding communities.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2026, marking another major milestone in the Federal Government's commitment to modernising critical infrastructure across Northern Nigeria.
Indeed, the people of Northern Nigeria are witnessing the tangible impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda as strategic infrastructure projects that were once delayed are now progressing steadily under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Day 4 of Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour: Kaduna Northern Bypass Takes Shape Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Day 4 of the Gani Ya Kori Ji Tour continues under the leadership of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (@Abdulfagge).
Today, our first stop is the Kaduna Northern Bypass Project, one of the key road infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing economic activities in Kaduna State and the wider Northern region.
Although the project received approval in 2021, it could not commence due to several challenges. However, following the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, the project gained renewed momentum, with construction work now progressing steadily under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the Kaduna Northern Bypass will significantly reduce travel time for motorists, divert heavy-duty vehicles away from the city centre, improve road safety, and facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods. The project is also creating employment opportunities for engineers, artisans, drivers, suppliers, and other workers directly involved in its construction, while stimulating economic activities in surrounding communities.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2026, marking another major milestone in the Federal Government's commitment to modernising critical infrastructure across Northern Nigeria.
Indeed, the people of Northern Nigeria are witnessing the tangible impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda as strategic infrastructure projects that were once delayed are now progressing steadily under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor further disclosed that after presenting his certificate of return to President Tinubu, the President immediately approved another major road project for the state. “I went to the President to present my letter of return. He was so elated and happy, and he also approved the construction of Ado–Ijan–Ilumoba–Ikole Road. This road is another road that has been troubling Ekiti people. It’s the major artery to the North from the South.”
Governor Oyebanji said his visit to the Ministry was to appreciate Senator Umahi for his commitment and to convey the gratitude of Ekiti people to President Tinubu. “My visit here today is just to appreciate you and to also send you to the President that the Ekiti people appreciate him, and they are grateful for what he has done.”
Describing the Tinubu administration as the most impactful in the history of Ekiti State, the governor said: “Sir, I can put this on record. Ekiti State is just thirty years old. In the history of our creation, there is no President that has been this good to Ekiti people. This is the first time that we are feeling a sense of belonging to the Nigerian nation. We can point to a lot of Mr. President’s interventions across roads, agriculture, and the health sector in Ekiti State.”
He concluded by expressing confidence in the continued support of Ekiti people for President Tinubu. “I can assure you, sir, that come January next year, Ekiti people will speak up.”
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works, Media
July 9, 2026
Sweet cruise on Phase 1 of Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto road being reconstructed into two lanes by HE @officialABAT as part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund projects.
Daaaaɗi Kamar kar na sauka daga wannan hanyar mai inganci.
#Gani-Ya-Kori-Ji: Yadda muka fara zagayen duba wasu daga cikin ayyukan Shugaban ƙasa Bola Ahmed Tinubu da Gwamna Abba a jihar Kano. Daga Kano za mu cigaba da zagaya duk sauran jihohinmu na Arewa
#GaniYaKoriJi#Day1