FACTS. DATA. MEDIA
Abuja, Nigeria
Joined January 2014
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Arica’s battle field, looks at how technology and non-state actors are redefining the continent’s security landscape. #GSECForum
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H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar shares valuable insights at the Global Security Forum #GSF2026 in Doha, drawing on his extensive experience at the highest levels of security, intelligence, and international diplomacy.
#GSECForum
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… And Nduka Obaigbena.
I have told my Nduka story before but given the importance I attach to it, its bears repeating. Many years ago, we met at his instance to decide if would partner with him in his upcoming magazine, TheWeek, with ties to the Time Magazine where Mr. Obaigbena had worked in the past. After all has been said, our representative at meeting asked an important question:
What happens if the beautiful dream crashes? Is there a fallback to it?
Our host, Nduka Obaigbena shoved aside the issue, saying we are all taking a risk, there is nothing to lose. None of us here has a family. We, (I and my editor, Malam Kabiru Yusuf) decided that this would be a dangerous journey; the guy is not a serious person, we concluded.
TheWeek took off and crashed but in its place, he went on to found ThisDay.
Malam Kabiru, with a few friends started the Daily Trust which has gone on to break so many barriers and myths and about the success or lack of it in publishing in Northern Nigeria. The Trust Newspapers are today printed simultaneously in Abuja, where they are headquartered in a five-story building, in Kano, Maiduguri, Lagos and Port Harcourt, the only one to so in the country.
Nduka Obaigbena has built ThisDay (Leaders and Company) into one of the country’s most respected media organisations, comprising not only the flagship ThisDay but also several other publications, and Arise International TV network. Recognizing the potential importance of digital media, Nduka launched Lekeelekee, the first global social media platform built out of Africa, “blending Tik-Tok, X , WhatsApp into a culturally aligned , mobile-first experience for African and the diaspora.” Users say Lekeelekee is fun and easy to use.
In this growing communications empire, ThisDay has a reputation for thorough, accurate, and well-written journalism, setting standards for politics, economy, business and society reporting. Through this paper, Nduka gave this country its first all-color newspaper. In 1998, the Nigerian Guild of Editors gave him an award in recognition of his transformative contributions to journalism and media in the country.
Arise continues to grow in size and reputation with a tradition of being a watchdog for misdeeds by politicians and aggressive interviewing techniques that have become a subject of discussion among communications scholars and practitioners. Nduka must be credited with a rare ability to create and manage this world class media empire and in the people he choses to run it, the choice of a top flight management team, and a willingness on his part to support the staff in and out of office, even when pressured to do otherwise.
In addition to being publisher, Nduka has led the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN and is a patron of the Nigerian Press Organization, NPO, after leading it as president, giving him, overall, a latitude of authority, wealth, financial power, social privilege, and outstanding public respect.
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The foundation has, to its credit, several other projects including lecture theaters, auditoria, classrooms, libraries, laboratories, staff quarters and offices, ICT facilities, books, journals and periodicals, machines and other research equipment thrown at institutions of learning in Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries.
ASR Africa has also made contributions to the well-being of our defence and security agencies through projects such the N2 billion Naira Nigerian Navy medical center in the FCT; a N500 million immigration staff accommodation for the Immigration Service and another N500 million for the Correctional Center (Prisons Service); a 150 bed mega hospital for the police in Abuja, and a hospital for the immigration service in Bauchi. The foundation has built a palace for the Royal Igbogila Kingdom in Ijesha in Ogun State for N1 billion; a contribution of N5 billion to the IBB national library project and the ongoing construction of the Malam Abdulkarim Juma’a mosque in Zaria.
The history and extent of his passionate support for health and welfare is another little-known detail about Samad.
Through this foundation, he has enabled the construction and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, equipping them, developing research capabilities for researchers, healthcare practitioners and community level service providers.
Among the many projects executed include a N2.5 billion teaching hospital at Akwa Ibom State University, Uyo, a N2.5 billion school of nursing at Sokoto State University in Tambuwal, a N2.5 billion school of health technology in Gwadabawa also Sokoto state; a N2.5 billion Oncology and diagnostic center in Ilorin; a N2.5 billion Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Edo state, a N250 million clinic at the Nigerian Law School as well as a record number of hospitals in Kano, Katsina, FCT, Bauchi and Sokoto given ambulances and tuberculosis centers. Ten states got kits for sexual assault repentance centers.
In his effortless stride of his giving, Samad sparked a national enthusiasm when he offered a cash reward package of up to USD1.5 million to the Super Eagles during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, 2025. In the end, we lost the semi-final to the host nation, Morocco in a penalty shootout. Despite the defeat, he still went ahead dishing out USD 500,000 in appreciation of the team’s “resilience, passion, and strong performance throughout the tournament.”
Through philanthropy and strong conviction with an eye on nation building, Abdul Samad continues to create and support countless social uplift programmes in areas such as health, education, national security, water, sports , livelihoods and social welfare, all with one core purpose — to improve the quality of life of those it touches at home in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. His selection as the 2026 “Man of the Year” by the Leadership Media Group is an eloquent testimony to why Abdul Samad, a major global player, matters.
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Leadership Man of the Year:
WHY ABDUL SAMAD, NDUKA MATTER.
This year, the Leadership newspaper is conferring its prestigious Man of the Year award on two Nigerian icons in recognition of their leadership journeys:
Prince Nduka Obaigbena, one of Nigeria’s most famous and admired media figures is a man who shaped, and continues to shape different eras in Nigerian journalism.
Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabi’u, born on August 4, 1960 is a Nigerian billionaire businessman and cement magnate. His is a name that goes far beyond the boardroom. While he is renowned as the chairman BUA Group of Companies which he transformed into a global business empire, his contributions extend well beyond the corporate world. Abdul Samad’s philanthropy is a beacon of hope for millions, and his selfless giving continues to leave lasting impressions on Nigeria, Africa and the world. By showing that business can move beyond the notion of profit, Samad, as fondly called by friends has showcased how true leadership is not only about business success but also about creating a lasting social impact.
As the executive chairman of BUAFOODS, he drove the expansion of the conglomerate into Nigeria’s most capitalized company, with a share price of approximately ₦760.60 and a market capitalization of roughly ₦13.69 trillion.
Currently, he is Africa’s second richest person with a net worth estimated at between $13 billion and $19 billion in 2026. Samad has always stood for more than business. To Nigerians, he personifies kindness, purpose, and institution-building. He is Nigeria’s, indeed Africa’s philanthropic giant.
When the Covid-19 crisis rocked and racked livelihoods, lives and even nations across the globe, Nigerian business leaders formed what they called the Coalition Against COVID-19, known as CACOVID. Led by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, the coalition was backed by Access Bank Group, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, and several others including the BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad. Rather than solely funding temporary relief, which he noted was the major shortcoming of the CACOVID relief programs he and the others put in place, Abdul Samad seized the momentum to sharpen and accelerate his visionary legacy of transforming lives in Nigeria through philanthropy and social impact initiatives.
It’s the famous American author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins who said “by changing nothing, nothing changes.” Like a bolt from the sky, came in 2021, the Abdul Samad Rabi’u foundation, ASR Africa Initiative which is the brainchild of the industrialist and philanthropist, with an annual pledge of $100,000,000 (USD) with Nigeria to benefit $50,000,000 (USD) yearly and the rest of Africa, $50,000,000 (USD) in what is the largest private philanthropic giving of its kind by an individual on the continent.
He believes in using wealth to uplift society and to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. From education to healthcare, water supply to rural development, Samad’s charitable efforts have touched countless lives.
As one of the world’s leading philanthropists of the 21st century, Abdul Samad’s compassionate ethos of giving is evident in his generous donations to education and healthcare. ASR has built, among many other projects, a N310 million students hostel at the Federal University of Technology, Minna; a N270 million Abdul Samad Rabi’u Sports Complex at the University of Jos; N250 million admin block at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; N250 million sports center at UNIPORT; N1 billion learning facility at UNILORIN; another billion Naira Integrated Agric Center at the Bayero University, Kano and a language center at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA.
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A thorough man. Fair, kind and bold. Fearless and honest, too. Brutally frank, yet humble. Intelligent yet always seeking to learn. A rare leader in these times. Left to @Dr_AminuMaida, he just wants to work and get his job done. He never seeks accolades. He is simple but charismatic.
Happy birthday to our boss, the EVC/CEO NCC, Dr Aminu Maida. No one works with you and doesn’t improve in their lives and career. Thank you for being a great boss! – at Abuja, Nigeria
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Today, I am mourning the sudden death of my decades-long friend, Dotun Oladipo, publisher of Nigeria's largest and most authoritative online newspaper, The Eagleonline. He was a valued friend whose commitment to journalism had very few parallels. He was blessed with good conduct, wit, and charisma.
RIP, Dotun.
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Where is Professor Amupitan?
I don't know him, and we never met.
I have no reason to wish to meet him, either. When they nominated him as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the nation received the shocking disclosure of his 2020 legal brief to the international community in which he claimed that the violence in the country was a Muslim pogrom against Christians.
The violence affected and still affects followers of all religions and speakers of every language.
For this reason, I, among many others, felt bad about the assertion he made and assumed that he was not a good choice for that office. This country's elections had incrementally got better with each new leadership.
Professor Jega gave the nation its best election since the disputed June 12, 1993, that produced Chief MKO Abiola, now recognised as a duly elected president who did not, however, take the office.
Professor Mahmud Yakubu did the impossible by rallying the civil society, CSOs, and local and foreign observers to approve all his elections.
Not one election under him was ever rejected by any serious observer or CSO.
Now, look at what has just happened in Osun state. Under Amupitan's leadership, the country has attained a transparent electoral process.
Everyone - civil society, the EU, local and foreign observers are commending this standout performance, praising the exceptional skill and determination to improve the process as manifested by INEC's seamless uploading of the governorship election results to its IReV.
With all the loud acclaim that followed, however, I have been asking myself, where is the captain of the ship, Professor Amupitan?
He hasn't picked the microphone, 48 hours hence, or appeared before the TV cameras to proudly show off the success. Where is he?
We are a country of wilful behaviour, chest beating public officials who are proudly and aggressively proclaiming success without achieving half of what we are talking about here. Where is he?
We are not used to seeing this kind of humility, patience, and restraint. Isn't it fair that the man should come out of his shell and dance to the drums in celebration?
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Today, I paid a condolence visit to the man who led us in winning the 2015 and 2019 general elections as DG, HE Rotimi Amaechi, following the demise of his mother, Mrs Mary Amaechi who passed away at the age of 89.
May God give him the strength to bear the loss.
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New Film on MKO Abiola by a Nigeria-American movie/documentary maker OSE OYAMENDAN. Please watch it!
youtube.com/watch?v=fCpz84C8…
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As a journalist the decision to use a story or drop it, is a power you have. - Mal. Garba Shehu
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On Advice to aspiring journalists:
True success in journalism is not driven by greed or money. The journalists who rise the highest are those guided by purpose—fighters for truth, justice, and good causes. Journalism rewards conviction, courage, and integrity far more than profit ever could.
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It’s happening today.
Join me this evening at RovenHeights Bookstore for an engaging conversation around my book According to the President. Looking forward to great questions and even better dialogue.
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The calm before the conversation.
Getting ready for an evening of dialogue on According to the President at RovenHeights Bookstore.
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Looking forward to an evening of conversation and insight. Rovenheight Bookstore is hosting a special session with me tomorrow on my book According to the President. Hope to see you there.
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Rest in peace, dearest Tunde Awobiyi.
You were a joy to know and work with.
Gone too soon.
As the Secretary General, when I served as president, Tunde will be remembered as a true legend of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Sunday Times of which he was an iconic editor, and of Nigerian journalism.
Condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.
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Makes sense why the president pushed for the re election of a Nigerian( Amb Bankole Adeoye) as the chairman Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).
It gives immense soft power to Nigeria.
The AUPSC is akin to the United nation security council.
A lot of assets and resources from AU via the AUPSC will be deployed to ECOWAS vis a vis the Gulf of Guinea and the Sahel.
AUPSC will be establishing of a combined maritime task force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria will be playing a leading role.
AUPSC will be upgrading Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter–Terrorism Centre.
AUPSC has renewed the mandate of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, addressing the twin challenges of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.
AUPSC will be operationalizing the African Standby Force with Nigeria playing a vital role.
Nigeria has also signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel. Under the agreement, the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.
In all of these, AU/ international bodies and donors will be spending their resources and our military will become better.
This is how a country becomes a major force and project power.
There is no geopolitical influence without a strong military
NIGERIA CALLS FOR COMBINED MARITIME TASK FORCE FOR THE GULF OF GUINEA AT AU SUMMIT, NAVY TO PROVIDE SEA LIFT SERVICES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritise the establishment of a combined maritime task force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.
At the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria's readiness to host the task force's headquarters in Lagos.
President Tinubu conveyed Nigeria's position as the AU considered the report on the AUPSC, focusing on peace and security in Africa, and the biennial report on the implementation of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023-2024).
The statement was delivered on behalf of President Tinubu by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
"The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.
"I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos," he said.
Nigeria's recommendation of a maritime task force comes on the same day that it signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement.
Nigeria's defence minister, Badaru Abubakar, signed the agreement. Under the agreement, the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.
Nigeria's Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, witnessed the agreement signing.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the AU.
President Tinubu expressed satisfaction that the AUPSC had already adopted the outcomes of a high–level meeting, including the decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter–Terrorism Centre.
He also appreciated the Peace and Security Council's decision to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, addressing the twin challenges of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.
On Libya, the Nigerian leader expressed concern that the instability in the North African country has continued to worsen security challenges in the Sahel and called on the Assembly to back initiatives to restore law and order.
"The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not," he warned.
President Tinubu highlighted the severe insecurity affecting countries grappling with democratic transition, including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon.
"It would not be out of place to explore the possibility of extending the inherent benefits of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU Peace Support Operations," he said.
In doing so, he added that the AU must try to prevent the increasing incursion of extra-continental forces, including private military companies, into African security matters.
President Tinubu welcomed the progress in operationalising the African Standby Force, reiterating Nigeria's support.
He appealed to all AU member countries and delegations to show the necessary flexibility and allow the draft MoU on the operationalisation of the standby force to be adopted.
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African credit rating agency:
President Tinubu also strongly supported an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA), noting that it would provide fairer, more transparent credit assessments for African economies.
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“We are committed to expanding and fast-tracking universal energy access for Nigerians by 2030. This will involve increasing electricity access, boosting clean cooking solutions for 227M people and expanding our renewable energy to 50% of the energy mix amongst others.
I call on partners to join us in delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to every Nigerian.
Together, we will power a brighter, greener future.”
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit
@akin_adesina
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President Bola Tinubu’s Student Loan Initiative has transformed countless lives—fulfilling a key campaign promise to empower Nigerian students. This groundbreaking program provides interest-free loans with no guarantor or collateral required, and repayments start two years after securing employment. To date, ₦20.8 billion has been disbursed to over 200,000 students across tertiary institutions.
If you’re a student struggling with fees, act now! Secure your future by applying through the @NELFUND social media channels.
Promise Made, Promise Kept!
— Kamorudeen Yusuf
#StudentLoan #RenewedHope #Nelfund
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The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare @Fmohnigeria is determined to achieve H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's @officialABAT vision of a transformed healthcare ecosystem in Nigeria in this very important year by setting achievable yet ambitious targets.
We believe that we must be accountable to our people in sharing with them exactly what they should expect with the ultimate expectation that our performance as a government will be assessed on that basis.
Therefore, I am pleased to detail some of the important initiatives that you can expect from the health sector in 2025 in this briefing from my desk.