By Our Correspondent

The North Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Engineer Ahmad Waziri Usman Gombe, has been honoured as a Peace Ambassador by the Democratic Youths Assembly of Nigeria in recognition of his leadership, commitment to members’ welfare and contributions to the development of the association across the North and Nigeria.

Speaking during the presentation of the award, the Chairman of the Democratic Youths Assembly of Nigeria, Ambassador Zahraddin Yahaya, said Engineer Waziri Usman was recognised for his efforts in uplifting NATA and promoting the welfare and development of its members.

Ambassador Zahraddin particularly commended him for facilitating the distribution of food items to NATA members and fertilizer provided through the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

He also expressed appreciation for the developmental projects being implemented by the NEDC across the North-East.

Ambassador Zahraddin Yahaya said he had observed several NEDC projects on his way to Gombe State, including roads, bridges, streetlights and hospital projects, describing the interventions as significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the region.

He commended the Executive Director of NEDC, Alhaji Abdulsalam Yahaya Ahmad, and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their efforts towards developing the North-East.

Receiving the honour, Engineer Ahmad Waziri Usman Gombe thanked the Democratic Youths Assembly of Nigeria for finding him worthy of recognition as a Peace Ambassador.

He said the award would encourage him to continue working for peace, unity, members’ welfare and the development of NATA.

Engineer Waziri Usman attributed some of the achievements recorded by NATA to the support and assistance received from the Executive Director of NEDC, Alhaji Abdulsalam Yahaya Ahmad, particularly in areas that have positively impacted members of the association.

He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their efforts towards the development of the North-East.

The NATA North Chairman urged members of the association to continue supporting government policies and programmes at both state and federal levels.

He called on NATA members to support the administration of Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as well as the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He stressed the importance of peace, unity and constructive engagement in achieving meaningful development across the country.

The award ceremony brought together members of NATA and the Democratic Youths Assembly of Nigeria from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States.

Among those in attendance were Ambassador Muhammad Kabir Ahmad, Ambassador Ahmad Muhammad Arabi, Alhaji Abdullahi Gombe, and the Chairman of NATA Gombe State, Muhammad Yahaya.

The ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of NATA members, members of the Democratic Youths Assembly of Nigeria and members of the public from across the North-East.

The organisers said the conferment of the Peace Ambassador title was aimed at recognising Engineer Ahmad Waziri Usman’s contribution to peace, grassroots development, members’ welfare and the strengthening of NATA in the North and Nigeria at large.

By Our Political Reporter

The Gombe State PDP Radio Promoters Forum has presented an Award of Honour to Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh (Dokajin Nafada), Chief Executive Officer of Hamsal Airlines, in recognition of his outstanding dedication to humanitarian service through the Hamma Saleh Memorial Foundation, and his consistent support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels in Gombe State.

The honour, according to the Forum, celebrates Alhaji Hamma Saleh’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged across the state through empowerment initiatives, business support, and community development projects.

The Acting Chairman of the Forum, Ahmad Sulaiman Marafa, while speaking during the presentation held at the PDP State Secretariat in Gombe, described the contributions of Alhaji Hamma Saleh as “visible and impactful”, adding that his generosity and loyalty to the party have earned him widespread respect.

“The contributions of Alhaji Hamma Saleh to humanity and to the People’s Democratic Party are evident in every part of Gombe State. He has been a strong pillar of support to the party and a true philanthropist dedicated to uplifting others,” Marafa said.

The award ceremony was attended by PDP members from the 11 local government areas of Gombe State, members of the Radio Promoters Forum, and several well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the philanthropist.

In his remarks, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh expressed appreciation to the Forum for the honour, dedicating the award to the people of Gombe State and reaffirming his commitment to serve humanity and support the growth of the PDP.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. My commitment has always been to serve humanity and contribute to the progress of our great state. I dedicate this award to all those who believe in kindness, unity, and service to others,” he stated.

Through his Hamma Saleh Memorial Foundation, Alhaji Hamma Saleh has supported numerous initiatives, including youth empowerment, education sponsorships, healthcare assistance, and business support for small entrepreneurs across Gombe State.

The event concluded with prayers and goodwill messages, as party stakeholders and community members described the Dokajin Nafada as “a man of the people, whose generosity and leadership continue to inspire many.”

By Our Correspondent

In an extraordinary display of brilliance and linguistic mastery, 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State has stunned the world by emerging as the best English language performer globally at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe, outshone over 20,000 students from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Her outstanding achievement is now sparking national debate and a growing demand for official recognition by the Nigerian government.

A National Treasure Deserving National Honour

Nafisa’s triumph is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity, discipline, and the right support system. Her success has stirred a wave of pride among Nigerians and reignited conversations around the value of education in shaping the nation’s future.

Many Nigerians are now calling on the federal government to reward Nafisa with $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour, preferably the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — a recognition previously given to athletes following major international victories.

This sentiment mirrors what happened earlier this year when the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, were rewarded with $100,000, a flat each, and national honours following their historic win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Similarly, the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, received significant rewards after clinching their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

“What Is Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander”

Educational advocates, civil society leaders, and citizens alike argue that academic excellence should be celebrated on the same level as sports victories. “If our athletes can be honoured for lifting the nation’s name high, then so should a young student who conquered the world using the English language — a global skill,” one education activist said.

They are also urging the federal government to invite Nafisa and her English teacher to the State House, recognising both their efforts, similar to how coaching crews are celebrated in the sporting world.

Education as the Passport to the Future

Nafisa’s victory sends a clear message — that with the right environment, Nigerian students can compete and win on the global stage. Her success is not just personal; it is symbolic of what Nigeria stands to gain if it invests seriously in its educational sector.

“Education is the passport to the future, and tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” one passionate supporter said. “We must reward our best minds just as we do with our best athletes. Nafisa has done what many believed was impossible.”

As calls grow louder, all eyes are now on the Presidency and the Ministry of Education. Will the nation honour a girl who has become a symbol of hope, excellence, and Nigeria’s potential on the world stage?

For now, Nigerians continue to beam with pride and hope that the government will do the needful — because truly, Nafisa deserves it all.