Celebration
BELLO MATAWALLE AT 57: THE CIVILIAN GENERAL AND THE ARCHITECTURE OF VALOR
By Comrade James Okoronkwo
When the history of Nigeria’s battle against insurgency is written, a special chapter will be reserved for those who did not just issue orders from the comfort of Abuja, but who dared to walk the path of the soldier. As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, marks his 57th birthday this Thursday, February 12, 2026, we celebrate a leader who has redefined the meaning of patriotic duty.
HEEDING THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
True leadership is tested in the crucible of obedience and action. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued the strategic directive for the defense leadership to relocate to the front lines of the North-West, Dr. Matawalle did not hesitate. He understood that to secure the people, one must be amongst the people.
By heeding this call, Matawalle moved the “Ship House” to the trenches of Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara. His presence on the front lines was not a mere photo opportunity; it was a “Kinetic Statement” that the era of armchair defense was over. This move boosted the morale of our troops and sent a clear, terrifying message to the enemies of the state: the “Civilian General” is at the gate.
THE POWER OF SYNERGY
One of Matawalle’s greatest achievements at 57 is the seamless synergy he has fostered within the military hierarchy. His working relationship with the Chief of Defence Staff, *General Christopher Musa*, is a masterclass in civil-military cooperation. Together, they have formed a “Unified Command” that has dismantled the infrastructure of terror, proving that when political will meets military professional excellence, the result is an unbreakable shield for the nation.
A FATHER TO THE NATION AND A FATHER AT HOME
Perhaps the most touching testament to the Minister’s character occurred just last Friday. In an era where family values are often sidelined by the weight of office, Dr. Matawalle celebrated the historic wedding of ten of his children at the National Mosque.
Standing as a father to ten newlyweds—with the President himself as the Wali—Matawalle showed the nation that he is a man of balance. He who secures the nation’s borders also honors the sanctity of the home. This milestone is a divine blessing, signaling a man who has “Internal Peace” even as he manages “External Power.”
THE VISION FOR 2027 AND BEYOND
At 57, Bello Matawalle is no longer just a politician from Maradun; he is a national asset. He is the bridge between the grassroots of the North and the strategic vision of the *Renewed Hope Agenda. As he celebrates this milestone, the **Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG)* and millions of Nigerians salute his courage, his loyalty to the President, and his unrelenting pursuit of a peaceful Nigeria.
Happy 57th Birthday to the Architect of the Shield—the Civilian General!
The South-South Governors Forum (SSGF) has congratulated the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as he marks his 51st birthday, describing him as a humble leader committed to the service of humanity and the people of Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, praised Governor Fubara’s leadership style, noting that his exemplary qualities have earned him the admiration and support of the people of Rivers State.
According to the statement, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate tireless commitment to peace, stability, and the overall development of Rivers State, while prioritising the greater good of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South Governors Forum, Governor Diri said the regional body was celebrating both the new year in Governor Fubara’s life and the renewed impact of his leadership.
He wished the Rivers State Governor continued success, strength, and greater achievements in the years ahead, while reaffirming the Forum’s support and goodwill.
Governor Fubara clocks 51 on Wednesday.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Maiyaki Ahmed, has celebrated the birthday of the state Governor, His Excellency Uba Sani, describing him as a visionary leader with remarkable impact. In a birthday tribute, the Commissioner praised the Governor’s dedication and service to the state.
Maiyaki Ahmed stated that the Governor’s impact is felt in every corner of the community. He highlighted the Governor’s leadership qualities as a source of inspiration for the people.
“His dedication, wisdom, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire all around him,” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner’s message celebrates the Governor on his birthday, focusing on his leadership style and the perceived positive effects of his administration across Kaduna State.
Celebration
“WITH GOD AND MY PEOPLE”: TOURISM BOSS LADY VIVIAN ELABOR’S EMOTIONAL HOMECOMING THANKSGIVING IN UBIAJA (+VIDEOS)
UBIAJA, ESAN SOUTH EAST – In a vibrant celebration of faith, family, and service, the dynamic Director General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor, swept into her ancestral home of Ubiaja on Sunday for a heartfelt thanksgiving, turning the community into a epicenter of gratitude and joy.
The event was a powerful fusion of the sacred and the communal, beginning with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at the Saint Benedict Catholic Church, Ubiaja, where Lady Elabor gave “profound thanks” to Almighty God, whom she reverently described as “El ROI” (The God Who Sees).
From the church, the celebration moved to her father’s compound in Eguare, which was transformed for a resounding reception. Throngs of joyous constituents came out en masse to celebrate their illustrious daughter, whose meteoric rise they proudly claim.
Radiating elegance and warmth, Lady Elabor coursed through the compound, mingling freely with elders, youth, and well-wishers. In her address, she crowned her people as her “pillar of support and strength after God,” and paid glowing tribute to the Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“For the trust reposed in me and for the platform to serve our beloved state, I am eternally grateful to His Excellency,” she stated, linking her personal achievement directly to the administration’s vision.
The celebration took on a deeper familial resonance as it serendipitously honored her father, Elder Prince Francis Elabor, whose birthday had occurred earlier in the week, making the gathering a double triumph of personal and communal milestones.
Beyond the festivities, Lady Elabor struck a note of steadfast commitment. She encouraged her people to remain united and steadfast in “pushing Esan South East to greater heights,” and passionately reaffirmed her mission to leverage her office as Tourism DG to drive positive attention and development to the region.
The day stood as a testament to a leader deeply rooted in her community, celebrating her divine and earthly anchors while casting a determined eye toward a future of growth and recognition for her homeland.