Connect with us

Lifestyle

Air Commodore Dan Suleiman: The Soldier-Statesman Who Championed Nigeria’s Middle Belt

Published

on

From the Nigerian Air Force to the corridors of power, Dan Suleiman’s life was a testament to courage, leadership, and dedication to national unity.

Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (OFR) (30 July 1942 – 1 February 2023) was a distinguished Nigerian Air Force officer, administrator, and politician. A man of discipline and vision, Suleiman served Nigeria both in uniform and in civilian life, leaving an enduring mark on the nation’s military and political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Dan Suleiman was born on 30 July 1942 in Guyuk, located in present-day Adamawa State, Nigeria. He hailed from the Middle Belt region and was known for his strong advocacy for unity and equality among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. His early education took place in northern Nigeria, after which he was selected for military training at a time when the Nigerian Air Force was in its formative years.

He received professional training both locally and abroad, equipping him with the technical and leadership skills that would define his later career. His military education included studies in air operations, command leadership, and strategic defence planning.

Military Career and Role in National Governance

Dan Suleiman rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Air Force, earning a reputation as one of the pioneering officers who helped shape the force in its early years. By the mid-1970s, his competence and loyalty earned him a position on General Murtala Muhammed’s Supreme Military Council — the country’s highest decision-making body between July 1975 and March 1976.

In March 1976, following the tragic assassination of General Murtala Muhammed and the subsequent restructuring of states under General Olusegun Obasanjo, Dan Suleiman was appointed Military Governor of the newly created Plateau State. He succeeded Abdullahi Mohammed, who had been governor of the former Benue-Plateau State before it was divided.

See also  I Have Never Been Asked For S€x For Roles – Nigerian Actress, Bisola Aiyeola Opens Up

As governor from March 1976 to July 1978, Suleiman focused on rebuilding trust and infrastructure in the state. His administration prioritised education, healthcare, and social development while maintaining peace among Plateau’s multi-ethnic communities. He was regarded as a fair and development-oriented leader who upheld discipline in governance.

Political and Civil Leadership

After retiring from military service, Air Commodore Suleiman transitioned into politics and civil advocacy. With the return to democratic rule in 1999, he became the Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) — a socio-political group advocating for the rights, unity, and representation of the Middle Belt region.

Under his leadership, the MBF became a major voice in Nigeria’s democratic space, promoting national dialogue and regional integration. Suleiman spoke firmly on issues of fairness, federalism, and equitable resource distribution. His leadership helped strengthen the political awareness of the Middle Belt region, bridging divides between the North and South.

He was also a strong advocate of good governance, transparency, and human rights. His contributions to the political reawakening of the Middle Belt earned him immense respect among his peers and across Nigeria’s political spectrum.

Honours and Recognition

In recognition of his service to the nation, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman was awarded the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) — one of Nigeria’s highest national honours. Throughout his career, he was celebrated for his integrity, sense of duty, and enduring commitment to national unity.

He also served on various boards and committees that focused on national security, regional development, and political reform.

Personal Life and Death

See also  Homosexuality scandal rocks Nigerian Catholic Church

Dan Suleiman was known to be a devoted family man, deeply religious, and guided by values of humility and service. He maintained a low public profile in his later years, focusing on mentorship and regional advocacy.

He passed away on 1 February 2023 at the age of 80. His death was widely mourned across Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt region, where he was regarded as one of its most principled and influential voices.

References:

Vanguard Nigeria, “Former Plateau Military Governor, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dies at 80,” (2023)

The Guardian Nigeria, “Middle Belt Forum Chairman, Dan Suleiman, Passes Away at 80,” (2023)

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Fans mourn late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo

Published

on

Fans and followers of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo across social media platforms have expressed sadness over his demise, describing the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning since Tuesday when news of the actor’s passing surfaced online.

Social media posts by his close colleagues, and trending media reports, stated that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The incident has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes to the late thespian.

A fan, @Mr. Rekindled of AFC, asked: “Is this some late April Fool joke. God, what kind of news is this? Rest in peace bro I don’t even know what to type”.

@perpetua Ebubech wrote: “Rest well Alex I am done pressurising myself and being ungrateful. Being alive is enough. Aaaaaah Alex”.

@Amed Oshiorenua commented: “This one hurts me ooo”.

@sheismirah_bakr noted that: “Indeed, every soul shall taste death. May we leave behind kindness, love, and good memories May we be celebrated while we are alive, not only mourned when we are gone”.

@oheneba_nanayere_joyce wrote: “Ooo my God, have mercy on us”.

@SAMPSOLO on X wrote: “Omoh, sometimes when I hear such news I just sit down and think about life.

“Everything we’re struggling for can just end in one moment. It’s really scary”.

@nyarkowai23 said: “Aww fine boy. May his soul rest in peace”.

@_emefaaa wrote: “This is really sad, may his soul rest in peace”.

See also  Stop Paying Bride Price For Non-Virgins – Reno Omokri Warns Men

@ceeyahs_xclusivcollection commented: “Social media makes a lot of us look like we are living happily when we are actually fighting our battles. Remember we are all passing through something. Stay humble, stay kind”.

@DOG3tt said: “What’s wrong with Nollywood, why is everyone dying young?”

@bbelleamieeee wrote: “I loved him in Keeping My Man with Ramsey and Ini. Sad news… rest easy Alex”.

Ekubo’s passing has also attracted tributes from his colleagues and other celebrities, with many describing him as a talented actor and a kind-hearted friend.

Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote: “Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news.

“Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind.

“Sleep well, our dear Alex.”

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also wrote: “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Singer Peter Okoye simply posted: “RIP”.

Actor Chinedu Ikedieze wrote: “Jesus, how?”

In a post on his X page, human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the late actor as a “rare talent”.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.

“I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi.

See also  Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II: The 46th Deji of Akure Kingdom

“He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”

NAN reports that Alex Ekubo, born on April 10, 1986, was widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors, known for his performances in several hit films and television productions.

However, his prolonged absence from the public had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for a long time.

His last post on Instagram was made in December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.

(NAN)

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Why I assaulted my daughter, Ilebaye – Father

Published

on

Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has broken his silence over the viral altercation involving his daughter, claiming he was provoked before allegedly assaulting her during a family confrontation.

In a voice note purportedly from Odiniya, and shared on Facebook on Sunday by Kogi-based journalist, Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, now circulating online, the father said the incident was not driven by hatred for his daughter but by frustration over what he described as her changed behaviour after winning the reality TV show.

“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.

He claimed he made sacrifices and mobilised support for her emergence as the winner of the BBNaija All Stars edition.

“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won,” he stated.

According to him, their relationship allegedly deteriorated after her victory, accusing the reality star of becoming disrespectful and physically aggressive towards him.

“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.

The father further criticised her lifestyle, particularly her alleged cosmetic procedures.

See also  Stop Paying Bride Price For Non-Virgins – Reno Omokri Warns Men

“I warned her against getting cosmetic surgery — face reconstruction with fillers and BBL. She’s too young for that,” he said.

Emmanuel also alleged that his daughter had physically attacked him on previous occasions.

“She has hit me twice, and I didn’t do anything to her. One day she took an AC hanger and hit me with it till blood started gushing out of my body,” he claimed.

Speaking on the latest confrontation, he alleged that the reality TV star assaulted him first before the situation escalated.

“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head,” he said.

He also accused her of neglecting him financially despite his health challenges.

“I am very sick and needed to go for medical treatment in Dubai. I called Ilebaye to help me with some money and promised to refund her. She said she didn’t have money. But I saw her video spraying bundles of naira at a colleague’s wedding,” he alleged.

The father further alleged that his daughter negatively influenced her younger brother and interfered in his marriage.

“She has also influenced her younger brother with drugs, and he was expelled from school because of it. She once advised me to divorce her mother,” he added.

Despite the accusations, Emmanuel maintained that he still loved his daughter and wanted reconciliation.

“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he said.

See also  I Have Never Been Asked For S€x For Roles – Nigerian Actress, Bisola Aiyeola Opens Up

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ilebaye, alongside members of her family, including her father and younger brothers, were hospitalised following the confrontation at their Abuja residence.

The incident became public after the reality TV star shared an emotional livestream video crying for help, sparking concern among fans and followers online.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.

“The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital,” Adeh had said.

She also stated that the siblings were under police protective custody while investigations continued into the matter.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Kwara concludes airlift of pilgrims for 2026 Hajj

Published

on

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise with the departure of the last batch of 223 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims departed aboard Max Air from the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, at about 6:05 am on Saturday.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Press Secretary of the Board, Sodiq Abdulmumin Folarin.

Speaking before the departure, the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting the successful transportation of the pilgrims.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, advised the pilgrims “to be good ambassadors of the state and country at large while in Saudi Arabia.”

Also speaking, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, urged the pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in the country and the state.

The final batch was accompanied by Jimba, Abdulkadir, Kpotwa and other state officials.

See also  Homosexuality scandal rocks Nigerian Catholic Church
Continue Reading

Trending