By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched a WhatsApp and live chat support platforms to provide faster and more accessible assistance to Nigerians and legal residents seeking help with National Identification Number (NIN) related enquiries.

According to NIMC, the new digital customer support channels were introduced as part of ongoing reforms and digital transformation initiatives under the leadership of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

The commission said members of the public can now access support services through the live chat feature on its official website and the official NIMC WhatsApp support line.

It explained that the initiative was designed to improve accessibility, responsiveness and overall service delivery for Nigerians seeking information and support on identity management services.

NIMC stated that the platforms would provide prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance and improved customer interaction from any location, thereby reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.

The agency added that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to improve public sector efficiency and expand access to government services through technology-driven solutions.

“The initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to service innovation, citizen-centred engagement, and efficient identity management service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu(GCFR), aimed at improving public sector efficiency and enhancing access to government services through technology-driven solutions.

“The newly introduced platforms are designed to provide prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction from anywhere and at any time, reducing the need for physical visits while enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

“Under the visionary leadership of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC continues to implement strategic reforms and innovative digital solutions focused on expanding access, strengthening public trust, and improving service delivery for all Nigerians and legal residents,” the commission stated.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, Mr Yakubu Gowon, will offer a personal account of the Nigerian civil war, one of the country’s darkest events, in his long-awaited autobiography due for launch on May 19.

Mr Gowon, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 1966 to 1975, said the book intends to clarify several written perspectives and policies surrounding the birth of the Nigerian Civil War.

In a statement released ahead of the book’s public presentation, Mr Gowon said the memoir provides his personal perspectives on events often narrated by others, saying it is not intended to reopen old wounds.

The Nigerian Civil War, often regarded as one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s history, began in 1967 and ended in 1970.

“The autobiography became necessary because many accounts of the civil war era had been written from different perspectives over the years without fully reflecting [my] own reasoning as Nigeria’s leader at the time,” the statement said.

He added, “By choosing to write, I took a conscious decision not to reopen old wounds but to clarify my thinking on policies and plans at a period often narrated by others.

“My story is one of conviction evaluated by circumstances at the crossroads of expectations and reality.”

The 881-page book, published by Havilah Group, gives a personal account of General Gowon’s life, leadership journey, and reflections on defining moments in Nigeria’s history.

The book is scheduled for unveiling on May 19 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the event as a special guest of honour, while Mr Theophilus Danjuma, former minister of defence and ex-chief of army staff, will perform the formal unveiling.

The event is expected to draw prominent political leaders, military veterans, diplomats, and senior government officials.

The autobiography also chronicles Mr Gowon’s early years and his emergence as Nigeria’s leader at a critical point in the country’s history. Born in 1934, Mr Gowon became head of state and commander-in-chief on August 1, 1966, and served for nine years.

After leaving office in 1975 after being ousted by General Murtala Muhammad, he went on to earn a PhD in political science from the University of Warwick in 1984 and has since focused on peacebuilding, national development, and spiritual leadership.

His post-service initiatives include the “Nigeria prays” movement and advocacy against guinea worm, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria through the Yakubu Gowon centre.

He also serves as Nigeria’s national goodwill ambassador for the control of viral hepatitis.

By Adedapo Adesanya

A Federal High Court has sentenced former Minister of Power, Mr Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison over the diversion of N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

Mr Mamman, who served as Minister of Power from August 2019 to July 2021, was accused of overseeing the alleged diversion of funds during his tenure.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said he diverted the funds using some ministry officials, private companies, and Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.

He was also reported to have purchased the Taraba State governorship forms under the All Progressives Congress (APC), while separately facing another case at the FCT High Court in Maitama, where he is accused of diverting N31 billion meant for the Mambilla Power Project.

Delivering the judgment today, Justice Omotosho sentenced Mr Mamman, who is on the run and was absent at the last court sitting, on each count and ordered that the sentences run consecutively, bringing the total to 75 years.

The court also ruled that the sentence will begin to run from the day the convict is arrested, and ordered all security agencies, including Interpol, to apprehend him wherever he is found.

Monies recovered, along with forfeited properties, are to be remitted to the Federal Government, while the convict is also ordered to pay the outstanding balance of ₦22 billion tied to the affected hydroelectric power projects.

He was removed from office by the late president in 2021 and arrested by the anti-money laundering organisation four months after. He was said to have used embezzled funds of up to N33.8 billion to acquire properties.

Last week, the judge confirmed that Mr Mamman made a cash payment of $655,700 (equivalent to N200 million) for landed property in Abuja, without recourse to a financial institution.

He was also found guilty of criminal breach of trust in relation to funds released by the federal government for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.