News
Unveiling Zik of Africa: A Rare Glimpse of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in Boy Scouts Uniform
A rarely seen postcard captures Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, fondly known as Zik of Africa, dressed in a Boy Scouts uniform—offering an intimate look at one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist leaders in a different light. The image, believed to date back to the 1960s, stands as a symbol of leadership, discipline, and service—values that mirrored both Azikiwe’s character and the ideals of the global scouting movement.
Scouting was first introduced to Nigeria in 1912 as The Boy Scout Association under a Royal Charter granted on 14 January 1912. It was officially registered in Nigeria on 23 November 1915, during the tenure of Lord Frederick Lugard, the then Governor-General of Nigeria, under British colonial administration. Initially, scout groups were created primarily for the children of British citizens living in the Protectorates.
Before long, local Nigerian boys were permitted to join the Scouts, marking a crucial step in expanding the movement’s reach and influence. The official recognition of the Boy Scouts in Nigeria was affirmed through a Warrant signed by the movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, establishing the Nigerian chapter’s legitimacy.
By 1942, the organisation had evolved into The Boy Scout Association of Nigeria, formally registered under the Companies Allied Matters Act of 1924 (as applicable then). This structure laid the groundwork for what would become a vibrant and enduring movement promoting discipline, citizenship, and leadership among Nigerian youth.
Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the symbolic connection between national service and scouting deepened. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, by virtue of being the first black Governor-General of Nigeria (1960–1963) and subsequently the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1963–1966), became the Chief Scout of Nigeria. His role underscored the Boy Scouts’ importance in shaping young citizens in the newly independent nation, emphasizing unity, responsibility, and civic duty.
The image of Zik in his Scouts uniform embodies the enduring link between leadership and mentorship—values he exemplified throughout his life as a journalist, nationalist, and statesman. Beyond politics, it reminds Nigerians of his lifelong commitment to youth development, education, and national identity.
References:
National Scout Organisation of Nigeria Archives
The Scout Association UK Historical Records
News
EFCC evicts Malami from Abuja home amid forfeiture dispute
Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami says Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property’s forfeiture.
He described the action as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.
Business
Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers
The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.
The statement read
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.
The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.
This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.
Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”
News
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.
DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.
The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.
The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.
Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
