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The Power Of Historians As Public Intellectuals: Shaping Perspectives On Society

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The Power Of Historians As Public Intellectuals: Shaping Perspectives On Society....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the passing of Yusufu Bala Usman (1945-2005), the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute in Zaria compiled and published a collection of his papers into a book titled “The Historian and Society: Selected Historical Writings of Yusufu Bala Usman” in 2023. This book, consisting of 12 meticulously selected essays, originates from Bala’s private archives and was initially presented as public lectures at various conferences, workshops, and seminars. These essays maintain Bala’s reputation as a public intellectual unafraid to confront power. Editors George Kwanashie and Norma Perchonock are commended for organizing these essays into a cohesive monograph.

The book’s title, “The Historian and Society,” aptly reflects Bala’s radical intellectual approach, transcending conventional boundaries between history, academia, theory, and practicality. Bala’s work, as Howard Zinn noted, reflects the critical role of radical historians in challenging prevailing power structures and advocating for social change.

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The book’s introduction provides insight into Bala’s biography, contextualizing his ideas within the social and institutional contexts of their development. Throughout the book, Bala challenges colonial historiography’s racial stereotypes, emphasizing the agency of marginalized groups rather than the actions of great men. He critiques economic and political issues, offering socialist solutions and emphasizing the importance of archives in understanding African identity, nation-building, and unity.

Bala’s work transcends ethnic stereotypes, advocating for public accountability and the rule of law while debunking ethnic agendas and emphasizing the need for social and economic changes. He addresses the regional integration of West Africa, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations and challenging the constructs of globalization and free trade.

In the final chapter, Bala examines Nigeria’s role in global struggles for liberation from Western imperialism, emphasizing the interconnectedness and necessity of international relations. “The Historian and Society” offers engaging insights into Nigeria’s history, politics, economy, and society, demonstrating the enduring relevance of history in shaping our understanding of the world. Bala’s meticulous analysis, clear arguments, and accessible writing style make this book an invaluable resource for historians and those interested in Nigeria’s political economy. The book provides a glimpse into Bala’s extensive scholarly output, and it is hoped that more of his ideas will become accessible to the public through the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute.

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Akpabio Camp Row Deepens As APC Chieftain Rejects Suspension Report.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Edet Ben, has denied involvement in the alleged suspension of Mr. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, from the party in Ward 9, Esit Eket Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ben, who serves as an Ex-Officio member of the party in Ward 9, threatened legal action against those behind what he described as the forgery of his name and signature on documents claiming Eyiboh’s suspension.

In a sworn court affidavit, Ben described the purported suspension process as fraudulent and non-existent.

He stated that no meeting was held on April 22 to discuss or approve any disciplinary measures against Eyiboh or any other party member, adding that he neither attended nor endorsed such proceedings.

Ben also alleged that his name and signature were falsely inserted into an attendance list linked to the alleged suspension exercise.

He subsequently disowned both the attendance document and the suspension letter reportedly sent to APC leadership at the chapter and state levels.

In his notice, Ben demanded the immediate removal of his name from the documents, a public retraction, and an end to any unauthorised use of his identity.

He warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would result in legal action.

The controversy follows an announcement by a faction within the ward claiming Eyiboh had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, a grassroots political group, Ward Nine New Era (WNNE), has strongly condemned the move, describing it as malicious, baseless, and invalid.

The group argued that the action appeared targeted at a key political figure who had recently mobilised grassroots support for major APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

WNNE also questioned the legitimacy of the ward executives behind the move and insisted that due process was not followed.

The group urged party members and the public to disregard the suspension, maintaining that it lacked credibility and legal standing.

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2027: Association Throws Weight Behind Tinubu’s Re-election Bid.

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Members of the Integrated Association of Consolidated Wood, Planks and Material Sellers have embarked on a solidarity walk in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The march, which commenced from the association’s secretariat in Ikotun, passed through Isolo, Ejigbo, Igando-Ikotun, and Egbeda-Idimu Local Government Areas, as members mobilised support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists during the exercise, the association’s president, Sunday Olusesan Adewunmi, praised the President’s performance and called on Nigerians to back his second-term ambition.

“We are ready to support President Tinubu and mobilise for the next general election. He has been doing well, and we believe he deserves another term to consolidate on his achievements,” he said.

Also speaking, the market chairman, Fatai Adekeye, urged critics of the administration to recognise areas of progress despite ongoing economic challenges.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to mobilising votes for the President in 2027, particularly across Alimosho and surrounding communities.

“President Tinubu has done a lot, and we believe the current challenges will yield long-term benefits. We are working collectively to ensure his re-election,” he stated.

A trader, Aishat Alabi, also encouraged residents to support the All Progressives Congress, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in Lagos State in the next election.

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FUTO VC Commends Tinubu, Uzodimma For Driving Education Reforms

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The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as ongoing transformation in Nigeria’s education sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Prof. Dozie, who has officially assumed duty as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, said the policies and support from both leaders have created a favourable environment for growth, innovation, and development in tertiary education.

He made the remarks shortly after his appointment at the Senate Chamber, where he expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors while introducing new reforms.

“I commend President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their commitment to repositioning education in Nigeria. Their leadership has provided the necessary framework for institutions like FUTO to thrive,” he said.

He assured stakeholders that his administration would prioritise academic excellence, research advancement, and infrastructural development to improve the university’s global standing.

Prof. Dozie also promised to fast-track ongoing projects and introduce reforms aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes.

“My vision is to take FUTO to greater heights by promoting innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, and ensuring our graduates remain globally competitive,” he added.

His appointment followed what the university described as a transparent and rigorous selection process conducted by its Governing Council.

Before his emergence, he served as Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba (KO) Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, in Imo State.

Expressing joy over his new role, Dozie said he remains committed to advancing the institution’s founding vision while consolidating past achievements.

“The vision is to reposition this university into a truly world-class institution. That is what I have come to do with the team on ground,” he said.

He further pledged continuity, stability, and progress, stressing that his leadership would build on previous efforts while expanding academic frontiers.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oti, expressed gratitude for her tenure, describing it as peaceful and inclusive, while reflecting on her journey with the institution.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, commended the outgoing VC for her achievements and confirmed Prof. Dozie’s appointment, describing the selection process as fair and credible.

The event was attended by members of the university governing council, staff, students, and other stakeholders.

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