The leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, marked his 60th birthday by engaging in charitable efforts for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and individuals in prison.
Speaker Abbas, who turned 60 on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, urged subdued celebrations among members of the House, staff, friends, and political allies. He advocated for acts of compassion instead.
To celebrate his Diamond Jubilee, the Speaker organized a range of humanitarian efforts, such as funding exams for incarcerated individuals and facilitating the release of others by covering their bail. He also provided food supplies to displaced persons.
At the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, Abbas covered the registration costs for 100 prisoners to take part in the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Out of these, 57 will participate in the NABTEB test, while 43 have been enrolled for the NECO examinations.
The Speaker was accompanied by his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Dunku, who headed a group of senior advisors to the award ceremony on Tuesday.
Speaker Abbas stated: "Being associated with the (Nigerian Correctional) Service in the realm of transforming inmates through education is a matter that deeply resonates with me. This occasion transcends individual achievements; it's about offering hope, providing new opportunities, and investing in the future of our fellow human beings who, despite being confined now, hold the capacity for remarkable success in the future."
The enrollment of prisoners for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO is more than just an educational process -- it is a declaration of belief in human worth and renewal. It serves as a reminder that being found guilty does not mean being judged, and that each individual, with the proper chance, has the potential to change.
He stated: "As the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I restate our dedication to programs and efforts that support education, fairness, and chances for every Nigerian — both within and beyond correctional institutions."
Touched by the tale of a prisoner, Dr. Dunkwu, on his own initiative, presented a cash donation of N1 million to Chikwendu Hart, who is currently studying for a doctorate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and has authored seven books while being held awaiting trial for 13 years.
In Zaria, located in Kaduna State, Speaker Abbas allocated more than N3 million for bail bonds on Wednesday, facilitating the release of nine prisoners from the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre.
The recipients included Ibrahim Dan'asabe (N240,000), Kabir Ibrahim (N180,000), Ibrahim Ahmed (N60,000), Haruna Musa (N350,000), Aliyu Tukur (N390,000), Prince Wadilor Wodu (N326,000), Mustapha Abubakar (N410,000), Sagir Sani (N685,000), and Shehu Abubakar (N440,000).
Additionally, on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas provided food supplies to displaced persons at the Kabusa Camp in Abuja. The aid consisted of more than 1,000 bags of rice.
This is also the case with his wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen, who contributed N2million to the IDPs, while both the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu; and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Alhaji Ilyasu Balarabe, gave N1million.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon Chike Okafor, who additionally pledged a N1 million contribution to the displaced persons as part of the Speaker's charitable effort, referred to Speaker Abbas as "a national asset."
Staff from Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja were also present to provide free medical care to the displaced people as part of the humanitarian efforts recognizing the Speaker.
Speaking on behalf of the IDPs through Dr. Dunkwu, the Speaker mentioned that the event was not only to celebrate his 60th birthday but also to "offer a gesture of compassion, unity, and hope to our fellow Nigerians who have been uprooted without any fault of their own."
He further mentioned that the event "serves as proof that leadership goes beyond legislation and policies, encompassing love, empathy, and service to humankind."
Speaker Abbas stated, "Our presence here is to restate that no Nigerian should ever experience being overlooked or left behind. The House of Representatives is dedicated to programs and actions that safeguard the weak, support those who have been displaced, and bring back honor to each citizen."
The Speaker praised the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), partners, and all involved parties who enabled the humanitarian operation to take place.
"Your work guarantees that, aside from the symbolic act of cutting the cake and giving out aid, there is a meaningful and long-term effect on the lives of those we are honored to assist," he stated.
While addressing the displaced individuals, Abbas stated that their "resilience motivates us all," and he pledged that their well-being is a key concern for the government, "and we will keep backing initiatives that offer education, healthcare, food stability, and chances for a brighter tomorrow."
He said: "As I mark this significant stage in life, I dedicate it to service — to humanity, to the disadvantaged, and to our magnificent country."
Additionally, Hajia Fatima mentioned that Speaker Abbas' birthday was not only a day for celebration but also an opportunity to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the path traversed and to contemplate life as a whole.
She stated: "His Excellency is not only a patriotic leader, but also a kind and supportive spouse; a watchful, loving, and motivating father; and a remarkable philanthropist. A modest prince from the historic Zazzau Emirate. I consider myself the most fortunate woman to have him as my husband. He is a true gentleman."
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Tagged: Nigeria, Education, Legal and Judicial Affairs, Aid and Assistance, West Africa
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