The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, marked his 60th birthday on Wednesday with a series of humanitarian initiatives, including the sponsorship of 100 inmates of the Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja, for the 2025 National Examination Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) examinations.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Baiyewu, 57 inmates were registered for NABTEB, while 43 will sit for NECO.
In addition, Abbas facilitated the release of nine inmates from the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre by paying bail bonds worth over ₦3 million. The beneficiaries included Ibrahim Dan’asabe (₦240,000), Kabir Ibrahim (₦180,000), Ibrahim Ahmed (₦60,000), Haruna Musa (₦350,000), Aliyu Tukur (₦390,000), Prince Wadilor Wodu (₦326,000), Mustapha Abubakar (₦410,000), Sagir Sani (₦685,000), and Shehu Abubakar (₦440,000).
Speaking through his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Chamberlain Dunkwu, who led senior aides to the custodial centre, Abbas said education remained central to his vision for reform. He described the registration of inmates for the exams as a “statement of faith in human dignity and redemption,” stressing that conviction should not amount to condemnation.
“This celebration goes beyond personal milestones; it is about extending hope, giving second chances and investing in the future of our brothers and sisters who, though confined today, still carry within them the potential for greatness tomorrow,” he said.
In his personal capacity, Dunkwu gave ₦1 million to Chikwendu Hart, an inmate pursuing a PhD at the National Open University of Nigeria who has authored seven books while awaiting trial for 13 years.
The Speaker also donated over 1,000 bags of rice to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Kabusa Camp, Abuja, while his wife, Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas, contributed ₦2 million. Dunkwu and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Ilyasu Balarabe, each donated ₦1 million.
Expressing her admiration, Fatima described Abbas as “a patriotic leader, a caring husband, an affectionate father, and an exceptional philanthropist,” adding that she considered herself fortunate to be his wife.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, also donated ₦1 million to the IDPs, describing Abbas as “a national asset.” Medical personnel from Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, were present at the camp to provide free healthcare services.
Addressing the IDPs through Dunkwu, Abbas said the outreach was about showing compassion and solidarity. “We are here to reaffirm that no Nigerian should ever feel forgotten or abandoned. The House of Representatives remains committed to policies that protect the vulnerable, empower the displaced, and restore dignity to every citizen,” he added.
ADEOLA KUNLE
