NIGERIA UPDATE - As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one.
NIGERIA UPDATE: My forthcoming book to be published before the end of the year, by God’s grace. It is in six parts with each part dealing with the governance strategies and legacies of (1) Yakubu Gowon (2) Olusegun Obasanjo I and II (3) Muhammadu Buhari I and II (4) Ibrahim Babangida, (5) Abdusslami Abubakar, and (6) Goodluck Jonathan. - @elrufai
MONDAY MUSING - “Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it creates one.” - Benjamin Franklin, US Founding Father
FRIDAY REMINDER: The Glorious Quran - The Women/Surah Al Nisa'i (4:108):
يَسْتَخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يَسْتَخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَهُوَ مَعَهُمْ إِذْ يُبَيِّتُونَ مَا لَا يَرْضَىٰ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطًا ١٠٨
They try to hide ˹their deception˺ from people, but they can never hide it from Allah—in Whose presence they plot by night what is displeasing to Him. And Allah is Fully Aware of what they do.(4:108)
تقبل الله منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال
جمعة مباركة علينا وعليكم Jumu'a Mubarak!!
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS: Please join me and our family in praying for long life, good health and happiness to my dear wife, MyOgaAtTheTop, Asia Ahmad El-Rufai as we celebrate her birthday on the 3rd August, and our 26th wedding anniversary on the 14th of August. Asia has variously been my cerebral and passionate friend and wife - a mother and nurturer of all our children for nearly 30 years.
She has tolerated my personal idiosyncrasies and absences for public service, while developing her intellect (three masters degrees and a PhD in progress) and following her passions - civil rights litigation, advocacy against drug abuse and being outspoken on mental health issues, in addition to being an accomplished lawyer and public servant.
May the rest of Asia’s life be the best of her life. May the Almighty Allah continue to develop, nurture and protect her along with our family in particular, and Nigerians in general. Thank you, Asia for being a solid rock in stabilizing our family. God Bless you, your lovely and loyal friends, and devout family. - Nasir @elrufai
Mourning Yet Another Father Figure - Oba Sikiru Adetona, GCON the Awujale of Ijebuland (1960-2025)
Oba Sikiru Adetona had a long and glorious reign as Awujale of all Ijebus for over 65 years. He was an outstanding traditional ruler and exemplary public servant who gave nearly seven decades of dedicated service to his people and Nigerians at large. A man of immense dignity, he carried the authority of his throne with confidence and a responsiveness that endeared him to many. He was one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country and was rightly respected for his principled stance on issues, his forthrightness, and his progressive worldview.
I was privileged to enjoy the special affection of Oba Adetona, who on account of my friendship with one of his favourite sons, Jimi Lawal, treated me also like a son and demonstrated concern for my wellbeing at all times. Not only did the Awujale treat me like a favoured son, but he also considered me worthy of a unique chieftaincy title, making me the Gbobaniyi of Akile Ijebu. I am grateful for the opportunity of knowing him, spending days with him in London, Lagos, Ijebu Ode, Abuja and Dubai, and tapping from his deep well of wisdom and wit.
I pray to Allah to comfort his family, particularly the Olori, his eldest son, Prince Ade Adetona, Princess Adetoun, my brother Jimi Lawal, and all the children and grandchildren, the people of Ijebuland and the many admirers of Oba Adetona. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
Gbobaniyi Akile Ijebu
14-07-2025
SPECIAL PRAYERS, CONDOLENCES AND TRIBUTE: With total submission and gratitude to Almighty God, my family and I join millions of people across the globe to pray for the repose of the soul of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who is being interned today at the Baqiyya Cemetry in Madinah Al-Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
May Allah place Alhaji Aminu’s soul in Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah grant Aamuna, Tajudden and other sons and daughters of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, along with numerous grand-children, cousins, nephews, nieces and their spouses the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said “Khairun Nas Anfauhum Linnas” - “The best amongst mankind is one who benefits humanity.”
Alhaji Aminu Dantata qualifies among the best amongst mankind. He is the quintessential Northerner of old, whose word remained his bond, who built others without spite or envy, and who donated generously to social, communal, economic and religious causes without limitation, across Nigeria and beyond.
We are all immensely proud of his long life of service and integrity. May the Almighty God forgive his errors and continue to bless everyone and everything he left behind. Amin.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a titan, a shining example of the old values. He was a man of quiet grace and immense generosity. He combined success in business and distinguished public service, with a commitment to faith, integrity, and humanity. He carried his family heritage with dignity and empathy, and his personal success, and that of others he helped build will remain lasting legacies for generations yet unborn.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata became an institution beyond Kano and Northern Nigeria, as a veritable inspiration, source of counsel and wisdom and a tireless provider of consistent service to community and humanity.
We celebrate his life and acknowledge his contributions to the human, spiritual and material development of our society. Alhaji Aminu Dantata lived long and lived well. Once more, may Allah grant him Aljannah firdaus and comfort his family and all of us, whose life he touched in many ways by his personal example.
Nasir El-Rufai
Abuja, Nigeria
01 July 2025
