Lifestyle

Buhari’s Driver, 2 Other Staff Beg Nigerians For Forgiveness

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2025

As the nation continues to mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, some of his closest companions and longest-serving aides have issued an emotional plea to Nigerians to forgive any wrongs he may have committed during his decades of service to the country.

In a moving tribute at the late President’s Daura residence, Alhaji Ya’u Tsarki Bindiga, who served as Buhari’s personal driver for more than 46 years, broke down in tears as he reflected on the years he spent by Buhari’s side – from his early military career through to his time as Nigeria’s military Head of State and as a two-term civilian President.

“I have served him with loyalty, respect, and pride. He was more than a boss; he was like a father to me. His death has left a deep hole in my heart. I feel the same pain now as I did when I lost my father. Buhari was a good man who served this country with sincerity, even if he wasn’t perfect.”

Amadu Umar, a labourer who worked for the Buhari f ily for over 56 years, also spoke at the family home. Clad in a simple white kaftan, Umar said he had witnessed Buhari in private moments that revealed his humanity, humility, and faith.

“We lived with him, we ate with him, we saw him pray and cry. He treated us like his own people,” Umar said. “We have no grudge or bitterness. We only ask Nigerians to remember him in their prayers. May Allah forgive him, and may the country remember the sacrifices he made.”

Another senior domestic staff member, Mikailu Umae, who also served the family for over 56 years, spoke with a mixture of sorrow and uncertainty about what lies ahead for those whose lives were dedicated to Buhari’s household.

Their testimonies offer a rare window into the personal side of Muhammadu Buhari, a man known publicly for his austere discipline and uncompromising stance on corruption, but remembered in his private residence as a caring, faithful, and deeply committed figure who fostered loyalty among those around him.

The aides’ appeal for forgiveness is part of a broader atmosphere of reflection that has settled over Katsina State and Nigeria at large, as citizens recall the highs and lows of Buhari’s leadership over the years.

Sombre mood around Buhari’s home
Meanwhile, the condolence register has not yet been opened, but the atmosphere around the residence is already sombre. Family members of the late President have begun arriving in Daura, most of them dressed in black attire as a sign of mourning.

The Daura compound remains heavily guarded, with security operatives ensuring order as the town prepares to bid farewell to one of its most prominent sons.

Lifestyle

FULL LIST: Breakdown of Nigerian Ambassadors’ Salaries, Allowances Revealed

Published

2 days ago

July 30, 2026

The Daily Voice

BREAKDOWN EMERGES

Nigerian ambassadors’ pay packages have come under renewed attention. Fresh figures revealed that while basic salaries remained modest, allowances significantly boosted overall compensation for diplomats posted abroad

Reports showed that total monthly take-home pay often reached several million naira, reflecting the high costs of overseas postings

According to Salary.com, as of December 2025, the average annual salary for employees at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States stood at $93,909. This translated to an approximate hourly wage of $45.

Salaries at the embassy typically ranged from $82,124 to $107,453 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and levels of experience within the organisation. Reports indicated that pay was influenced by factors such as job role, department, years of service, and location.

Nigerian Ambassador Salary Structure

Rufai Oseni of Arise TV reported that the salary of Nigerian ambassadors was governed by the Consolidated Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Service Cadre Salary Structure (CONPSS) in the Nigerian public service. Ambassadors usually fell into the highest grade levels, GL 17 or equivalent, with additional allowances for overseas postings.

Based on government budget allocations, salary surveys, and reports on foreign service personnel costs, the basic salary was described as modest by international standards but supplemented by substantial allowances.

Basic Salary of Nigerian Ambassadors Monthly Basic Pay:

Approximately ₦800,000 to ₦1,200,000 (about $485–$727 USD).

Annual Basic Salary: ₦9.6 million to ₦14.4 million (about $5,818–$8,727 USD).

These figures were drawn from the CONPSS scale for top-tier diplomatic officers. Entry-level foreign service officers reportedly earned around ₦300,000–₦500,000 monthly, but ambassadors, being at the top of the career ladder, commanded the upper end.

The figures also aligned with general public sector pay for Grade Level 17 officers, adjusted for inflation and the 2025 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000.

Allowances and Total Compensation

Reports highlighted that basic pay alone did not reflect the full compensation package.

Nigerian ambassadors posted overseas received allowances designed to offset high living expenses, hardship, and representational duties.

Total monthly take-home pay often exceeded ₦2–5 million ($1,212–$3,030 USD), depending on the host country.

The release of estimated salaries shed light on the financial structure of Nigeria’s foreign service. While the basic salary remained modest compared to international standards, allowances ensured that ambassadors were adequately supported in their overseas postings.

Lifestyle

Public Holiday Notice: FG to Declare Work-Free Day in Third Quarter of 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

July 12, 2026

The Daily Voice

Breaks are the perfect time to have quality time with one’s loved ones and knowing holiday time ahead is crucial for planning holidays, family visits, and experiencing exciting activities.

Holidays, both religious and secular, are declared for a variety of reasons, including celebrating shared history and values, fostering community connections, and providing work-life balance by taking a day off from work.

Many holidays also commemorate important people or historic events. To this end, Legit has noted the forthcoming public holiday, assisting readers in planning effectively.

In Nigeria, there is only one public holiday in the third quarter (July 1 – September 30) of 2026: Eid ul-Mawlid. Eid ul-Mawlid 2026 may be observed on Wednesday, August 26 (tentative date).

Full List of Public Holidays Federal Govt of Nigeria Will Declare in 2026

Lifestyle

Rampaging soldier pinned me to bathroom door, assaulted me — UNIOSUN female student

Published

1 month ago

July 1, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

A student of Osun State University, identified simply as Ademola, has narrated how she was assaulted after some some soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo invaded the halls of residence of students of the university.

Ademola, in a video shared by OsunDefenderNG, said the incident occurred while she was alone in her room preparing a meal.

According to her, she initially noticed the presence of soldiers around the area, but believed the situation had calmed down before the officers allegedly returned.

Recall that on Monday evening, some soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo, invaded halls of residence occupied by students of Osun State University, assaulted several students and carted away more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.

Some female students were also reportedly stripped naked and forced to dance unclad by the soldiers, who were said to be among personnel that participated in the Army Depot’s passing-out parade held last Saturday.

Recounting the incident, she said, “My name is Ademola…, a student of Osun State University. I was in my hostel room cooking when I noticed they (soldiers) were around. After a while everything died down. However, later, we started hearing noise again.

“They started pointing their touch to my room and asked who was there and what were they doing this for. The next thing, they asked me to open my door and I opened the door.

“So, one of them asked how many of us was inside the room and I told him two. I also told him my roommate wasn’t around.”

While her emotions betrayed her, Ademola alleged that one of the soldiers then became physically aggressive.

“Then, he pinned me to my bathroom door, told me I would like it. He also told me not to shout. So, I begged him.

“I had to look for a way to get out of his hold and moved to the door. On moving to the door, I told him to move out. He asked if I wanted him to move out,” she added.

She further alleged that another soldier entered the room and attempted to restrain her.

She narrated, “While on that, his colleague came in and also told me to calm down, that I would love it and that I shouldn’t shout.