Atiku reflects on how God saved him from assassins

Written by: Blessed Adjekpagbon

 

 Atiku Abubakar, founder of the AUN

Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar addressed the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Graduating Class of 2025, in the auditorium of the institution’s library on Friday 16 May 2025, and shared his personal experiences with them, during a question-and-answer session.

He maintains that education is the most relevant tool for personal and national development. He also emphasized the importance of courage, integrity and patience as the fundamental qualities required to succeed in life.

While sharing his personal experiences with the graduates, one of them, Abdulmumini Mapindi, asked the founder of the AUN, what it takes to build a career as a politician in Nigeria. It was then Atiku shared the stories of the challenges he faced with courage and patience, coupled with his survival of an assassination attempt on his life. He did so to encourage the graduates to emulate hard work, diligence and steadfastness.

The former Vice President who is also the Waziri of Adamawa State urged the fresh graduates to imbibe ethical values in whatever business or career they choose to practice in their life journey.

However, the most touching part of his chat with the graduates was his reflection on how he survived an assassination attempt by some assassins when he was living in Kaduna State in the days of yore. He described how the assassins gained entrance into his sitting room and bedroom, and how he courageously protected his lovely wife and children from harm.

While explaining the incident, he said “I hid my wife and children in a wardrobe and stepped forward to confront the attackers. They shot at me but missed due to my professional training. I bent down as they were firing at the door.” He added that he later stood up and asked the assassins, “Why did you fire?” when he opened the door. He told the AUN Class 2025 that such an incident is what he describes as courage.

“The sound of the assassins’ gun shots had attracted my neighbours who called the Police, and the assassins were overpowered and arrested,” he explained. This notwithstanding, he cautioned the fresh graduates, to never be in a haste to succeed in life, and avoid cutting corners. 

The Waziri also advised those among the graduates who want to pursue business, to follow the right path, never compromise their values, and avoid unnecessary confrontation in every situation.

Hence, his reflection on the importance of education and his political journey, was quite enlightening to both the AUN Graduation Class 2025 and some dignitaries who graced the event.

Nonetheless, he also talked about his late mentor, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who he praised as a courageous person even when death was threatening him. The bottom line of the AUN founder’s chat with the graduates is that they should be focused in everything they do as they step out into the larger world, and lead the next generation with integrity, patience and diligence.

 END

Memorable 2025 Crossover Night Party in Yola, Adamawa State

Written by Blessed Adjekpagbon

His Excellency, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri the current Governor of Adamawa State who was a honorable member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, and was later appointed the Speaker of the House, certainly knows how to put smiles on the faces of the people living in the state through various youth and infrastructural development oriented projects. This has been exemplified with some ongoing activities' in the state by the state Commissioner of Works and Energy Development.

Hon Adamu Atiku Abubakar, the Commissioner of Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria, organized a noteworthy crossover watchnight party to further foster unity and love among the youths and residents of the state, in the capital city of Yola on 31 December 2024, which ushered the folks into the new year (2025).

The very social Commissioner served as the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Crossover Night and Fireworks.  The event was held at Adamawa Unity Bridge in Yola. It witnessed a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic youths. They were entertained with music and live performance by a popular Yola – based artiste, Latido who thrilled the audience with enthralling songs coupled with electrifying dance.

For the benefit of those who have not travelled to Yola before, or those who have been absent from Yola over a decade, the city is a very peaceful and conducive place to live and do various legal things, such as business and educational activities. It has become the fastest developing city in the northeastern region over the past four years till date. Even though some folks in the other parts of Nigeria still harbor the fear of insecurity reported about the Northeast many years ago, activities in Adamawa State has shown that the state has become the hub of peace, business and educational development in recent times. The folks are communally friendly and cooperative among themselves and visitors. 

The city's road networks are well planned to make movement easy and fast. There are various flyover bridges in the city, including an underground channel where vehicles easily pass through to avoid traffic jams, although there is scarcely traffic jams. The accompanying videos are evidence of how Yola is at present a place where everyone can move freely and engage in legal activities without fear of molestation or threat from anybody. The residents are hopeful that the new year will bring greater positive things to their lifestyles in view of the ongoing development works in the state by the current administration.

END

 

Miss AUN, Michele Niyang showcases her poetic creativity

Michele Niyang is the current Ms. AUN of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), located in the serene City of Yola, Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria. 

She is a highly intelligent lady in her final year. She usually records some programs at the University's broadcast studio under the Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) Department where she is an undergraduate. As a very active participant during class lessons, she has been displaying what it takes to be a truly critical thinker, advertising creative strategies professional and capable ambassador of the institution. Hence, she feels the best way to express her gratitude to one of her noteworthy tutors is through the poem below:  

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

Michaele Niyang, the reigning  Ms. AUN 

In a classroom bright with endless dreams,

Where ideas flow like sparkling streams,

There stood a guide, so wise, so true,

Mr. Blessed, with a wondrous view.

 

With gentle words and steady hands,

He led us through creative lands.

A world of ads, both bold and sweet,

Where art and strategy would meet.

 

But more than headlines, fonts, and flair,

He showed us something rich and rare—

That poetry, with heart and grace,

Has a place in every space.

 

A rhyme can sell, a verse can speak,

A simple line can make us think.

He taught us how to blend and weave,

To craft ideas that make minds believe.

 

For ad’s not just to catch the eye,

But tell stories and let dreams fly high.

And who knew words, so soft and small,

Could change the world, could do it all?

 

So here’s to you, a guiding light,

Who made us see the world in flight.

A blessing true, a name well-earned,

For every lesson, every turn.

Thank you, sir, for all you’ve shared,

For teaching us to dream and dare.

With rhymes in hand, we now can see,

The boundless world of creativity.

 

Copyright: Michelle Tungkat Niyang

Miss AUN

(Written December 2, 2024 on campus)

American University of Nigeria (AUN),

Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

78 bells chimes as Waziri of Adamawa: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar thanks God on his birthday

Seventy - Eight Ringing Bells

(for Waziri of Adamawa: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar)

Hey, all you folks over there

Come and gather here,

Listen to a music chiming

In the sky, celebrating

A star of a beautiful land,

With 78 ringing bells band.

Who could be the worthy star

Carried in a birthday flying car?

It is the Waziri and his lovely team,

Singing and smiling along with him

For wiping away many folks’ tears

Through his 'Wazirian' great cheers.

We wish you longer years in life

With good health without strife.

 
Copyright: Blessed Mudiaga Adjekpagbon

(Instructor: CMD Department)

American University of Nigeria,

Yola. Adamawa State, Nigeria.

(Written on 25 November 2024).

Direct call: +2348067538922

Whatsapp: +2348059265333

 

 

Highly talented upcoming spoken word poetess shares her writing experience

Interview conducted by Blessed Adjekpagbon

In this interview with Bulkybon News, a highly gifted Nigerian upcoming poetess, Peace Ileleji shares information about her background in the field of writing, says “I started writing poems at the age of 10”

Qst: What is your discipline or area of study and which school did you attend?

Ans: I'm a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Delta State University, Abraka.

Qst: Which genres of literature do you specialize in?

Ans: Poetry and prose.

Qst: When did you start writing and what gives you the inspiration to write?

Ans: I started writing poems at the age of 10 after discovering my talent for poetry at age 7. However, reading the Book of Psalms and performing Prof. Patrick Lumumba's powerful piece, 'If Kwame Nkrumah and Patrice Lumumba were to rise up' at my secondary school's Graduation and Prize Giving Day ignited my passion to craft verses that inspire and uplift. What gives me inspiration is reading and touring because it stirs me up to fill a gap in knowledge via my words.

Qst: Have you written any published creative work either as a book or featured in a newspaper?

Ans: Not yet but soon.

Qst: Are you a member of any writers’ association in Nigeria or outside Nigeria?

Ans: Yes, the Creative Writer's Workshop (CWW).

Qst: Have you attended any writers conference or convention before?

Ans: Yes, last year I attended the Southcosels '23 in Bayelsa State.

Qst: Are you interested in meeting other writers to perform your spoken words with them?

Ans: Yes it will be my utmost pleasure.

 Qst: Will you encourage any of your children (if you are already married or in future) to do what you are creatively involved in now?

Ans: Yes I will because I see life in Word Art. It cultivates critical thinking, creative expression and effective communication.

Qst: Who is your idol in in the field of creativity that you have decided to showcase your skills in?

Qst: Ib Quake.

Qst: What is motivating you to do what you are doing (promoting Nigerian culture through spoken words) now in the present tough situation Nigerians are facing?

Qst: Well, the contemporary Nigeria society is experiencing a silent exodus of her citizens popularly called 'japa' and my daily interactions with youths and teens as a Teens Coordinator in my church, let me into the life of young people and their constant fears about the fate of the remaining citizens of a 'japad' (deserted by many citizens for greener pastures abroad) nation. I recently went on a tour to six different states where I saw the true beauty of nature in Nigeria. So, I believe as we are blessed with these resources, there is definitely hope for a better future.

Qst: How many languages among the many languages in Nigeria do you speak? What is your state of origin?

Qst: I speak Igbo (not perfect though but beginner's level). I'm from Delta State and Urhobo by tribe.

Qst: How do you spend your free time and what is your favourite meal?

Qst: I love spending time with my family and close friends. Also, travelling, reading books, cooking and listening to music uplifts me. Lastly, my favourite meal is Naija jollof and fried plantain.

 END

Calculus College sets pace for academic excellence, sports development

 

Written by Blessed Adjekpagbon

It was a very entertaining sight penultimate week ago when the junior (JSS) and senior (SSS) students of Calculus College played two rounds of football matches to showcase their mastery of football skills, at the Aiyedere Sports Ground, Ketu, Lagos. 

Mr. Ifeanyi Egenti,
Calculus College proprietor.

While the SSS team was captained by Femi Animashaun, the JSS side was led by Victor Nwagwu. The first round match ended in favour of the senior team who trounced the junior side with seven goals against the junior who scored only two. However, during the second round, the junior team who might have gone to consult the god of soccer during the interval of rest, came back smoking with tactical skills that made their seniors' jaws drop in awe.
During the second round, the junior showcased great technical depth that the senior team had no rival antidote for. At the end of proceedings, the match ended with six goals in favour of the junior team while the seniors managed to score only two.
Nonetheless, during a chat with Bulkybon News, the proprietor of Calculus College, Mr. Ifeanyi Egenti, popularly known as Mr. Solution gave insight about the school's background and why he encourages his students to engage in sporting activities coupled with academic orientation.
He said "I have been a tutorial center owner since 2012, preparing people for external exams such as the WAEC, JAMB, SAT and TOEFL. My motivation for delving into the educational sector is to educate and transform dull students to excellent students."

Some Calculus students swimming in a pool
at Magodo Estate.

When asked why he is called Mr. Solution, he informs that "The name of my tutorial centre is Solution Tutorial College. I chose the name 'Solution' because l believe l am a problem - solver, especially in Mathematics, as l am a specialist in the field."
On the reason he established Calculus College in 2014 while still operating a tutorial centre till date, the Anambra - born highly gifted Mathematician offers that "l observed that most private schools are not producing good students for academic excellence at secondary level; hence, l decided to establish Calculus College to add my quota towards improving the academic excellence of students."
He also posits that "The only challenge l have been facing is that most teachers are not willing to do their best because of the poor economic situation in the country. This makes it quite challenging to retain good teachers for a long time, because many keep engaging in other activities that can fetch them money than teaching."

Calculus students displaying football
skills at Aiyedere Sports Ground, Ketu.

 

.

In conclusion, the proprietor avers that "There is a saying that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' That is why I engage my students in sporting activities as a form of exercise and opportunity to discover their sporting talents. You can recall that many talented Nigerian footballers were discovered in the olden days during secondary schools academicals football competitions. My students practice football every Saturday every week, except on every last Saturday of every month when they engage in swimming practice at a very decent swimming pool in Magodo Estate, Ketu, Lagos." 

                                                            END

 

Do you want to become an Actor or Actress? Read this

 By: lsaac Daniels

Bulkybon Publications Company in collaboration with Guaranteed Success Academy are set to engage in training Nigerians based in Lagos State community, who are interested in becoming actors and actresses in the field of dramaturgy.

Bulkybon’s Managing Director, Mr. Blessed Adjekpagbon, is a reputable multiple award winning teacher, poet, playwright and novelist, with over ten books authored by him. He has been involved in acting and drama publication over the years.

According to him, "Mr. Adeoye Olayiwola, the Principal Coordinator of Guaranteed Success Academy is a very understanding and entertaining person to run any drama training programme with. He has the interest of the youth at heart, like l do. The drama training programme is aimed at channeling interested individuals' energy and talent into acting drama, for the positive change of society."

Speaking further, Adjekpagbon informs that, "Besides, Mr. Adeoye has the space that is fit for the type of programme we are into. It is not just about acting, participants will also be taught the art of script writing for both visual (video) and audio (radio) dramas."

Those who are interested in learning different acting skills, or like to improve their talent in acting, should visit Guaranteed Success Academy, 23, Love - All Street, Ikosi - Ketu, Lagos (There is a big tree at the front of the compound). Registration form for the programme is Five thousand naira (N5,000), only. Training material will be given to those that register for the programme.

For any further inquiry; please, call  08086233383, 08067538922 (Whatsapp: 08059265333).