Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marked his 60th birthday by dedicating the day to acts of kindness aimed at supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and inmates in correctional facilities.
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Speaker Abbas chose to forgo lavish celebrations, instead urging colleagues, aides, friends, and political allies to engage in charitable deeds as a meaningful way to commemorate his Diamond Jubilee.
In honor of this milestone, the Speaker organized a range of philanthropic initiatives, including funding examination fees for prisoners and facilitating the release of several detainees by covering their bail costs. Additionally, he distributed essential food supplies to displaced communities.
At the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, Abbas sponsored the registration of 100 inmates for the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Of these, 57 inmates were registered for NABTEB, while 43 were enrolled for NECO assessments.
Representing the Speaker at the event was his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Chamberlain Dunku, accompanied by senior aides, who presented the support on Tuesday.
Speaker Abbas expressed, “Supporting the Nigerian Correctional Service in transforming inmates through education is a mission deeply personal to me. This celebration transcends individual achievement; it symbolizes hope, second chances, and investing in the potential of those currently confined, who still hold promise for a brighter future.”
He emphasized, “Registering inmates for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO exams is more than an academic formality-it represents a belief in human dignity and the power of redemption. It reminds us that being convicted does not equate to being condemned, and that with the right opportunities, lives can be changed.”
Reaffirming his dedication, the Speaker stated, “As the House of Representatives’ leader, I pledge continued support for policies that advance education, justice, and equal opportunities for all Nigerians, whether inside correctional institutions or beyond.”
Inspired by one inmate’s journey, Dr. Dunku personally donated N1 million to Chikwendu Hart, a doctoral candidate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) who has authored seven books while awaiting trial for 13 years.
In Zaria, Kaduna State, Speaker Abbas allocated over N3 million to secure the bail of nine inmates at the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre, enabling their release. The bail amounts ranged from N60,000 to N685,000 for individuals including Ibrahim Dan’asabe, Kabir Ibrahim, and Mustapha Abubakar, among others.
On the same day, the Speaker also provided food aid to IDPs at the Kabusa Camp in Abuja, distributing more than 1,000 bags of rice as part of his humanitarian outreach.
His wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen, contributed N2 million to support the displaced persons, while Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu and Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Alhaji Ilyasu Balarabe, each donated N1 million towards the cause.
Hon. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, praised Speaker Abbas as “a national treasure” and announced an additional N1 million donation to the IDPs in solidarity with the Speaker’s efforts.
Medical professionals from Nizamiye Hospital Abuja also provided complimentary healthcare services to the IDPs, enhancing the scope of the Speaker’s humanitarian activities.
Addressing the displaced persons through Dr. Dunku, the Speaker highlighted that the occasion was not merely a birthday celebration but a demonstration of compassion and unity with Nigerians who have been displaced through no fault of their own.
He remarked, “This event underscores that leadership extends beyond legislation and policy-making; it embodies empathy, kindness, and service to humanity.”
Speaker Abbas affirmed, “We stand firm in our commitment that no Nigerian should feel neglected or forsaken. The House of Representatives will continue to champion initiatives that protect vulnerable populations, empower displaced individuals, and restore dignity to all citizens.”
He commended the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and all partners whose collaboration made the humanitarian outreach possible.
“Your dedication ensures that beyond symbolic gestures like cake-cutting and relief distribution, there is a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives we serve,” he added.
Encouraging the IDPs, Abbas said, “Your strength and perseverance inspire us all. Your welfare remains a priority, and we will persist in supporting programs that provide education, healthcare, food security, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.”
He concluded, “As I celebrate this significant life milestone, I dedicate it to serving humanity, uplifting the vulnerable, and advancing our beloved nation.”
Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen reflected on the occasion, stating that her husband’s birthday was a moment not only for celebration but also for gratitude to Allah (SWT) and contemplation on life’s journey.
She described him as “not only a devoted leader but also a loving husband, a protective and encouraging father, and a remarkable philanthropist. A humble prince of the historic Zazzau Emirate, I consider myself fortunate to be his wife. He embodies the qualities of a true gentleman.”
