Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperit
Adron Homes and Properties extends warm greetings to the Muslim community across Nigeria and beyond as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.
As we mark the end of Ramadan, a season of faith, sacrifice, and devotion, we reflect on the values of unity, gratitude, and generosity that define this celebration. The blessings of fasting and prayers bring peace, progress, and abundance to our beloved nation, and we pray for continued harmony, stability, and prosperity for Nigeria and its people.
At Adron Homes, this season is also a time to express our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed customers. Your trust, loyalty, and commitment to choosing Adron Homes as your partner in the journey to homeownership mean everything to us. Your belief in our vision inspires us to continue providing affordable, luxurious, and accessible housing solutions, making homeownership a reality for all.
As you celebrate Eid with your loved ones, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and countless blessings. We remain dedicated to building vibrant communities where families can thrive and create lasting memories.
Eid Mubarak! Thank you for being part of the Adron Homes family.
The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Saturday, defended the decision of the National Assembly to ratify the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying lawmakers deserve commendation and not the backlash they got.
He said instead of being vilified, National Assembly members should be commended for approving the emergency rule.
Bamidele clarified this at the 29th convocation of Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he bagged an honorary doctorate degree.
The convocation was attended by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jubril Barau; Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru; Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others.
The Senate leader received the honour alongside the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji and the Chairman of the Governing Board, Bank of Industry, Dr Mansur Muhtar
While defending their intervention on the emergency rule, Bamidele argued that as a responsible and responsive parliament, they treated the matter as an extraordinary measure in the interest of peace and without giving room for parochial interests.
He said, “What exactly do we want as a people? A federation that functions for all? Or a federation that relapses into an intractable crisis?
“We must recognise that emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and security.
“As stipulated in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly is required to provide its details. The provisions of the 1999 Constitution cannot be interpreted casually without a proper understanding of the Nigeria Interpretation Act 2004.
“As a responsible and responsive parliament that sees peace and stability as a catalyst of growth and development, we were inaugurated into office to promote a nation that works for all and that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all.”
Speaking further, the chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress observed that the ratification of the emergency rule by the National Assembly significantly eased political tension in the state.
The senate leader, however, lamented that rather than applaud the National Assembly for preventing anarchy, lawmakers were ‘subjected to all forms of toxic criticism’ that do not portray their image well before the comity of nations.
According to him, the barrage of attacks, especially from opposition parties, are viciously launched based on emotion and not reason.
“We should be commended for this laudable initiative and not be vilified by some political actors who do not bother about what happens to our national security but about their parochial interest. Regardless of their unpatriotic moves, we firmly stand for the peace and stability of Nigeria.
“We shall continue to leverage the authority of the National Assembly to guarantee her peaceful co-existence. Our decision, as an institution, is taken purely in the national interest. If any interest is unsatisfied with it, they can also seek redress in the law court.
“Regardless of the baseless attacks our critics are throwing at the National Assembly, we are undeterred because we are truly on a rescue mission. This does not suggest we are afraid of criticism. But such criticisms must be constructive and well structured to provide alternative, credible and patriotic initiatives, “Bamidele said.
Earlier in his address, Pro-Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Akin Oyebode, acknowledged the contribution of alumni of the institution toward its development, saying it plays significant roles in giving support to their alma mater, which also included the donation of two medical hostels (male and female) facilitated through Senator Bamidele.
According to him, the Senate leader also saw to the construction of two additional medical hostels, a mini stadium in the university and the construction of a two-kilometre road linking the alumni village with the College of Medicine, as well as the 500 capacities of CBE Centre and FM Radio Station.
Similarly, the Vice-chancellor of the university, Prof Joseph Ayodele said he was elated about the recent ranking of the institution as Nigeria’s best state varsity by the Times Higher Education.
Ayodele also noted that the success of the institution could be linked to improvement in the monthly subvention of the university from N260 million to N410 million monthly.
He commended the contribution of the alumni association to the rapid development of the institution through strategic collaboration with the leader of the Senate.
The Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State has warned motorists against carrying inflammable substances, such as gas, that may ignite fire explosions during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Ota Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr Wasiu Ogunmefun, issued the warning while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Ota, Ogun.
He emphasised that the warning was necessary to promote safety during the festival.
He explained that the primary goal of the warning was to reduce the risk of fire and explosions on the road, which could lead to loss of lives and property.
Ogunmefun also advised motorists to exercise patience and drive safely on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, as the road was still under construction.
“We urge motorists not to carry anything that has the potential to ignite a fire to prevent mishaps on the highway during this period.
”Additionally, they should avoid overspeeding and refrain from driving against traffic to ensure the safety of all road users,” he said.
Ogunmefun also cautioned against overloading vehicles, as it could make them more fragile, increasing the risk of road crashes.
He further advised against carrying humans with animals, warning that anyone caught doing so would be arrested by FRSC personnel.
He underscored the importance of motorists cooperating with FRSC personnel, who had been deployed to ensure traffic safety, ease congestion, and respond to emergencies on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
NAN reports that the Federal Government has declared March 31 and April 1 as public holidays for the Muslim faithful to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr across the country.
Abdullahi Safiyanu, father of the late Shuaibu, a seven-year-old boy who was kidnapped and killed in Bauchi State, speaks to AYOOLA OLASUPO and UMAR SANI about how he found the lifeless body of his son in the bush after
How old are you?
I am 42 years old. I am the father of the late Shuaibu Safiyanu. I am a livestock trader.
How old was Shuaibu?
He was seven years old.
When was your son abducted?
It was on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
How did you receive the news of the abduction of your child?
When we were at the livestock market, a group of young men who usually visited the market were said to be heading towards my house. They were coming to my house together with my son’s friend, who was a little bit older than him.
It seemed they were invited by someone. The person is still unknown to me. Before reaching my place, they met with the person who had called them. He then told my child, Shuaibu, who was in my compound, to come with him, claiming he wanted to send him on an errand. After speaking with my son, he wrote a phone number on a sheet of paper and asked my son’s friend to take it home.
Since they were not familiar with such matters, when he (my son’s friend) got home, he forgot to deliver the message and continued with his normal activities. It was later that he remembered and gave me the sheet of paper where the kidnappers had written the phone number.
It was obviously sent to me so that I could contact them. I then called the number and told the person who responded that a boy had been sent to bring the phone number home. The receiver (kidnapper) said, “Yes, I was the one who gave them the phone number.”
What did he say afterwards?
He then told me that they had taken a boy with them. I then asked, “What for?” The person on the other end said they only wanted money and had to seize my son. When I asked again why they had taken my son and held him hostage, they responded that if I wanted to see my son, I should send them money.
They immediately asked if I didn’t want to see my son alive, and that was all. That was the last statement the man made before he suddenly ended the call. Since then, we never spoke again. Whenever I called the phone, it was unreachable.
What steps did you take when you realised that your child had been kidnapped?
First of all, I reported the matter to the police, saying that my son had been kidnapped. I also showed the police officers the phone number the kidnappers had provided. We then continued searching. However, when we (police officers, my relatives and I) tried to call that particular phone number again, it was still unreachable.
Later, when we managed to reach them (the kidnappers) through the phone number, we asked them what their problem was and why they had abducted my son. They said money was their issue; they needed money. We asked them why we should give them money since they were not known to us.
We then asked what they would do with my son if we didn’t give them money. They said they wouldn’t do anything to him. However, they added that their kidnapped victims would not be released just like that without their relatives paying a ransom.
My brother then suggested we ask them for the ransom amount. They said they needed N3m. After hearing this, my brother said we did not even have N100,000. They then said they didn’t care how we would get the money, and that we should go and look for it.
What did you do after you were instructed by the kidnappers to get N3m or risk losing your son?
We later bargained for N200,000, and they warned that if we didn’t send them the money, they would kill the boy. We pleaded with them not to kill him. The next day, we went back to the police station and the District Head of Gabas, Musa Isah.
The next step we took was to pay for the tracking of their location before calling them again. But before then, they directed us to a house in Darazo Local Government Area, saying my son was kept there and that we should take him along when we arrived. Unfortunately, when we got there, he was nowhere to be found. Since then, we became suspicious and began to doubt if Shuaibu was still alive.
Did you continue negotiations with the kidnappers after you discovered that they lied to you about the whereabouts of your abducted son?
A day later, we continued with the negotiation over the amount and agreed on N200,000. Then we asked them to send the account number to receive the money. The account number they later sent belonged to one of them.
They called again and said it shouldn’t be sent to the bank account. They then sent Point of Sale (PoS) account details belonging to a PoS operator in Darazo. Before this, the police were aware. We had provided them with the account details, and they had tracked the owner. The police then told the PoS operator that someone would come to collect money from the account.
They informed him that when the person arrived, he would be monitored. The PoS operator then informed the police that the person had come before the money was sent, had collected N5,000 on credit, and left his phone, saying he would return later. When he came back to collect the money, he was arrested. As soon as he was apprehended, he threw away his SIM card, and it couldn’t be found.
How did you discover the corpse of your son?
After two days, we went out in search of my son. We searched the house they had previously directed us to, but there was no sign of him. In the process, I went to a nearby bush and noticed a smell with many flies hovering around the area.
I immediately called those who were with me and asked if they could smell anything. They confirmed it. We kept searching and eventually found my son’s body there. For security purposes, we stopped and called the police to come and retrieve the body themselves.
When you saw the corpse, how did you feel?
I can’t explain how I felt when I discovered my son’s corpse. It is sad that they did not wait for the ransom before killing my child.
Based on what you saw on the corpse, did they use a knife on him or was he shot with a gun?
They used a rope to tie him around three times. We also saw blood on the sides of his two arms. After seeing the body, I left my brothers there and went home.
What about your late son’s kidneys that were said to be missing?
We cannot say anything about that. What we know is that we discovered blood by the two sides of his arms. That is all.
When you told your wife, the mother of the boy, what was her reaction?
She nearly collapsed. Until now, she is not herself. Till date, she doesn’t eat.
How many people were arrested? And what are their names?
Four people were arrested, including Rabi’u Muhammadu, Muhammad Sani, and Musa Usman.
Now that they have been arrested, what punishment do you want the government to inflict on them?
Like they did to me, I want the government to do the same to them. Everyone who has a child knows how it feels to have one. I want the government to pay them back for what they did to me.
If you were opportune to meet those who killed your son, what would you tell them?
If it were when I was still hot-tempered, I would have fought them. That was how I felt when I realised my son had been killed.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Abubakar lll, declared Sunday (today) the Eld-el-Fitr day.
Ramadan ended on Saturday following the sighting of the moon, signalling the beginning of the new Islamic month, Shawwal.
In his speech while addressing journalists on Saturday night in his palace, the Sultan disclosed that the moon was sighted in many places in Nigeria by some Islamic leaders and verified by the Sultanate council
The monarch listed cities where moon was sighted to include Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri, Jos, Zaria, and Kaduna.
The Sultan implored Muslims in Nigeria to continue to live in peace regardless of their religion or ethnic differences.
He also urged Muslims to pray for Nigeria and her leaders to overcome challenges facing the country
Meanwhile, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed his men on red alert to swiftly respond to any emergencies during the Eld-el-Fitr celebration.
This is as the FFS boss urged Nigerians to take extra precautions, particularly while cooking.
In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Jaji warned against leaving cooking unattended, stressed the importance of storing gas cylinders outside kitchens and keeping matches away from children.
He said, “These safety measures are vital for preventing accidents involving fuel tankers, particularly given the risks associated with festive period travel. I urge stakeholders to adopt these safety standards to protect both human lives and critical infrastructure.
“All fire service commands and zones have been placed on high alert to ensure swift response to any emergencies during the Sallah celebrations. I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact information of their local fire service units.”
The Afghanistan’s Taliban government announced the release of nearly 2,500 prisoners ahead of celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, AFP reported.
The exact number of prisoners held by various security bodies in Afghanistan is unclear, but a spokesman for the Office of Prison Administration told AFP on Saturday that between 11,000 and 12,000 convicted prisoners were in the authority’s custody.
The move is a customary practice ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, which are expected to begin on Sunday.
The supreme court said on X that “2,463 prisoners who were eligible for amnesty were released, while 3,152 others received sentence reductions” as per a decree by the Taliban supreme leader.
The UN has raised concerns about the growing prison population in Afghanistan, noting that more detainees are being admitted than released.
In a report from October, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan highlighted the strain on prison facilities, warning that the increasing number of arrests and lengthy jail sentences were putting unsustainable pressure on the system.
Last year, the Taliban released around 2,800 prisoners as part of the same end-of-Ramadan amnesty tradition.
The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said Nigerians will better appreciate President Bola Tinubu, decades from now.
The minister stated this through a birthday tribute he penned to the president, on Saturday, where he said the piece wasn’t just to be read for now alone as it was meant to stand as a testament for generations unborn.
Keyamo, who described the president as a master at fostering progressive coalitions for democratic advancement, added that he has brought value to the Nigerian democratic space.
He said, “From an insider perspective, I dare say it will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.
“Doubtless, in post-colonial Nigeria, he has been a master at fostering progressive coalitions for the ultimate advancement of democracy. Firstly, he played a very pivotal role in the formation and sustenance of NADECO to oust the Military and restore democratic governance in Nigeria.”
Keyamo stressed Tinubu’s dogged nature while recalling how he had to struggle to secure the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, prior to the 2023 election, despite being instrumental to the forming of the party.
“Secondly, he was at it again in 2015 when he inspired and rallied the biggest coalition of political parties in history to form the APC and oust the overly dominant PDP from power, thus re-balancing our democratic system.
“Despite that, he still had to struggle hard to win the Presidential ticket of the same APC in 2022 and battled even harder to win the presidential polls in 2023 before becoming the President of this great country.”
He also added that since Tinubu’s assumption of office, his decisions, according to Keyamo, have laid indelible marks for generations to come.
He added that through Tinibu’s leadership, Nigeria is now headed in the right direction.
He added, “It can now be seen that he has been motivated over the years by one clear vision: a Nigeria on a genuinely sustainable path of economic growth and development. From the courageous removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the Naira to other bold reforms the government has embarked upon in different sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has surely taken the bull by the horns. What previous governments shied away from for political expediency has become the defining characteristic of his government.
“Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country as developments in different sectors will be rapid in the few years to come because of the rise in our liquidity. Our macro-economic indicators are looking up, and these will eventually impact on jobs and ultimately ensure the revival and stability of the middle class.”
The House of Representatives has condemned the senseless killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State and called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
16 travellers of northern extraction were on Friday attacked and killed in Uromi when the vehicle they were travelling in was set ablaze by an irate mob.
Reacting to the sad development in a statement issued by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Saturday, the House described the killing as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The statement read, “We acknowledge the directives of President Bola Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation. The House urges law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators are promptly identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“The House notes the intervention of security agencies, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects. However, justice must not only be swift but also thorough. Those responsible for inciting, enabling, or carrying out this heinous crime must be fully held accountable to deter future occurrences.”
The statement also quoted the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as labelling the killings “Barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable,” stressing that “Such acts of brutality have no place in a society that upholds the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.
“It is deeply disturbing that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life.”
Abbas also called for restraint, urging Nigerians to avoid acts capable of escalating tensions.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.
He further noted, “Beyond immediate justice, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling, which threaten our collective peace and unity.”
That said, the House called on security agencies “To strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms, and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or origin.
It also urged “Community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law within their communities” and civil society and the media “to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility, and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.”
The Speaker Abbas-led House further enjoined all Nigerians to “Reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermines democracy and social cohesion.”
While extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the House reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all, and supporting policies that safeguard the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.
“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilised society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace. As representatives of the people, we remain resolute in our duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished,” the statement further read.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed a N30bn contract to address the state’s water challenges.
The project aims to improve water supply and distribution, particularly in the southern zone of the state, comprising six LGAs
The Governor, who witnessed the contract signing on Friday, restated his administration’s commitment to finding a long-term solution to the state’s water crisis.
The contract was signed under the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape project, a World Bank-funded initiative in partnership with the Plateau State Government.
Speaking at the event, Mutfwang explained that the contract represents a crucial step in the government’s efforts to resolve the water scarcity affecting the state’s southern senatorial district within the next 30 months.
“Indeed, signing this agreement today marks a significant milestone in our quest to address Plateau’s water crisis. When we assumed office, we inherited a water sector that was virtually on its knees. For years, the Yakubu Gowon Dam has lacked serious intervention, leading to an epileptic water supply in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
“However, we are working tirelessly to fix the problem. Each time we address one issue, another emerges, but we are tackling it holistically. By God’s grace, within the next six months, we aim to resolve the challenges surrounding the Yakubu Gowon Dam and other key dams within the metropolis”, Mutfwang assured.
He further stressed that the acute water shortage in Plateau Southern zone is a top priority for his administration. The contract signing, he noted, is a significant step toward reversing the dire water situation in the area.
“Let me remind the people of Plateau State that this project is financed through a loan secured under the World Bank framework in collaboration with other northern states. The project is designed to combat desertification, ensuring sustainable water supply and environmental restoration. The dedicated project team has worked tirelessly to reach this stage, and we are fully prepared for implementation”, he stated.
The project scope includes the desilting of Dams One and Two in Langtang North, the construction of hedge rows to minimize future siltation, the maintenance of washout embankments with laterite filling compacted to 100% WASC standards, and the planting of grass and trees to prevent erosion, enhance environmental greening, and curb land degradation. These interventions are expected to ensure a stable water supply for the affected communities.
Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Garba Gonkol, commended Mutfwang for prioritising impactful projects, noting that Plateau State has never experienced such a high level of commitment to addressing water challenges.
Similarly, the Project Engineer and Contractor, Akin Fagbohun, provided an overview of the project and pledged to complete the contract within the stipulated 30-month timeline.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, have eulogised President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.
Born on March 29, 1952, the President turned 73 on Saturday.
In a congratulatory message on Saturday, issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas said Nigeria is lucky to have a democrat and patriot in the person of President Tinubu as its leader at this critical point in the country’s democratic journey.
The speaker described the president as “One of the most experienced politicians to have occupied the presidential seat, having at various times excelled at the state and federal levels in the executive and legislative arms of the government.”
He commended the first citizen for taking some bold initiatives aimed at turning around the fortune of the Nigerian state, such as the removal of subsidy from petrol, among other reforms.
The statement said these reforms are already yielding positive results for the country, affirming the sincerity of purpose in the administration’s handling of the economy.
He also applauded the president for programmes such as the Student Loan Scheme, the consumer credit scheme, the new national minimum wage, local government autonomy, the crude-for-naira deal, and the fixing of the Port Harcourt Refinery, among many others.
He said, “It is indeed a day of celebration not just for His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and his family but also for every well-meaning Nigerian.
“As a democrat and patriot that he is, President Tinubu has demonstrated his unflinching allegiance and steadfastness to the well-being of Nigerians. He keeps to his covenant of making Nigeria better.
“Though initially painful, the policies and programmes introduced by the Tinubu administration are necessary for our future and the future of our unborn generations. As we have already started witnessing, these painful decisions are now paying off. Prices of foodstuffs are dropping drastically; the naira is truly fighting for its strength as exchange rates keep crashing; insecurity is gradually being nipped in the bud.
“I make bold to say that across all sectors, we are witnessing not just the resilience of our country and its people but also the transformative impact of these courageous policies. Your strategic foresight and unwavering commitment have set Nigeria on a remarkable path to recovery, prosperity, and renewed national pride.
“Under your resolute command, our security apparatus has delivered peace and order, cutting violent crime and insurgency by over 30% across our beloved states. Improved coordination among our armed forces, intelligence agencies, and community security initiatives has resulted in a reduction of over 30% in violent crimes and insurgency incidents across several states,” the statement read in part.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated Tinubu for his courage in taking some painful but necessary steps to stabilise the economy.
He highlighted Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which he described as a “whited sepulchre” that had deceptively appeared economical on the surface but was, in reality, draining the country’s resources.
In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu lauded President Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geo-political zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.
According to him, the initiative will meet the infrastructure needs of the people and foster economic prosperity and social cohesion in the respective regions.
“President Tinubu’s leadership has been a game-changer for Nigeria. His commitment to economic reforms and development is unwavering, and we are confident that his policies will yield positive results in the long run,” the statement read in part.
In his tribute, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described President Tinubu as the “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles in the land.
He said, “Let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer as he turns 73; this quintessential democrat; this master of political consensus; this consummate politician; this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles.”
The minister said, “It will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Tinubu has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.”