Stephen Akiga
Stephen Ibn Akiga | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Industry | |
| In office 2000 – 30 January 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Iyorchia Ayu |
| Succeeded by | Magaji Muhammed |
| Minister of Police Affairs | |
| In office 9 February 2001 – May 2002 | |
| Preceded by | David Jemibewon |
| Minister of Sports | |
| In office May 2002 – May 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Ishaya Mark Aku |
| Succeeded by | Musa Mohammed |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1942 |
| Died | 6 September 2004 (aged 61–62) Abuja, Nigeria |
| Party | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Occupation | Politician, retired prison officer |
Stephen Ibn Akiga (also known as Steve Akiga or Steven Ibn Akiga; c. 1942 – 6 September 2004) was a Nigerian politician and retired officer of the Nigeria Prison Service. He served as Minister of Industry, Minister of Police Affairs and Minister of Sports in the first cabinet of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Early life and background
[edit]Akiga was a member of the Tiv ethnic group from Benue State. He came from a prominent family with a long association with early Christianity and Western education in Tivland. His great-grandfather, Chief Saaiutu Deekpe, was among the first to admit Christian missionaries to the area in 1911. His grandfather, Akiga Sai, was the first Tiv man to be baptised a Christian and the first to become literate. His father, Daniel Akiga, was a British-trained nurse, while uncles included the first Tiv ordained priest and the first Tiv university graduate.[1]
He was a retired officer of the Nigeria Prison Service and later ran a private business in Jos.
Career
[edit]Assistance to Obasanjo and entry into politics
[edit]While serving as a prison officer in Jos, Akiga provided critical support to Olusegun Obasanjo during the latter’s imprisonment under the military regime of Sani Abacha (1995–1996). Contemporary accounts credit him with helping ensure Obasanjo’s survival under harsh conditions. After Obasanjo’s election as president in 1999, he appointed Akiga as Special Assistant on Prison Reforms — his first political appointment.[2]
Ministerial appointments
[edit]Akiga was appointed Minister of Industry in 2000, succeeding Iyorchia Ayu. After Obasanjo dismissed his cabinet on 30 January 2001, Akiga was reassigned as Minister of Police Affairs on 9 February 2001.[3] In this role he discussed measures to reduce accidental discharges of firearms by police officers.[4]
In May 2002 he was appointed Minister of Sports following the death of Ishaya Mark Aku in a plane crash.[5] During his tenure he addressed challenges in preparing for the 2003 All-Africa Games, mentioned a possible Nigerian bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, and announced the formation of a committee for Nigeria’s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[6][7] He left office in May 2003.
Death
[edit]Akiga died on 6 September 2004 in Abuja at the age of about 62 after a short illness. He was reported to have been receiving treatment at Zankli Medical Centre.[8] A foundation established in his name continues to promote education, youth empowerment and community development.
References
[edit]- ↑ "Ten years after Steven Ibn Akiga's murder". Peoples Daily. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
- ↑ "Ten years after Steven Ibn Akiga's murder". Peoples Daily. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
- ↑ "New Ministers Get Portfolios". Panafrican News Agency. 9 February 2001. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ↑ "Nigeria's trigger happy police". BBC News. 11 May 2001. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ↑ "Nigeria names new sports minister". VOA. 8 May 2002. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
- ↑ "Nigeria plans 2012 Olympic bid". BBC Sport. 20 August 2002. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ↑ "Nigeria picks 2010 bid team". BBC Sport. 11 January 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ↑ Olatunbosun Sowemimo (5 January 2005). "Events 2004: PASSAGES". Newswatch. Retrieved 3 May 2010.