The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Edo political appointees begin three days re-treat for effectiveness

    Edo political appointees begin three days re-treat for effectiveness

    Political appointees in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo have begun a three-day retreat of orientation and capacity building.

    The three-day orientation and strategic leadership retreat for top government officials is the first that Governor Okpebholo is organising for his appointees and top public servants since he was sworn-in in November 2024.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony in Udomi, Esan Central local government area, Governor Okpebholo said the retreat was to reposition his administration for effective service delivery, strengthen collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and deepen understanding of governance processes.

    Governor Okpebholo charged civil and public service leaders to embrace discipline, teamwork, and measurable results.

    He said his administration was driven strictly by performance and accountability.

    The governor reminded them that the gathering was not a social event but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state.

    He said good governance required collective responsibility, noting that no ministry or appointee could succeed in isolation.

    “We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose. This retreat is designed to serve dual purposes — orientation and capacity building for top government officials.

    “Our administration is driven by a clear vision of the SHINE Agenda. This vision is practical governance that delivers results.

    Read Also: Edo PDP faction hails judgement nullifying party’s convention

    “Good governance is teamwork, and no single appointee or agency can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs,” Okpebholo said.

    Governor Okpebholo warned appointees against using public office for personal enrichment and insisted that service must remain the guiding principle of leadership.

    He said the retreat marked a fresh beginning in the way his administration would be run, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability, and performance monitoring.

    “I want to repeat my warning to you… Public office is a call to service, and not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira we spend must deliver value, and every policy must produce measurable results.

    “Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration,” Okpebholo declared.

    He urged participants to take the retreat seriously, participate actively, and remain committed to delivering quality governance to the Edo people.

    “I charge you to participate actively, think boldly, and commit fully to the collective success of this administration. Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he said.

    Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, explained that the philosophy behind the retreat was “Edo is building Edo.”

     He said the transformation of the state must be driven by the Edo people themselves. 

  • FG to councils: ‘No bank loans without clearance’

    FG to councils: ‘No bank loans without clearance’

    The federal government has warned state and local governments across the country not to take loans from banks or other financial institutions without first getting a Certificate of Proof of Compliance from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

    It said such borrowing is against the law and can attract serious legal action.

    This warning was directed especially at the 23 local government chairmen in Kaduna State by the Director of Legal Services, Investigation and Enforcement at the Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, who spoke at a financial management workshop in Kaduna.

    A statement from the Commission, signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, said Abana represented the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako, at the event organised by the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

    Abana told the council chairmen that under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, governments are only allowed to borrow for projects that build long-term value, such as infrastructure and human development, and not for everyday running costs.

    He warned that any bank or financial institution that gives loans outside the law is also breaking the rules, while public officers who ignore the law could face serious consequences.

    He strongly criticised the practice of spending public money without approval in the budget, calling it “fiscal haram,” and said such actions damage public trust and slow down development.

    “Every kobo spent must have value for money. Public resources must be planned, budgeted for, properly appropriated, and disbursed towards the execution of projects that positively impact the lives of the people,” Abana said.

    He cautioned local government leaders against giving out public funds to friends, supporters, or political loyalists, and against adding names of people who are not properly employed to their payrolls.

    According to him, all spending must follow what has been approved in the budget and must be tied to real work and real benefits for the people.

    Abana urged council chairmen to run open and transparent administrations, manage funds carefully, and think about how their decisions today will affect future generations.

    He said the Commission is ready to offer technical support to help local governments put proper fiscal responsibility laws in place at the council level to build a strong and disciplined financial system.

    He also praised the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for supporting reforms that promote transparency and accountability, saying this has helped institutions like the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission to work better.

    In his speech to open the workshop, Governor Sani condemned the misuse and theft of public funds and called on all elected officials and political appointees to act with honesty and openness in carrying out their duties.

    He said his administration remains committed to reforms, financial discipline, and responsible leadership, adding that the trust of the people can only be earned when public money is managed properly and used for their benefit.

    Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Sani Rabiu Bako, described the workshop as an important step towards improving how public funds are managed at the local level.

    He welcomed the support of agencies such as the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Bureau of Public Procurement, and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity.

    Bako said the programme aimed to teach public officers and financial managers the importance of getting value for money, being open in their dealings, and staying accountable, especially at the grassroots, where government services directly touch the lives of citizens.

    He added that strong public financial management is key to lasting development, leading to better roads, cleaner communities, improved schools, and overall economic growth.

    He noted that other agencies at the workshop presented papers on ethical leadership, proper procurement, and fighting corruption, all geared towards ensuring that public funds are used wisely at every level of government. 

  • National convention: APC pegs national chairman nomination form at N10m

    National convention: APC pegs national chairman nomination form at N10m

    The All Progressives Congress has fixed the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants seeking the position of national chairman at ₦10.1 million ahead of its national convention scheduled for next month.

    Details are contained in an adjusted timetable for the party’s congresses and national convention released on Monday in Abuja by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

    According to the schedule, the nomination form for the National Chairman costs ₦10 million, while the expression of interest form for National Working Committee positions costs ₦100,000.

    Aspirants for the offices of Deputy National Chairman (North and South) and National Secretary are required to pay ₦7.5 million each for nomination forms, while other national offices attract a fee of ₦5 million. Nomination forms for National Executive Committee members are pegged at ₦250,000.

    At the state level, nomination forms for State Chairman cost ₦1 million, while aspirants for State Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer will pay ₦500,000. Other state offices also attract a nomination fee of ₦500,000, in addition to an expression of interest fee of ₦50,000 for all positions.

    Read Also: APC Delta North coalition calls for inclusion of pioneer members in governance

    For zonal offices, nomination forms are priced at ₦200,000, with expression of interest forms set at ₦100,000.

    At the local government level, the nomination form for Local Government Chairman costs ₦100,000, while other positions attract ₦50,000. Expression of interest forms at this level are priced at ₦10,000 for all aspirants.

    Ward Chairman nomination forms cost ₦20,000, while aspirants for other ward offices will pay ₦15,000. The expression of interest form at the ward level is pegged at ₦5,000.

    In line with the party’s inclusivity policy, female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities are required to pay only the expression of interest fee and 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fee for any position.

    Argungu also disclosed that all forms will be completed online, with access granted only after payment verification and validation by the APC National Secretariat.

    He added that all payments are to be made directly into the designated party bank accounts.

  • LAWMA seizes waste carts, arrests suspect in Lagos Island crackdown

    LAWMA seizes waste carts, arrests suspect in Lagos Island crackdown

    The Lagos Waste Management Authority has seized several waste carts and arrested one person during an early morning enforcement operation on Lagos Island, as part of efforts to curb illegal waste disposal.

    The operation was carried out at dawn following targeted surveillance of unauthorised dumping activities in the area.

    In a statement issued by the Lagos State Government on Tuesday, LAWMA said its enforcement officers intercepted the carts at Isale-Eko during a coordinated exercise aimed at stopping unregulated waste movement and preventing the re-emergence of illegal dump sites in previously cleared locations.

    According to the statement, a suspect identified as Muritala Suleiman, a 42-year-old from Zamfara State, was arrested at about 1:31 a.m. while allegedly dumping refuse illegally at Tinubu Square, Lagos Island.

    LAWMA said early-morning surveillance remains a key component of its enforcement strategy, noting that illegal dumping often occurs under the cover of darkness and reduced visibility.

    Read Also: LAWMA warns against attacks on enforcement officers

    Commenting on the operation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said sustained enforcement was necessary to safeguard areas that have been cleared of waste from renewed abuse.

    “The sustained enforcement activities strengthen deterrence and protect stabilised sites from renewed abuse, as Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement operatives are strategically deployed across the state to eradicate persistent black spots and ensure sustainability along major corridors,” he said.

    The authority urged residents to comply with approved waste disposal channels and support efforts to keep public spaces clean. 

  • JUST IN: DSS arraigns ex-AGF Malami, son on terrorism charges, illegal possession of firearms

    JUST IN: DSS arraigns ex-AGF Malami, son on terrorism charges, illegal possession of firearms

    • …court remands them in DSS custody

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal firearms possession.

    In the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice.

    Malami and Abdulaziz are equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.

    The DSS, in a court document, said Malami is charge, in count one of the charge, with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004.

    Malami and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty when the counts in the charge sheet were read to them.

    Shortly after they pleaded to the charge, the prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze, prayed the court to order their remand in the custody of the DSS and fix a date for the commencement of the trial.

    Responding, defense lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN) applied orally for bail for the defendants, arguing that the defendants have been in DSS’ custody for over two weeks.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail application, noting that her court is a court of record, and ordered the defence to file a formal application for bail.

    She ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned till February 20 for the commencement of the trial.

    Counts in the charge read:

    *That you, Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, Adult, male, sometime in November 2022 at Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did knowingly abet terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose casefiles were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 (2) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Read Also: Malami urges court to reverse interim property forfeiture order 

    *Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II, Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your res:dence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in a conduct in preparation to commit act of terrorism by having in your possession and without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5°20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 Cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    *That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without a licence, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

    *That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. COUNT FIVE

    That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession twenty-seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. 

  • Court fixes March 3 to arraign lawyer, others over alleged N300m property’s destruction

    Court fixes March 3 to arraign lawyer, others over alleged N300m property’s destruction

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has scheduled March 3 for the arraignment of a lawyer, Victor Giwa, and two property developers – Cecil Osakwe and Ms. Edith Erhunmuuse – over alleged unlawful eviction and destruction of property worth N300million.

    The court fixed the date on Tuesday when the arraignment, earlier planned for the day, could not go on owing to the absence of the judge, Justice Samira Bature, who is said to be unwell.

    In the charge, marked FCT/HS/CR/222/2023, Giwa, Osakwe, and Ms. Erhunmuuse are, among others, accused of engaging in criminal conduct, including the forceful eviction of occupants and the destruction of property estimated at ₦300 million.

    When the case last came up on November 4, 2025, Justice Bature observed that the case, which had previously been adjourned to enable the third defendant secure legal representation, suffered another delay owing to the absence of a party.

    She recalled that the court had, at a previous sitting, warned that it would no longer tolerate delays capable of frustrating the arraignment of the defendants.

    Read Also: Senate okays Justice Oyewole for Supreme Court

    Some counts in the charge read:

    *That you Cecil Osakwe of 1473 Inner Blocks Street, Abuja, Victor Giwa of Sanja Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja (all male, adults) and Ms. Edith Erhunmwuuse (female, adult) of Garki Police Barracks, Abuja, sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria did conspire and broke into the house of one Ms. Asabe Waziri, located at Mekong Street, Maitama, Abuja with the assistance of some police officers, now at large, without her knowledge or consent and you carted away her entire properties worth N300,000,000.00 (three hundred millions of naira) only including her international passport and cash. You thereby committed an offence contrary to section 96 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under section 97 of the same Law.

    *That you Cecil Osakwe of 1473, Inner Blocks Street, Abuja, Victor Giwa, of Sanja Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja ail male, adult, sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria did conspire and agreed to take the law into your hands by unlawfully breaking into the house of one Ms. Asabe Waziri with the assistance of some police officers, now at large, without an enforcement order of the relevant court and you destroyed her door and other properties worth N300,000,000.00 (three hundred millions of maira) only. You thereby committed an offence contrary to 326 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under 327 of the same law.

    *That you Ms. Edith Erhunmwuuse female, adult of Garki Police Station, Abuja,  sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria, without lawful orders did conspire and assisted one Mr. Cecil Osakwe of 1473, Inner Blocks Street, Abuja and Victor Giwa, of Sanja Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja (all male, adult) in breaking into the house of one Ms. Asabe Waziri with the assistance of some other police officers, now at large, when you provided the container used to convey Ms. Asabe Waziri’s entire properties worth N300m only, including her international passport and cash to an unknown location. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 326 of the Penal Code law and punishable under Section 327 of the same law.

  • Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles, a blessing to Nigeria, says Yilwatda

    Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles, a blessing to Nigeria, says Yilwatda

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic international engagements, saying the country has recorded measurable economic and diplomatic gains from the shuttles.

    Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his special adviser, media and communications strategy, Abimbola Tooki, in Abuja on Tuesday, said President Tinubu’s foreign trips and meetings with world leaders have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted huge foreign investment into the country, above the ceremonial attachments.

    The statement reads in part, “Mr. President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity.”

    The APC boss noted that since 2023, President Tinubu has undertaken a series of international visits to key regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, where he engaged leaders and investors in nations including the USA, UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, etc.

    He maintained that with the diplomatic shuttles by the President, the country secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments, with major global companies committing to investments that span energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and many more.

    “These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities, and technology transfers that strengthen our economy.”

    Citing the recent diplomatic breakthrough with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Yilwatda said the initiative was designed to deepen trade, investment, and cooperation across critical sectors, including energy and agriculture.

    The chairman faulted the description of the President’s international travels as “overdone” or unnecessary by the opposition, noting that such perspectives by the critics were a reflection of short-sightedness and a lack of appreciation for the broader reform trajectory the administration has championed.

    “Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic, and necessary.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    “We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said, implicitly countering skeptical commentary by political commentators and opponents.”

    The APC Chairman argued that the President has the capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, which demonstrates a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and making living easier for the citizenry.

    “Mr. President has shown both the vision and the determination to see through the reforms this nation needs. Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Yilwatda concluded.

  • Tinubu congratulates NNPC board chair, Musa Kida, at 65

    Tinubu congratulates NNPC board chair, Musa Kida, at 65

    • …hails oil industry veteran’s record in public, private sectors
    • …commends role in repositioning NNPC Limited, boosting revenue targets

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the chairman of the Board of NNPC Limited, Ahmadu Musa Kida, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a seasoned professional whose career has helped shape Nigeria’s oil sector.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President celebrated Kida’s “sterling career in the public and private sectors,” as well as his engagement with professional basketball.

    President Tinubu recalled that since joining Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, now Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPNG), in 1985, Kida “has distinguished himself as an outstanding professional in the Nigerian oil sector and has helped shape its growth.”

    The President also acknowledged Kida’s current contributions as board chairman of NNPC Limited, noting that he has played a key role in repositioning the company and raising revenue targets in line with the Federal Government’s vision for the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Obi Cubana hosts Seyi Tinubu, harps on inclusive development, youth engagement

    According to the statement, President Tinubu urged Kida “to rededicate himself to the service of the country” and wished him “more fulfilling years ahead.”

    Kida, a veteran of Nigeria’s energy industry, was appointed board chairman of NNPC Limited as part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen corporate governance and enhance efficiency in the restructured national oil company.

  • Fintiri, Numan leaders thank Tinubu over appointments to Adamawa indigenes

    Fintiri, Numan leaders thank Tinubu over appointments to Adamawa indigenes

    Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the federal appointments extended to indigenes of Adamawa State.

    Leaders of the Numan federation, which represents communities across much of southern Adamawa, also commended the president for what they described as their fair share of federal appointments.

    The governor and the Numan Federation leaders spoke at a ceremony held at the traditional headquarters of the federation in Numan town, where prominent figures gathered to honour two appointees from the area, Hon. Zachary Madayi and his wife, Chief Bema Madayi.

    Hon. Madayi was recently appointed Renewed Hope Ambassador for Adamawa State, while Chief Bema Madayi was named a federal commissioner with the Federal Character Commission.

    Governor Fintiri, who was represented at the civic reception by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, said he was pleased that citizens of the state were being considered for federal appointments despite political differences between the Adamawa State Government and the Federal Government.

    He noted that before the recent appointments, other Adamawa indigenes, including Malam Nuhu Ribadu of Fufore Local Government Area and Muktar Maiha of Maiha Local Government Area, had been celebrated for their appointments as National Security Adviser and Minister of Livestock, respectively.

    Speaking at the event through his son, Mahmud, Ribadu said the recognitions being celebrated marked the beginning of greater responsibilities, expressing confidence that the appointees’ records would open the door to further opportunities.

    Earlier, elder statesman and chairman of the occasion, Chief Joel Madaki, thanked President Tinubu, saying the increasing number of federal appointments to the area reflected the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness.

    In separate remarks, Hon. Zachary Madayi and Chief Bema Madayi pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by the president.

  • Bauchi @50: Gov. Mohammed sets 2033 deadline to crack Nigeria’s top-10 economies

    Bauchi @50: Gov. Mohammed sets 2033 deadline to crack Nigeria’s top-10 economies

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared that the state is targeting a place among Nigeria’s top 10 economies by 2033, with ambitions to emerge as the leading economy in the North-East within the next eight years.

    The governor made the declaration on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast to mark the 50th anniversary of Bauchi State, unveiling a 10-year development roadmap designed to drive long-term growth beyond the lifespan of his administration.

    Mohammed said the vision is anchored on the Bauchi State Development Plan 2033, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), following the extension of the state’s 2021–2025 Medium-Term Development Plan into a comprehensive 10-year framework that also stretches beyond the timeline of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    According to him, the long-term plan is aimed at ensuring policy continuity, consistency, and predictability, regardless of changes in government.

    “The Bauchi State Development Plan 2033 builds on the State Medium-Term Plan 2025, with expanded focus on security and social inclusion, especially women, youths, children, and other vulnerable groups,” Mohammed said.

    He stressed that the plan does not replace existing policies but complements them through governance, legislative, social, and policy reforms to strengthen the state’s capacity to achieve its development vision.

    The governor explained that the plan is driven by four key pillars: a coherent policy thrust, a realistic macroeconomic framework, a prioritised and sequenced programme of projects to guide annual budgets, and a robust implementation, monitoring, and evaluation framework.

    Read Also: Bauchi approves monthly stipends for imams, pastors

    By 2033, Mohammed said Bauchi aims to become “the leading economy in the North-East and one of the top 10 most economically and socially developed states in Nigeria,” noting that the vision is to build a secure, prosperous, and inclusive society for citizens.

    He added that the strategy relies on collaboration between skilled human capital, efficient governance, the private sector, and development partners, while leveraging the state’s human, natural, and man-made resources to drive inclusive economic transformation.

    The development agenda, he said, is structured around 12 priority clusters, including agriculture and food security, education, health, infrastructure, security, environment, tourism, ICT, housing, private sector development, regional collaboration, and general administration.